Using a leash

Question
Hi! How do Australian Water Dragon typically respond to a leash?  We have purchased one and are not sure if it is the right size or if we should even use it for him.   What precautions should we take to make sure that he won't be injured by it?


Answer
Hello Caroline, I don't have any personal experience with AWDs with leashes but I know one person who always has his on a leash. Takes it for walks daily and the dragon loves it! You want to start it out early though when it is still young. I don't know if all Aussies are like this or if its just in the personality but you need to watch out for how tight it is, and how loose it is. You want it snug (like a dog's collar) but not tight and not loose enough to wiggle out. If they don't like it then they will roll and flick their tail at you. Most animals don't like being restrained. Just make sure there are no noises going on but a soothing voice talking calmly to him. try and let him step into the thing and make sure he doesn't roll. You don't want him tangled in it. Don't tie the leash to a chair leg or anything else always have him near you. Try it at first inside the house in a closed room with little to no hiding places that way if he wiggles out you can get him back good. There is a water dragon forum that I visit regularly (as I own 2 Chinese water dragons) and I think there is only one person who owns an australian but you can ask questions and talk to people there. They are really helpful here is the link.
http://www.repticzone.com/forums/WaterDragons/index.html
(copy and paste it in your address bar)
The person with the AWD is DragonMyr, so if you want advise from him (who has had personal experience) go ahead and ask. My name on there is the same as here (yexalen) so go ahead and say hi if you become a member. Looking forward to seeing you there! And if not then Good luck!