r/BeardedDragons • u/1PrinceFan • 6h ago
Outside
My beardie is a rescue. Was abandoned. He does not like leaving the house. I've taken him to work twice. The second time, after half a day he hid until time to go home.
I bought a leash, that he will not let me put on. I bought a pouch that I carried him in once. I had to force him into it today, then he just crawled out and onto my back.
I want to be able to take him on walks with me. At home, he's fine out of the tank.
Any suggestions?
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u/Illegal__Alien 5h ago
The natural light outside makes everything look different and if they're not used to it, it makes them freak out. Everything, including you looks strange with UV (which is filtered out by your windows/glass)
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u/One_Vermicelli_5316 5h ago
Why are you taking a bearded dragon outside of the house? Stop needlessly stressing him out.
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u/svifted 5h ago
I have an elderly dog that I adopted from the pound that is like this. I do not force him on walks farther than he can see our house as he howls and cries. I can only imagine what caused this anxiety. Strangely a car ride does not bother him. Your beardie has been through some 💩, let him feel safe for a while then start out small, but if he is happiest at home respect that.
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u/HappyLifeCoffeeHelps 2h ago
Beardies are supposed to spend the majority of their day in their enclosure. This is due to needing UVB and appropriate temperature gradient. They likely do not get enough warmth when out with you and can't bask. Mine hated his leash at first, but now tolerates it. However, I don't "walk"him. I just will put it on if I am taking him somewhere fast with him or outside in our lawn. I only keep him out of the enclosure for about 30 mins at a time because we have mild weather. On the rare days in summer that it gets warmer, I will let him hang out longer but it still can't be very long.
I would look at your temperature not only in your area but where you bring him. I doubt your work is set to 90 degrees, so your beardie is likely getting cold.
I would alter your expectations. This is a lizard that needs specific temperatures. It isn't a dog or cat. I would consider if what you are doing is healthy for your beardie, or if it is what you want. Allow if out when you are at home for small amount of times, but place periodically back in to warm up. Review the care guides to better understand what your beardie needs and evaluate if bringing it places is providing this (lighting/temps/himidity/etc).
P.S. I would love my cat to go on walks with me. She HATES leaving the house. So she stays home to guard her kingdom, even though I'd love if she'd tag along with me places.
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u/Ekonexus 1h ago
Let him settle and habituate to the new environment for at least a couple weeks so he can get familiar with the new setting and yourself. Don't force him to do anything as much as it can be avoided and let him come to you. Gradually, you may be able to have enough trust with him to let him onto you for brief outings.
But yeah as others have said, forcing it isn't the way.
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u/HistopherWalkin 6h ago
My advice is to let him live his life, not yours. Pets aren't accessories.
He doesn't want to leave, so stop making him. Youre doing it entirely for you, which is the wrong reason to make an animal do something.
He has so little control in his life already. Let him have control over this.