How to Train Your Crested Gecko: Building Trust and Encouraging Interaction

Training a crested gecko might sound unusual, but with the right approach, you can encourage positive behaviors and build trust with your pet. While crested geckos won’t perform tricks like a dog, they can learn to tolerate handling, recognize feeding cues, and interact more comfortably with you. Patience and consistency are key, as crested geckos are gentle and shy by nature.

Understanding Crested Gecko Behavior

Before you begin training, it’s essential to understand their natural behaviors:

• Nocturnal Creatures – Crested geckos are most active at night, so it’s best to interact with them during the early evening when they’re waking up.
• Jumping and Climbing – They are excellent climbers and may leap when startled, so handling them with care is critical.
• Shyness – It’s common for them to be skittish at first, but with gradual exposure, they can become more comfortable with human interaction.

Step 1: Building Trust Through Patience

The foundation of any successful training with crested geckos is trust. Here’s how to start:

• Start Slow – Allow your gecko to get used to your presence before attempting any handling. Simply placing your hand in the enclosure lets them get used to your scent.
• Minimal Handling at First – Limit handling to a few minutes at a time in the beginning to avoid stressing them.
• Encouraging Exploration – Let your gecko crawl onto your hand on its own. Use gentle movements to avoid startling them.

Step 2: Handling and Taming

Once your gecko is comfortable with your presence, you can begin handling them more regularly:

• Support Their Body – Always support their body fully and avoid quick or sudden movements.
• Hand-Walking – Allow your crested gecko to walk from one hand to the other, creating a calm environment where they feel safe.
• Handling Frequency – Aim for short, frequent sessions. Handling your crested gecko every other day helps them acclimate to you.
• Dealing with Jumping – If your gecko jumps, keep calm and allow them to land in your hands or on a soft surface. Don’t panic, as they will gradually reduce jumping as they feel more secure.

Step 3: Recognizing Feeding Cues

Crested geckos can be conditioned to respond to feeding routines:

• Scheduled Feeding – Feed them at the same time each day to create a routine. Over time, they will associate your presence with food. (Amazon affiliate link)
• Hand Feeding – As they become more comfortable, you can offer food from your hand using feeding tongs or your fingertips. This strengthens the bond and can reduce their fear of you. (Amazon affiliate link)
• Responding to Insects – If feeding live insects (like crickets), show the gecko the insect, allowing them to recognize feeding cues and begin associating your hand with positive experiences.

Step 4: Encouraging Calm Behavior

While crested geckos may never become as interactive as mammals, you can encourage calm behavior:

• Gentle Movements – Always approach them slowly and speak softly if needed to avoid startling them.
• Stress Management – Avoid handling during shedding or immediately after feeding, as they may be less tolerant during these times.
• Rewards – Although reptiles don’t respond to rewards like dogs, offering food before or after handling can help create positive associations with human interaction.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Training crested geckos requires patience, and you may encounter some challenges:

• Jumping or Skittishness – Continue to practice slow movements and hand-walking. Over time, they will adjust to handling.
• Refusing to Be Handled – If your gecko is not responding to handling, give them a break and try again in a few days. Never force interaction, as this can cause stress.
• Biting – Though rare, if your gecko bites, it’s often out of fear. Work on rebuilding trust by reducing handling sessions and focusing on slow, gentle movements.

Helpful Tips for Training Crested Geckos

• Respect Their Limits – Each gecko has a different tolerance for handling. Don’t push beyond their comfort level.
• Nighttime Interaction – Since they are nocturnal, interact with them during their active periods to reduce stress.
• Consistency Is Key – The more consistently you handle and feed your gecko, the quicker they’ll adapt.

Resources for Further Learning

• Books on Crested Gecko Care – Many books offer in-depth information on caring for and handling crested geckos, such as “Crested Geckos” (Amazon affiliate link) by Philippe De Vosjoli.
• Online Communities – Join reptile forums or social media groups for advice from experienced gecko owners.
• Veterinary Consults – A vet specializing in reptiles can offer insights into your gecko’s health, which is an important factor in their behavior.

Conclusion

Training a crested gecko is all about patience, respect, and gentle handling. By following these tips, you’ll create a calm and trusting relationship with your gecko. While they won’t perform tricks or obey commands like a dog, they can learn to trust you, respond to feeding routines, and enjoy handling sessions.