Training a bearded dragon to come when called can be a fun and rewarding experience. While each dragon may have their own unique personality and learning pace, there are some general steps you can follow to help teach them this behavior.
1. Building a positive association: Start by associating their name with something positive, such as feeding time. This will help them understand that when they hear their name, something good is about to happen.
2. Choose a name: If your bearded dragon doesn’t already have a name, choose one that is easy to pronounce and distinguishable from other words or commands you may use. It’s best to keep it short and simple.
3. Consistency is key: Use their name consistently whenever you interact with them. This will help them recognize and respond to it more easily. Avoid using their name for any negative or disciplinary purposes.
4. Begin training sessions: Set up short training sessions in a quiet and familiar environment. You can use a clicker or a specific word to mark the desired behavior.
5. Call their name and reward: When you enter the room or approach their enclosure, call out their name in an upbeat and enthusiastic tone. If your dragon responds by moving towards you, immediately reward them with a small treat or their favorite food.
6. Gradually increase distance: Once your dragon starts associating their name with positive rewards, you can slowly increase the distance between you and their enclosure. This will help them understand that coming when called is not limited to a specific location.
7. Practice recall in different settings: As your dragon becomes more comfortable with the training, practice calling their name in various locations, both indoors and outdoors. This will help generalize the behavior and reinforce their response to their name.
8. Use visual cues: In addition to calling their name, you can also use a visual cue, such as waving your hand or tapping the ground, to get their attention. Pairing the visual cue with their name and rewarding their response will strengthen the association.
9. Be patient and consistent: Remember that training takes time and patience. Some bearded dragons may pick up on the behavior quickly, while others may take longer. Stay consistent with your training sessions and rewards, and celebrate each small progress.
10. Gradually fade out rewards: Once your bearded dragon consistently comes when called, you can start fading out the treats gradually. Instead, offer praise, petting, or a favorite toy as a reward. This will help maintain the behavior without relying solely on food rewards.
It’s important to note that not all bearded dragons may respond to their name or come when called. Each dragon has its own personality and learning abilities. Some may be more independent and less inclined to respond, while others may eagerly come when called. It’s essential to respect their individuality and not force them into behaviors they are uncomfortable with.
Personal Experience: When I first got my bearded dragon, I named him Spike. I followed these steps to train him to come when called. At first, he didn’t seem to respond to his name, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, he quickly learned to associate his name with treats. It took some time for him to come running every time, but eventually, he began responding enthusiastically whenever I called his name. It’s been a rewarding experience seeing him come to me whenever I call, and it has strengthened our bond.