When first getting your dragon home, it is advised to wait 2 weeks until handling your dragon. Torture, and few make it that long. But abstaining a while is a must, let the dragon settle.

Wrapping the sides of the enclosure with paper towels or such often helps calm the dragon.

It's good to keep a quality environment for your dragon for over all health, but for handling it is a must. Make sure handling sessions take place in a calm setting, away from distractions. Ensure the area is clean and free from escape in case of a sudden leap. Turn off the radio, t.v., and limit the number of people in the room. Less perceived predators might help keep your lizard calmer and reduce the amount of stress.

Note a frightened lizard will do whatever it takes to escape. It usually starts with an attempted bolt, often followed by a body wiggle, then usually they wiggle out to their back legs/tail and may even attempt to bite you then. That's going to mean the handling session is over for that day.

Keep the early sessions brief, gradually making them longer.

Scoop your dragon from the side to underneath because coming from the top will frighten the dragon. The parietal eye will catch your movements .

Cradle your dragons underside ensuring all four feet are supported and pay special attention to the tail.

Make sure the tail, especially the base, is supported.

Talk to your dragon throughout the process. Let the get accustomed to your voice.

Use slow movements, but once you start don't stop, don't hesitate. This will startle the dragon and usually cause the dragon to run away.

Try not to look your dragon directly in the eyes. Staring will startle and stress your dragon making it more likely to react negatively.

Use food to bond with your lizard. A beardie will usually do about anything for a super worm held with some reptile tweezers or your fingers.

If the beardie is in shed, it may be stressed enough, best to just talk to it a bit.

Do not handle your dragon around other pets. If they do get away, the cat or dog might kill the new toy. The dragon may have an increased perceived threat from the animals around.

When handling the lizard it's best to be a resting platform as opposed to trying and restraining the lizard by cupping your hand. This allows the lizard to feel free to roam and less bound.

Never hold a dragon by the tail. Especially the tip of the tail. A dragon will not grow any tail back, instead injury occurs and bacteria set in. Tail rot can happen.

Patience a persistence is key. Don't hesitate and pick the dragon up and keep doing this while talking to it, stroking the scales in a downward fashion. Your dragon will calm and bond with you over time.