Reptile "Taming" - Building a Relationship of Trust With Your Pet

[@myspiderungoliant]

Clint, I can easily say this is the most important video you’ve uploaded on your channel, because it shows that having a positive relationship with your reptile can go both ways. I see all the time in some online forums, people who don’t know reptiles insisting that you cannot train them, that at best they have moments where they aren’t freaked out and trying to kill you. You may not be able to train a snake the way you might a dog, but any animal that can have its behavior shaped via operant conditioning can learn to have a positive association with humans, if you make interactions positive.

[@xxfiftygy4840]

Well said!

[@billysmith5409]

Spot on

[@joshscritchfield693]

I agree

[@jaimeivantamayo]

I think the video about not realeasing into the wild or killing them when you can no longer take care of them is more important.

[@ClintsReptiles]

@@jaimeivantamayo here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmbCkGOarp2cZ8U

[@PokerYogi]

I am a huge advocate for lizards and now realize I have created threads with the anoles that live around my house, feeding mealworms and checking on them often, so they actually run to me when they hear my voice. I wish reptiles got more love and credit. Thank you for this video!

[@SinWeissfell]

In todays episode of "Why How to Train your Dragon" is a fantastic movie. When in doubt: Reach out, avert eyes and trust your reptiles brain

[@nicnaknoc]

My reptile brain always always always say hide, attack, will there be cake!

[@SinWeissfell]

@@nicnaknoc Reach out, avert eyes and trust your reptiles brain, except for this one unless theres cake*

[@SHENworks]

Yep. After this episode, I'm convinced that Kevin dream walked into the village of How to Train Your Dragon and taught Hiccup what to do to friend Toothless!

[@fanime1]

I was totally thinking about How To Train Your Dragon when he reached out his hand too

[@AndrevusWhitetail]

The moment he said to reach out slowly, palm down and with your head turned away i IMMEDIATELY thought about that scene from the movie, holy cow...

[@GrowYourGroceries]

Clint fangirling over Kevin's knowledge is the best thing I've seen today

[@PrincessSuicune]

My grandpa always said "Leave while everyone's still having a good time" and I feel like that is very good advice for handling reptiles.

[@richardmyhan3369]

Your grandpa was a wise man.

[@VicksWezaleff]

Real advice I gotta write this one down.

[@huntercollum869]

That is good advice. I have a cat who lives by the motto "don't stop until you see them bleed." Wish he knew your grandpa

[@meganharing5075]

This is so true when it comes to animal training

[@mikeexits]

@@VicksWezaleff The beginning and end of an experience tend to be most memorable. An easy way to show this is to skim through a list of words or terms that are unfamiliar to you in some way, then look away, wait a few seconds, and try to remember them - you're very likely to gravitate towards remembering those towards the start and end of the list. Also, think about the "trajectory" of the experience of interacting with a reptile ("low" = negative/sour, "high" = positive); it can start high and stay high, which is all around great and reinforces a positive association with humans (or at least you specifically). It can start low and go high which is also great, and could potentially be better or worse depending on the specifics of the situation and can provide an important turning point for an otherwise untrusting animal. It can start high and go low, which is not good and you might want to do whatever needs to be done to bring it up higher again before removing your presence from theirs, if possible or realistic given the specifics of the situation, so that the process building of your animal's trust doesn't start regressing. And it can start low and stay low, which perpetuates a negative association with humans, or at least you specifically. *Big, Heavy-Duty, FAT Disclaimer:* I'm not a reptile expert. I've handled a decent bunch of them and have a bit of experience but I'm mostly going based on the universal aspects of psychology and emotions within animals, as far as I've seen and interacted with, and as far as I understand it. Psychology across species has a ton of similarities, but the differences must also be appreciated for us to truly understand each other and not leave the animals feeling like we don't understand them, or worse, don't care for their well-being at all. Imagine being fed by someone who you think hates you - it'd be a sour relationship that they rely on to stay alive. I'd probably want to escape a situation like that myself if I were the reptile. Despite major psychological differences, I like to think we have similar, if not identical emotional ranges/spectrums, but the way we both express and excite various emotions differs drastically.

