Teenager's and Bad Attitude

[Wavedancer]

Merlin is five months old this month so I suppose I can safely label him a teenager. Lately, he's been a little Jekyl and Hyde ish. I tried to take him out a couple of days ago and he totally freaked out on me. Puffed up double his normal size, black bearded, and gaped at me in a menacing manner... I wasn't really sure how to handle him because he's hasn't done this until just lately and this was the worst episode yet. He was just coming off a shed and I had just run the vaccuum cleaner around (he hates the vaccum cleaner) so I decided to back off and let him have his space. Last night, I decided to try again and it was like handling a totally different beardie. He got right on my hand and acted happy that he was coming out. I gave him a bath which he never enjoys but he didn't act angry over it just impatient with me. I let him run around a bit and when he got tired, I picked him up and he snuggled up to me. Do you think this is the adolescent in him emerging sometimes??? And how should I handle it??? Should I give him space when he's cranky and work around his moods??? I'm hoping this phase will pass. He's sixteen inches now and so much nicer to handle than when he was little. (I was always afraid of hurting him) Thanks for any advice.
Vanessa

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Vanessa, yes it is normal and it will pass but you gotta work with him when he gets ugly! If his black beards ok but if he starts to gape then just stuff a piece of salad into his mouth, that way he nos that something good is coming from the hand and not a threat! Good luck and any more questions just ask!! :wink:

 

[smurfthebeardie]

The easiest way to say that your not a threat is to announce yourself. Don't pick him up while he's sleeping, and approach him from the side instead of straight down on top of him. This may be part of the solution.

 

[Wavedancer]

Thanks, Lance. I will try the salad approach when he gapes but should I insist on picking him up after that or let him be for awhile?
Smurfthebeardie, that's not it. I never bother him when he's sleeping and I always go from the side. He's five months old and I've had him for four of those months. This behavior has just started lately. He loved me last night but I came bearing raspberries. I guess I'm just have to be persistent and patient.

 

[Gail]

Always pick him when he is being bratty, it will help him learn that being a snot won't make him get his own way. Only put him down once he is being nice again and don't worry, this will pass pretty quick.

 

[Wavedancer]

I have been. Earlier my son was going to take him out but received the bad attitude treatment from Merlin and gave up on taking him out. I didn't think that was a good thing to do so I went and took him out. I got the bad attitude treatment too but I ignored it and took him out anyway. He stopped as soon as he was out of the viv. I told him after I got him out that if he thinks he's going to boss me around, he better think again. I'm a lot more stubborn than he is. I do hope this passes soon though. I miss my sweet Merlin...

 

[AussieOutlaw]

well my guess hes been getting out going to the local pub and getting pissed and being all grumpy the next day