How do I tell if my dragon likes / is comfortable with me?

Hey all. I adopted my first dragon last Friday. The people I got him from were afraid to handle him because he was aggressive and the even called him "*******" :/

I think he didn't like them the same they didn't like him. Since I've got him home, I've been able to hold him and hand feed him.
When I hold him, I'll try to put him down on my bed but he immediately crawls up my chest and near my neck. He looks around at the environment but he doesn't run away. He just chills with me.

While in the cage, I've offered him some treat worms from my hand. He takes them so gently.

Hes done the head Bob thing, which I do back with him. I swear he recognizes me doing it because we sync up in pace. I also wave my arm at him to show him I'm not territory competition.

When I first got him home, his beard was black. Now it's like the rest of his body. He does flare the beard out to his reflection (hes got a new enclosure on the way so hopefully that nasty second dragon will disappear xD) and to my cat, but it doesn't start puffed out.

Hes in my room with me so he hears me talking. I'm almost positive hes listening to every word.

How do I know if hes happy / comfortable / secure? He doesn't shy away from me which I'm hoping is a positive sign.
What behavior should I keep watch for to see how he feels?

hello, Shaylios, welcome to the forum!

I am so glad you took that poor fellow away from such a beardie hostile place! How could anyone not love these remarkable creatures? He does not sound "aggressive" to me--you describe a gentle, sweet beardie.

You are clearly a safe person to him, or he would not be sitting on you in the standard snuggles position. They love the neck area--they have very sensitive sense of smell and hearing, and seem comforted by their safe persons smell and the sound of heartbeat, as they rest their precious heads on or near the collarbone.

They do not make many sound that we can hear, but do make sounds that are lower than human hearing range. You can "feel" the sounds by gently holding a finger under throat area--it will be a vibration, like a cat purring very softly. I call that "purring!" you may also feel a thump thumping in the thorax--the area under their chest--This is common to emus and ostriches. I call it "thoractic thumping" and it always means approval, satisfaction, or even can indicate a sexual interest! Body language common to Beardies includes the Wave, which you are familiar with--indicates he is not being hostile, ("hi, I am not being territorial, just would like to hang out with you a while!") but is not limited to that. It is always a friendly sign, as is the head bob.(" I accept your friendly wave, and you may approach closer, or initiate more contact!") When my boy waves, it is a definite sign--" I want to come out to sit with you, or get hugs,now!"

There is so much body language, I could write an entire book about it. Head up and sideways shows interest, tail up shows joy, interest, or attentiveness, head down and flat can mean nervous and scared, but can also mean very relaxed and just chillin'. Look for multiple body signs, as they can combine them to give more communication. Each beardie will adapt his communication to his owner, and over the years, developes a "language" unique to you and him.

Some other communications:
eyes! pupil large and dark=relaxed and comfy. Pupil auddenly small means interested, hungry, or frightened, depends on circumstance. Both eyes close at once when offered a cricket to say, "no, thank you." If you offer again, head turned sideways means "No, I said.." Offer again, and he may rake a step back: "NO! NO--I told you No!"
Round, soft, open eyes-approval, love.

Mouths--Lips curved up in a smile, same as in humans. also can curve down in a frown. Mouth slightly agape is excitement, joy, but also can mean overheated. Mouth wide, beard black is a very scared dragon...leave him alone.

The beard color has a dozen meanings.

So you see, there is an abundance of face and body language for you to learn, some of which will be specific to your dragon. You will have to watch, and take note of his surroundings, and learn it over time. My boy is over three years, and still teaching me new things! They are good teachers, if you pay attention.
interestingly, much of their facial expression has the same meaning as a humans.

If you see something specific that you would like some input on, please feel free to ask. We all love beardies and there are some very experienced, helpful owners here.

here, Dezi is patiently and happily waiting for his afternoon snack...I put down a napkin, so he knows it is coming.


he wanted help down, but I was ignoring him...disapproval.

very happy, excited, chasing his toy!