[@holly7025]

It’s nice to see two men who look completely different and look like they wouldn’t interact normally talk about and share their love for their passion :) it’s great how things can bring people together

[@ClintsReptiles]

Kevin and I are very similar in a lot of important ways. This hobby has such a great way of making that apparent.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Clint and I have many common aspects shared, we speak the same language and he is a joy to work with! K

[@akiyamato3299]

Hogwarts meets Ilvermorny

[@Lamepenguin.]

This is just the male version of my best friend and me. Hahah

[@klack75]

@@ClintsReptiles and

[@mercilessmoop5093]

"These threads create ropes" is just excellent life advice.

[@MrsVrba]

One thing I wish I'd known before getting my first reptile - a bearded dragon - is how important having a front-opening enclosure is. Like so many noobs, I've got a top-opener, and it makes those first steps in trust building much harder because you're entering the enclosure from above. I'm budgeting for a new, larger front-opening enclosure as I write this, and recommend anyone who wants to apply the tips from this video do the same. It's hard to build trust with a new reptile when every time you open its enclosure, its instincts start to scream OMIGAWDSHE'SGONNAEATME! EDIT: About 3 months after posting this, I got a front opening 4x2x2… GAME CHANGER! Happy dragon, happy me.

[@sockmonkey6666]

Could you just turn the cage on it's side?

[@caterscarrots3407]

I already knew about that top opening = predator thing before I even decided I wanted a lizard, before I decided I wanted a bearded dragon. I did reptile research and watched reptile videos for like at least 3 years before I decided that I wanted a lizard. And over those several years, I saw people with top opening enclosures and people with front opening enclosures and I saw the drastic difference, the reptiles, especially lizards like Bearded Dragons and even more so Leopard Geckos, easily got spooked with the top opening enclosures, whereas with the front opening enclosures, they still sometimes got spooked, but not nearly as easily. At that point, after those several years of research into reptiles in general, it was like "Do I want a Leopard Gecko or a Bearded Dragon?" and so I did more research specifically on those 2 lizards for another several years. And this is basically what I got from that: Leopard Gecko: They seem to be there for the food more than anything else, don't seem to have much of a personality(sorry if I'm offending any leopard gecko owners, I'm not meaning to), overall their response seems to be like "Am I getting any food? I'll eat it." and I'm not sure I'd want an almost constant food response, you know what I mean? I mean yeah, they don't need as much food, and yeah they don't need as much space and technically don't need UV, although they will use UV if it's there, but I don't know, I just don't see much of anything other than a food response. Bearded Dragon: They definitely have a personality to them and aren't just there for the food, they are there for the interaction, the play, they are like the reptilian version of a dog. They can be trained like dogs can, they have the intelligence. They love being interacted with, even played with. And I would definitely take them outside for a certain period of time when it's warm enough, like at least 80 degrees, so that they can get some natural UV and heat from the sun in the summer and not just the UV from the bulb. I love them. And despite the higher maintenance, I think that a bearded dragon will be my first reptile. I've done challenging things before, so taking care of a bearded dragon for the first time shouldn't be that hard for me, especially with my years of research that went into it.

[@blacksheepnomad9000]

Bearded dragons don't get spooked easy they're kind of just a potato

[@MrsVrba]

@@blacksheepnomad9000 I agree that many adult Beardies are like that - but the young ones, not so much. :)

[@blacksheepnomad9000]

@@MrsVrba this is true so your point about the front opening enclosure is important. These kind of fundamentals apply to all new reptiles. Just because beardies can be potatoes doesn't mean it's not something to take into consideration. Have a good day mate

[@jackbraddick6489]

Kevin is like the master yoda of reptiles

[@ClintsReptiles]

Very true that is.

[@chagis100]

Reach out with your feeeeelings

[@tradeka4206]

Clint's Reptiles strong the force is with him

[@jozzemexure5374]

Liked by reptiles kevin is mmhhm

[@annihalate5953]

I guess Kevin's monitor wretched sociopath is anakin it all makes sense now

[@sparkers70]

Seeing Clint's expression when that monitor climbed on his shoulder reinforced my belief that Clint loves these animals more than anyone else. He is such a special human. :)

[@beardiemom]

Yes, you can really tell how excited he was about being able to handle those fantastic reptiles from the moment he started talking.

