Monitor Lizard Socialization #1 Lizard Trust - NERD Socialization Gets the Job Done!

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[@Lerrae1908]

It's been generally investigated by some handlers (nothing official that I know of, just seen the idea floating around out there), that holding a calm snake or lizard, or just working with them in general, has the same therapeutic benefits for lowering blood pressure and reducing stress as watching a tank of fish swimming around. My therapist labeled my reptiles (just gecko and snake), as part of my therapy team for this reason after seeing how much they helped me, right alongside my cat. They are less maintenance than a big fish tank (I tried and even 5 gallons becomes 'big' fast when you can't move things on your own 90% of the time), easier for me to care for with physical disabilities, but also require a lot more interaction hands-on. It certainly works for me, at least. Plus considering I can't work, having small goals I can set in regards to handling and care gives me a sense of purpose and satisfaction. And when you consider that after initial setup, it only takes a few minutes a day at most for general care of many reptiles, that's very doable for someone of my health. Nothing to me is as rewarding as having an animal show absolute trust, not being afraid of my face or hands (my gecko will come to me if I call her name, too), etc.... I think if I had to live my life without animal companions (or helpers in the case of my service dog), I would probably just wither away... :( And definitely not be able to go up stairs LOL. I'd really like for this idea to be investigated on a larger scale. People who understand an animal isn't out to get them often learn to trust the animals pretty quickly after that in my personal experience, and after having invited many people to meet my reptiles the first comment soon becomes, "They make me feel so calm!", usually followed by, "This is amazing!" ;D Plus reptiles are always in need of a good reputation boost, still so many folks out there who see a herp of any kind and think, 'Kill it with a shovel!!' before they stop to considering the implications of such things. Probably worse yet, those who think the cute little pet store monitor lizard is a healthy easy display pet to just grab. I am curious, does NERD have any input on this hypothesis of well-handled reptiles being good for stress and blood pressure in general, in the same way a school of fish may be? The work done with your monitors is fantastic and obvious enjoyment aside, I wonder what your thoughts are?

[@notNajimi]

Can definitely vouch for fish being hard to take care of with my mental disabilities too. It’s a lot of regular work so if you struggle with executive dysfunction then it can become a huge drain fast

[@CrazyLazyKitties]

Monitor body language 101. Always beautiful, always interesting, always educational. Thanks so much for sharing

[@OutKartnAround]

truly enjoying these socialization videos Kevin! you do an amazing job

[@EVILMORPHGOD]

Thank you very much!!!!! Trying to open the eyes and minds of new keepers..... a truly unrealized group of animals that are far more capable than we give them credit for!

[@OutKartnAround]

EVILMORPHGOD could not have said it better myself! When space allows mark my words I'm picking one of these brilliant animals up. Been a huge fan since seeing Kris's huge example at Tinley in I believe 2013

[@wesleywlee]

My brother had a Savannah that was mean as sin, It put me off owning a monitor for many years. But every interaction I've seen on your channel has been... Adorable. The way your reptiles respond to you is amazing, very reminiscent of a dog with it's owner. Makes me want one. Always loved the big scaly critters, But you mean to tell me I can cuddle them too!? Now if you'll excuse me I have to go do something manly.

[@debconness7718]

I like watching you and Brian's videos as both of you are breeders but yet, you are so much more mellow and more into knowing your animals . I'd love to be able to just pet one and have one as a pet but I simple can't afford one. Plus if I was around you I'd not be as confident to teach them . I have a neck injury so unable to work so time is on my side . I'd so volunteer at your place if I lived closer.

[@heatherdix778]

You are amazing with these animals! I hope everyone watching appreciates how you know, and are constantly reading and learning their behavior.

[@DOGBRO2]

I absolutely love your videos dude!

[@jomama5186]

I have a 7 mth old, beautiful sunburst, translucent pacman lady frog. I play Coldplay's "Yellow" for her on my cell phone, where hes walking on the beach in the foggy rain? She breathes to the beat of the song, bobbing her head up and down with the beat and when he sings she gets very still and watches him. I know she is enjoying it! I wonder if she knows that's her song? Her name is Reggie, but I call her "Yellow". It is so precious to watch. I am thinking about getting her an iPad or small tv just for her to watch your channel and a couple others with animals that I watch, that I think she would enjoy. She seems to really like watching the Coldplay video! She has the sweetest personality. She has never bit me and when I have had to handle her, she gets very still and doesnt move. Everything I have seen and read says not to hold her or touch her bcs of her slime layer and I understand that, but I had to hold her once and she sat (between the hills)on my bare skin and bcs she's a girl, she made these very, very subtle little clicking noises, like she was talking to me! I was telling her how much I love her and I swear she was trying to talk to me too. When I first got her, she was really little. She has grown so fast! She will wink at me after I've been in her room a while talking to her, and if I shimmy with my shoulders, she does it with her back legs and hind end! She is so, so super special to me. My middle daughter got her for me for my birthday bcs I have outside frogs and geckos I feed. I sure hope she knows how much I love her. I think she just might :)

[@vulgarteacup4224]

@1:55 I've always wanted a Velociraptor puppy!

[@larrylaird3576]

They are so amazing, I love monitor lizards and especially yours they are wonderfully friendly.

[@anthonya.santana8278]

this is amazing... I am interested in purchasing water monitor. I have always been fascinated with them

[@davidwillow1646]

enjoy your shows

[@erichawkins173]

What is the age that you can start to trim their claws ( Kevin ) ???

[@JasonRossi]

hey Kevin, I see a varanus manilus on your website.. could you do a video on that species? thank you

[@svenbuchali7162]

Hi Kevin, what is the best way for Socializing a Farm Breeding Water Monitor..? thank you before...

[@thesnapperkeeper]

I know this is an old video but,are these socialization techniques applicable to Black Throats as well as AWM?

[@mybushcraftlife9778]

She loves you. Enjoys your company. She has imprinted on you so bad.

[@gregoryjames-gm4et]

I’ve had a 2 year old Asian monitor for about 4 months and it keeps hissing and tail popping I feed him good I talk to him often but when I try petting him he gets very defensive. Do you have a fee to get him social

[@gaetanoiuculano7895]

Monitors are so awesome! When handled like this they show similar responses to the interaction as what pet predatory birds would show! One of the most interesting pet reptiles you could have keep up the good work and videos.

[@Silk748atgmail]

they are some big monitors I bet he don't have any rat's running around his house myG!!!

[@patminx1088]

Kevin I have a mangrove monitor she is wild caught I've been training nothing works I've been bit scratched to hell and can't seem to put two threads together anything you have is much appreciated ✌️

[@jomama5186]

She is super cute. Sweet. Smart. Curious. And best of all, Friendly! She's also got beautiful eyes!

[@jirikomestik3692]

Are you taming some Panoptes too? I would be surprised.

[@lisakn27]

I want a small monitor lizard..what type would that be?

[@corndogers564]

What species of monitor lizard are those two?

[@michaelphelps7603]

2:00 Clever Girl sorry had to lol XD

[@catcatcat8959]

That’s so cute lol

[@jennip605]

❤

[@wolverinebear5357]

#lizardking 💪👀👂

[@EVILMORPHGOD]

Thank yoU!

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

It's very true. You are the #lizardking with these Varanus

[@NewEnglandReptile]

I am starting to include that in my tags! Haaaaa..... but maybe...

[@wolverinebear5357]

Absolutely should

[@wolverinebear5357]

maybe have that one song from The Doors playing in the background, where Jim saying I.. Iam the lizard king

[@wither5673]

henlo i is dinosaurs i wants the cuddles