Quote Originally Posted by rebeccabecca View Post
That's kind of mean to tell her to go get a dog. I have seen pics of snakes with harnesses, cats, hermit crabs ,hamsters you name it .If all the other husbandry issues are good them why not use a harness? The thing with savs is no one knows about them really. Housing,feeding,stress .
I'm sorry, but just because someone does something, doesn't mean they should. Placing a harness on a Hermit Crab or snake, it seems pretty, yeah..not smart?

I don't think it was meant to be mean or hurtful, rather to make a point. If you want something to WANT attention from you, get a dog. If you want something to WANT to walk with you, get a dog. If you want something to admire it's power and beauty, get a Monitor.

Can you effectively harness train a monitor or tegu? Yes, I believe you can. It won't be you walking the monitor, rather them walking you. That being said, once again, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

Anyone who has kept a Monitor/Tegu inside throughout it's life knows once it gets outside for the first several times (and sometimes forever), it becomes extremely aggressive and stressed. Now add a leash/harness to this equation. It's quite simply a bad idea that can lead to yourself or your animal becoming harmed.

If you want to give them natural sunlight, build a small outdoor enclosure (or a large one) and let them get the sunlight without the stress of a giant primate standing over them (possibly plotting to eat them).

Monitors/Tegus should be purchased with the knowledge that you may NEVER be able to "tame" them. Most do calm down, but some are always going to be wild and aggressive.