New Beardie Owner-He won't let me pet him :(

[Daniboo18]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone had any advice? I'm a first time beardie owner (his name is Dakota) and I've had him for just over 3 weeks and I'm trying to bond with him but he won't really let me touch him, Ive had no issues with tong feeding and hand feeding him (today he even walked up and sat in my hand and ate from my palm but the second I try to pet him or pick him up he freaks out and runs off. I don't want to stress him out, I want to know if there's anything else I can do or do better. I asked on Reddit and someone suggested I just put my hand in the tank for about 20mins every few hours and let him come to me but most of the time he's basking on his rock and doesn't really come to me. I work 8hrs a day so I really can only bond in the AM or once I get home from work for a little bit and on weekends.

 

[KarrieRee]

Best time is when they are tired and ready to go to bed --- approach from the side not above he will think your a predator --- keep hand feeding him and try and hold him in the tank for 5 minutes at a time -- get a piece of clothing or a little blanket w/ your smell on it place it in his hide he will get used to your smell -- just keep working w / him it took me months to get Blaze hand tamed and to be able to hold him --- some dragons take longer some do not -- depends on their personality