active beardie

Question
We've had our dragon about a month now.  He used to be extremely mellow.  Just within the last few days he's shed his first skin.  He's eating fine and basking and doing everything I've read that's normal.  However, just withing the past 3 days or so, we can't seem to hold him.  He gets in defense mode or tries to run and boy is he quick.  Any suggestions or thoughts on why he's so daring and uncomfortable?

Answer
 You don't mention how old your beardie is. There are a few reasons:

 If you have a baby, then it might have taken him that long to acclimate to his new home.

 A four to six month old is coming into his "terrible teens" and is going to test you.

 Either way, the way to overcome this is the same.  Take him out, give him lots of attention, but only put him back when he calms down.  He will eventually learn that squirming will not help, and that bearding and gaping won't work either.