What is a gecko cognitively cable of? I want to Tame it.

[zeyrkelian]

So I didn't do a ton of research before starting to handle. I did know to not to touch his tail and not to grab too tightly.

What I have done... I started holding him for short periods about 15 min. He does run around a bit and doesn't seem to get too nervous.

I did hold him tight enough that he would struggle to get out of my hand several times. He will hang out on my shoulder and I can get him to stay in my hands without trying to hard. I basically block him a bit then he will stay there for 2-3-5 min.
I have 'pushed him' to the point of being nervous and I'm starting to believe this may be counter productive.

Here's why I'm posting. I have worked with animals (mammals) by whole life of all sizes. I do not understand reptiles at all.

I can do a decent amount with him already but I want him to get really comfortable with me.

Here's my questions.

Can you tell how nervous he is just by his breathing?
Second. what is a reptile capable off cognitively. Just when to and when not to feel fear and where he can be fed?
I don't think its in their nature to 'enjoy' being pet or enjoy you in general. So I'm interested in the cognitive aspect of reptiles.
Guess that will lead me on to a little more research when I get home but feel free to tell me what you think. I have a feeling this post wasn't direct enough... oh well. Thanks for your advice!!

 

[gothra]

It takes time for the gecko to get used to you; I never force them to stay on my hand (won't block them from walking away too). Every gecko is different, I have some that do not mind being held as soon as they first come home, and I also have a couple that is just starting to trust me after several years in my care. If you pick one up and he/she moves around rapidly and/or breathing fast, then I would say he/she is not comfortable, and I would put it back to its tank; then try again later. Eventually, it'll calm down and trust you.

 

[zeyrkelian]

I'm fine with taking time. I'm afraid of handling him too much. Not because I can't tell when he is stressed but more because I don't know if my goals will be reached if I stress him out.

My goal with the gecko which is to be able to hold him as long as I wish (realizing he has temperature needs and a great deal of it he would want to be still).
If I hold him until he starts to get stressed (today I held him for about 30-45 min) is it worse then holding him for short periods and completely not allowing him to be stressed

I find little helpful information about how a reptile thinks. For instance. Most mammals will respond to positive and negative reinforcements. Positive IMO works best if you can find a way to do it but is not always possible. I'm not suggesting I "train" a gecko. Simply that I can relate to how a mammal thinks.

Is the only real thing I can do with a gecko pet is remove fear and keep him comfortable. Will they actually start to "enjoy" spending time with you? I got this cute little lizard and I find him fascinating but I want to understand the boundaries of a reptile pet. (And I'm perfectly willing to accept them)

 

[lizardlove]

Geckos aren't capable of affection like dogs or cats. The closest they'll come as a bond is that they don't see you as a threat and associate you with food and warmth. My gecko sits very nicely on my leg or shoulder because my body temperature (usually around 97, I'm always on the low side) is the same as the temperature on her warm side.

 

[GeckoGathering]

Being Friends

So I didn't do a ton of research before starting to handle. I did know to not to touch his tail and not to grab too tightly.

What I have done... I started holding him for short periods about 15 min. He does run around a bit and doesn't seem to get too nervous.

I did hold him tight enough that he would struggle to get out of my hand several times. He will hang out on my shoulder and I can get him to stay in my hands without trying to hard. I basically block him a bit then he will stay there for 2-3-5 min.
I have 'pushed him' to the point of being nervous and I'm starting to believe this may be counter productive.

Here's why I'm posting. I have worked with animals (mammals) by whole life of all sizes. I do not understand reptiles at all.

I can do a decent amount with him already but I want him to get really comfortable with me.

Here's my questions.

Can you tell how nervous he is just by his breathing?
Second. what is a reptile capable off cognitively. Just when to and when not to feel fear and where he can be fed?
I don't think its in their nature to 'enjoy' being pet or enjoy you in general. So I'm interested in the cognitive aspect of reptiles.
Guess that will lead me on to a little more research when I get home but feel free to tell me what you think. I have a feeling this post wasn't direct enough... oh well. Thanks for your advice!!

Here's my post a while back on it.

May The Force Not Be In You

Quote:
Originally Posted by ponylover86 View Post
I agree, you should never FORCE a gecko to do anything. It just reinforces that being held is not a good thing.

Quote:
I disagree with Shawn here, It's not wise to "force" a gecko to do anything, for the simple fact the only way you could "force" it to stay is holding it tightly.

Wow Shawn, You have another
disagreeing vote about using force.
I train my geckos the same way I train a dog.
No force. Kind, gentle hand, and a treat.
Force can stress them to drop a tail too.

So:****************
Make a fist, wet your knuckle , slide it slowly with your fist
on the floor level until it touches your geckos nose.....or it strikes
your knuckle. Either way the next time it relates your touch and smell to water.
After water..can go to meal worm inners, if necessary.
Usually the water has them climbing on your hand before many
attempts. After relating this way turn the palm side up.
Slowly slide it til it wants a ride. The first couple times
don't lift it out of the habitat. When comfortable with your gecko
and you..........bring it out and directly to your body.
Our body temps. are much to their pleasure. Rarely do they wish to
get off the free ride.
Lightly cup your hands to secure it until it rides surefooted
anywhere it wants to go......
No lip area. See Bonnie's lip bite photo.
The amount of time to get to this point is strictly based on
your devoted time in remembering it was meant for freedom too.
Take care... HJ

 

[GeckoGathering]

why can't we be friends?

Is the only real thing I can do with a gecko pet is remove fear and keep him comfortable. Will they actually start to "enjoy" spending time with you? I got this cute little lizard and I find him fascinating but I want to understand the boundaries of a reptile pet. (And I'm perfectly willing to accept them)

Sorry, I missed this part before.
Lots of different opinions on this. But mine is from contact
as a hobby person. I have one that"seems to enjoy"
getting out, riding under my ball cap, with me to the post office
to pick up wax worms. Now I'm not sure he relates the ride
to the wax worms he gets on our return but he goes to my shoulder, up my neck, to the top of my head on his own. I do put my hat on
myself..........he doesn't wear a seat belt but he does ride
in the passenger front seat in my hat.
I certainly wish he could talk.
Take care... .HJ
And may the "Gecko Training Force Be With You."

 

[fender120993]

HJ that sounds awesomee.

i wish my little guy did that!

 

[GeckoGathering]

Lets be friends.

HJ that sounds awesomee.

i wish my little guy did that!

You may enjoy reading a thread I did
called HELP TRAIN FRIEND ....take care. HJ
if you want to find it on a search......do advanced search...
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