New to Beardies

I’m not new to herps in general but new to dragons. My friend had me adopt her 3 year old male dragon because she did not have the time to care for him or the resources to get him food. I have had everything from emerald swifts to Cuban Iguanas. But dragons are new for me. I also own a gorgeous female Salcata tortoise.

More about Ninja. He was adopted first from a situation which caused some limited physical disabilities. He’s missing toes and he has a nobbed tail( not tail rot or cysts). His owner before me had limited time and he was between houses holds for a time. He seems well adjusted to my house so far. He’s eaten some of his greens and fruit. So I know he’s good.

My issue is how he wasn’t handled as much as he should. I want to know how to get him used to me, my touch and my smell. His owner before said to use a wash cloth and sleep on it. I’ve done that with dogs but never a lizard. Most of my lizards were babies and Cubans have amazing eye sight. Will this work? My end goal is for a hand tamed dragon who also will be harness trained so he can come to places with me.
Also head bopping, I know it’s a sign of communication. My iggies did it a lot. He doesn’t puff his beard or not does it turn black when I’m around, but with men it’s not the same story. How do I get him to trust my husband who’s always wanted a dragon?

Sorry for the rambles.

Welcome to our forum and you're welcome to ramble as much as you want. I was told that putting a piece of an old t-shirt that was worn by your husband into his tank to snuggle on, will give him his scent with a sense of security and comfort. Also have your husband put his hand gently into his tank and see if he'll let him pick him up that way, after he's had a chance to sleep on the t-shirt. I hope that helps your new beardie get used to your husband.

In addition to the t-shirt trick, you may want to have him try offering some treats by hand. If he offers some silk worms or a horn worm by hand (or whichever his favorite treat is) perhaps it will help build some trust and associate him with good things rather than getting a fearful response. Give it time though. It can take an older dragon a while to get used to a new home and new routine so gentile patience is key.