Taming - Training - Tricks
Training definition: Changing your behavior to get an animal to respond
with natural or modified natural behavior.
If you notice in my definition, training a reptile is about changing the
owners behavior and not the animals to display a desired response. This
can be as simple as the technique used to feed them. We will also cover
general basic training terminology and "learning theory", the
basic principles that govern how all animals (and humans) learn. An important
element with reptile training is not necessarily what you do, but how and when certain
methods are applied. We will see how these methods can be applied to reptiles. There is no single method that works with all reptiles, because each reptile has their own unique personality. It takes one to be flexible, insightful, and openminded to know which method works best in any given situation.
First, I will show you an important skill sometimes needed for training
and that is learning how to hold your reptile. You may be saying that's
simple enough; I can already hold my reptile. There is more to it than
that because there are different sizes, body types, and personalities of
reptiles. It is essential to know these different methods of how to secure,
hold, and control your reptile safely. Just as significant, is to make
it feel secure and relaxed during training.
I will refer to taming, training, and tricks as the general term "training".
Each is relative to each other as they all have an end result of creating
a desired behavior. Training should be fun for you and the reptile.
Holding a reptile.
We all have seen people holding reptiles on their shoulders, around the
neck, or on their chest. They show everyone how "tame" their
animal is by doing this. Unfortunately, that gives the inexperienced a
misconception that these are domesticated animals; when they are not. This
illusion is not necessarily a bad thing, but in simplistic form demonstrates
a dedication or relationship with that animal. And this is what we are
really trying to achieve here. It's not about dominating a species, rather
a relationship with it and understanding how to create that connection.
Some reptile species, like monitors, should not be held. However, there
is occassions where it will become necessary.
Here I will demonstration various methods of capturing and holding different
kinds of reptiles.
Capture: You must first learn how to capture your reptile quickly, efficiently,
and with as little stress as possible. This will take practice and time
with your reptile.
REPTILE BEHAVIOR -General information about how your reptile thinks by way of social structure, communication, motivations.
TRAINING METHODS OVERVIEW - Explanation of various types of training methods necessary for beginners
to professional to know.
MY REPTILE TRICKS - Collection of tricks and behaviors I have achieved with training.
Holding method 4 - Grabbing the tail is never recommended. Can cause serious injury to
the animal and is unsecured. Only experienced handlers in extreme cases
might do this.
Capture method 1 - Under the belly pick-up used for smaller, non-aggressive reptiles.
Capture method 2 - Over the back/side pick-up.used for small to medium sized, non-aggressive
reptiles.
Capture method 3 - Two-handed on shoulder and hip used for large, high aggression reptiles.
Capture method 4 - Tail method is not recommended - only in extreme circumstances. High
potential of injury to you and/or the reptile.
Capture method 5 - Trap method is recommended for limited use. Great for transportation..
Holding. I will show various methods of holding a reptile. Techniques will differ
with size and species of animal.
Holding method 1 - Single handed provides total body support for small reptiles. Secure.
Not secure or comfortable for medium sized reptiles.
Holding method 2 - Single hand provides total body support for medium, long bodied reptiles.
Tail tucked and neck secure. Semi-secure.
Not secure for large lizards. Results may end in getting bit, clawed, or
escaped reptile.
Holding method 3 - Two-handed provides total body support for larger and long bodied reptiles.
Three versions demonstrated here that optimize head and body control of
your reptile. Secure. Observe the differences of hand locations and how
they are applied.
Training Basics
