Do not interrupt the bearded dragon while it is eating. Do not back a beardie up in a corner, as it will feel threatened. Do not tease the lizard with your finger, as it might think it’s a worm and chomp!

Again, remember not to approach your beardie from above, as holding your hand above their head or eyes will trigger their predatory instincts.

If getting your hand under the dragon is awkward, gently grasp the dragon behind the front shoulders with your forefinger and thumb to lift slightly, and slide your other hand underneath. Don’t squeeze, just support. Let it sit on your hands. Be aware that if the beardie’s back end is not supported, he will ‘windmill’ his tail around in circles. If this happens, immediately support his rear legs and tail, so that he feels more secure. Otherwise, he may injure his back.

Know that a beardie’s scales and spikes point in one direction, so pet him along the scales rather than against or you will end up with prickles in your skin and an angry beardie.

Inflated, black beard: When a lizard wants to show dominance, or feels startled or threatened - this particularly happens during breeding season - it puffs its throat out. The lizard’s beard will also turn black when it is agitated. Mouth gaping: As with the inflated beard, this gesture is meant to make the dragon look menacing, as a show of dominance or to scare off a potential aggressor. Mouth open, but not wide. It may just be trying to cool off. Bobbing head: Males show dominance with this gesture. Arm waving: Sometimes a dragon may hold up one front leg and slowly wave it, which is a sign of submission. Raised tail: This is commonly seen during breeding season. It can also be a sign of alertness and activeness. Juveniles tend to raise their tail when they’re hunting prey. [4] X Research source

The length of time he can stay out of his vivarium depends on the room temperature. Reptiles are cold-blooded, so if the room is cool, he may start to chill and his digestion will stop. If his belly feels cool to the touch, then return him to the vivarium to warm up.