Rescues, especially ones that have been mistreated, are normally quite aggressive. My beardie was very aggressive at first, but with some time and patience, he is now a total sweetie and a joy to handle.

Start out, as llovelace said, by letting your beardie get used to his new home. After a few days, try holding him for a few minutes. After the second week, you should be holding him for 10-20 minutes daily.

He will puff, darken, hiss, poo on you, struggle, claw, and maybe bite, but it is of extreme importance that you do not put him down. If you put him back in his enclosure when he shows signs of aggression, he will learn that being mean gets him what he wants, and what he wants is to be put back. Beardies are very intelligent.

Here are a few extra things that helped me in taming my beardie.

-Put a shirt that you've worn inside his enclosure. This may help him get used to your scent.

-Let him run around a room in your house while you sit on the ground and observe. This is a way for him to get used to you, while not as stressful as handling. (Note that this should be in addition to, not instead of your handling time.)

-Talk to him and stroke him while he's in the enclosure and while handling.

-Do not approach him from the back or the sides. To initially lift him, place your hand underneath him from the front. This will help him to understand that you are not a predator. Never sneak up on a beardie in any way or take them by surprise.




Good luck! Keep us posted. If you are determined yet gentile and handle him daily, with a little time he will be dog-tame. They are truly amazing pets.