Leashes and harnesses for bearded dragons have become very popular in recent years. Getting or making your own leash for a bearded dragon might be exciting, but can you put a leash on a bearded dragon? In this post, you will read about getting or making a bearded dragon leash, if you can put a leash on a bearded dragon and all about leash training your bearded dragon.
Can you put a leash on a bearded dragon?
Yes, you can put a leash on a bearded dragon, but it should be mainly to keep your bearded dragon safe when you are outside. Please don’t put a leash on a baby bearded dragon that is less than about 10 inches long (25.5cm).
Can you take your bearded dragon for a walk?
Yes, you can take your bearded dragon for a walk, but you must be careful with when and where you take your dragon. Also, you must ‘train’ your bearded dragon to tolerate a leash (harness) before you take it out.
General rules to follow before taking your bearded dragon for a walk:
- Only take your bearded dragon outside if temperatures are between 75-95 Fahrenheit (23.8-35 Celsius). Otherwise, your bearded dragon will be too cold or too hot.
- Don’t take your bearded dragon for a walk to places that will have larger animals, lots of running people/children or loud places. All of that can scare your bearded dragon.
- Make sure that the plants (if any) in that place are not sprayed with anything and that all plants are non-toxic. Also, that there won’t be any toxic bugs such as ladybugs or fireflies.
Bearded Dragon Leash Training
Step 1: Get a harness for your bearded dragon. Make sure you get a harness that you wear on both shoulders and strap it. Don’t get a leash that can choke your dragon. Read about choosing a harness for your bearded dragon below.
Step 2: Gently pick up your bearded dragon and put it on a table or other secure place to put on a leash. Never grab your bearded dragon from above, instead put your hand in front of it, or under its chest, and let it slowly climb on you.
Step 3: Put on a leash/harness on your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons often don’t really like when you put something on them. Let your bearded dragon get used to the leash or harness. Put it on for few minutes every day and work your way up. You can even walk your dragon around the house.
Step 4: Walk around the house for the first few days, and then go outside for few minutes at a time. Your bearded dragon can get really scared when you take it outside for the first time. Try to walk for maximum 10 minutes for the first few days around the block. If you have your own garden, you can let your dragon walk there.
Step 5: If your bearded dragon freaks out, pick it up and place on your belly, shoulders or legs (if sitting down). You can gently stroke your bearded dragon’s head. If that doesn’t help, take your dragon back home.
Step 6: Slowly build up the time that you can spend with your bearded dragon outside. It’s always better to let your bearded dragon walk around an enclosed and safe area, such as your own garden. But even in this case, always put a harness on your dragon because it can run away quickly.
Important things to remember before taking your bearded dragon for a walk
Always make sure there are no poisonous bugs or plants, or large animals that can hurt or kill your bearded dragon. The best places to take your dragon to would be a small park, your own garden or around the house.
Only take your bearded dragon to a public place if your bearded dragon is used to seeing many objects, people and animals around. Also, make sure that law allows you to have reptiles in a public place.
Before you put your bearded dragon on the ground, make sure that it’s not too hot. Concrete especially can get very hot in hot weather, and cause serious burns to your dragon’s belly and toes.
If your bearded dragon stresses out a lot when seeing other people, pets or objects, put your hand in front of its eyes. This tends to calm them down. You can also pick your dragon up and put it on your shoulder/belly.
Please note that you will be using a leash mainly to keep your bearded dragon safe from escaping. And your bearded dragon isn’t likely to walk along with you at the same pace. Bearded dragons are curious, so yours will decide to sit down and look around, especially if it isn’t comfortable with the harness.
Please never pull on a leash, as you can choke or damage your dragon’s neck. Be patient and even give treats to your dragon to help it relax and have fun.
How to choose the best harness for your bearded dragon?
A good harness for your bearded dragon should be worn comfortably on its body and shoulders and fit well by clipping or pulling the cord. The part that connects a harness to a leash shouldn’t wobble around in a way that it could injure your dragon. It should fit on tight, not too tight to cause injury, and not too lose that your dragon can escape.
The best harnesses and leashes are ones that are lightweight, look like a vest and are adjustable (can fit properly by pulling a cord with a button). It should also be free of any metal hooks that can injure your bearded dragon.
You can also get a thinner cord harness – but make sure it won’t be rubbing too much on the belly. Because bearded dragons don’t really like wearing harnesses, you can also choose something thin but well fitting. Make sure it also provides support and won’t choke your bearded dragon when walking it.
Few of the best types of harnesses that you can buy:
- An adjustable vest harness with a button cord. Lightweight, adjustable, fitting.
- A cute lightweight and adjustable leash with a button cord and wings! Well fitting and stylish with cute wings.
- This easy to wear, thin leash that is less likely make your bearded dragon uncomfortable.
- You can even look at rat or small size guinea pig harnesses, but make sure to note sizes.
Make sure that the vet is made of a soft material or one that won’t catch the scales. An ideal harness should be also adjustable and spread pressure on shoulders rather than throat. You can even make your own DIY leash for your bearded dragon, but you would still need to get a paracord and few clips/beads.
You can try a carrier instead?
Don’t risk taking your bearded dragon for a walk if it isn’t safe for it. Parasites, mites, toxic bugs and plants, large animals, hot pavements can all injure and scare your bearded dragon.
Never take your bearded dragon to an open place suddenly without prior training. This is because your bearded dragon is likely to pull on a leash and break it as well as escape, or injure itself. Start slowly, in smaller places first.
Another option would be to take your bearded dragon outside in a small soft dog/cat/guinea pig carrier like this. This way, your bearded dragon can feel more comfortable and be safe in an enclosed carrier.
If you plan to take your dragon out – even to sit on you or near you, still put on a harness+leash in case it decides to run away. You can take your dragon out for sunbathing and put it back after. This will save you, your bearded dragon and others from possible stress.
Thank you for reading this post. To read more on bearded dragon care, please see this resource page.