Quote Originally Posted by zombiesatemyspleen
Oh, i've had him for a long while. Don't really need advice as he is dog tame. Heck he's friendlier then my dog. Mostly i just wanted to drum up some nile discussion with others who actually raise them and had to go through the same process. There are so many people out there who are quick to say you shouldn't own them because of there size and temper but few with whom to share experience with.
From my experience, if a monitor is 'dog tame'.....something is not right...that is why I asked how long you have had your monitor and how are you keeping it...just trying to spark discussion. A monitor allowed to live in appropriate conditions can be taught to tolerate a human, but by no means will it be 'dog tame'.

Most people that I know believe that nile monitors should not be kept by new monitor keepers because of their size and aggressive nature. But the negative stigma associated with niles originates from the fact that they have become 'disposible' within the reptile industry. They are bought for pennies out of Africa and massively imported into the US. Most are pawned off at reptile shows and pet stores to inexperience keepers that will most likely kill the animal within the first year. That fact is one of the main reasons that there are 'few' for you to share your keeping experience with.....98% of nile keepers do not keep their animals properly...the nature of the majority of keepers is easily shown by the fact that not a single soul in the US is working hard to breed niles at the moment...yet they are imported by the 1000's.

Monitors have been the most rewarding animal that I have keep. I hope you and your monitor are enjoying the experience.

Feel free to share some photos or descriptions of your animals and setups. It would be greatly appreciated (and a great platform for discussion).