[@oopc.2458]

30:18 the baby hugging Clint's arm like it's hugging a giant teddy bear

[@chelseadukes9875]

Thank you so much for getting Kevin to sit in one place and share his knowledge! Amazing video!!!

[@ClintsReptiles]

The man is a treasure. He has spent his life carefully observing reptiles with just the right kind of mind to understand them in an extremely profound way. It was an honor.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Very kind!!!!!!! 😇K

[@vulekv93]

@@NewEnglandReptile Before watching Clint and Kevin, I never considered keeping a reptile. I thought they were cool but I didn't think it was possible. Your work is amazing. I feel like I discovered entire new genre of music, reptiles are fascinating, and surprisingly reasonable pets! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@chloewright1]

@@vulekv93 I felt exactly the same!

[@starmaiden1199]

Nothing sexier than an intellectual being who can tap into Mother Nature & her beautiful creations! Love your work @ Kevin!! loved that video thanks Clint you rock keep up the good work very informative & I've learnt so much 😀 I have recently adopted a beautiful spotted python who was very defensive, watching & learning from your channels she has not even attempted to strike at me & feel our bond growing closer everyday!!! WOW I never knew how amazing it feels to have such a connection with a snake 🥰😍

[@MsShutupndance]

I wish Kevin would write a book he has so much valuable knowledge.😊

[@Yarxov]

He has written one on Ball Python care. "Ball Pythons in Captivity" ISBN 978-0-9767334-8-x

[@leekestner1554]

So much of Nerd's advice applies to people with PTSD. I think those who suffer from that would benefit from learning to handle reptiles from him. They would absorb techniques that would help them (with modifications of course). Just knowing that the animals can feel like they do and can change is hope.

[@daemonember]

Kevin isn't just the reptile whisper. He's a whisperer for all creatures.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!! 🤣

[@dianelutge9691]

Too true

[@stormandbloom]

Love this! Took some notes: Reptiles have 4 modes: sleep, eat, defence and think. Try to avoid defence and handle them in thinking mode. Give them multiple treads of trust s day: Handle it as if you don't get bit. Make sure you are relaxed and slow in your movements. While handling hold it over your head. Don't overstimulate. With other animals, tv etc. Give heads up before picking it up or entering the cage. Make sure it's okay with you being in the same room while in its cage. Try to avoid 'defensive mode'. Keep interactions positive. Leave a worn shirt in their cage so they get used to your smell. Eye contact can be seen as hostile behavior so trying to not look them in the eyes while interacting. Aproache the animal with hands palms faced down and make fist when they try to bite. Make sure the interaction is pleasurable for both of you. Make sure you know the difference between freeze ( defence state ) and relaxed in the thinking state. Start with petting the underside of the tail while holding it over your head. Do not restrict the animal. Interact regularly.

[@NimrodFowl]

OMFG! 11:56 Kevin's showing how to pull a Hiccup from How to Train your Dragon!!!

[@daemonember]

I'm pretty sure they talked to Kevin for that movie.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Just to be clear folks, I sat down with Clint and we started talking about this subject. It was all off the cuff and included some edits and maybe a bit of content removed. DOGS.... are basically domesticated wolves from long ago. They understand pack mentality, your family can be that pack. The dog need to know where it fits into that pack to belong and feel secure. If they dog let’s say wants to challenge its position with a child it may be a PROBLEM. If the dog feels ALPHA to someone on the household that may also be a problem. If people don’t understand this I think they are missing basic animal behavior 101. Let’s think of a wolf pack, a functioning pack’s members know their position and exist within the safety of the pack as they work together. At some point a Beta male may challenge the alpha male as an example to take over as an example. Thus can be violent and in a pack the pecking order is ruled by physical domination and fear of it. A sub male knows it can not push out a stronger animal in the pack so it knows it’s position of safety. Reptiles do not understand any of this and I was mentioning this as the way of winning these very different species is from two different worlds. We tend to place human needs and emotions on our domesticated ancestral wolves we share our lives with. This mistake in some cases can lead to problematic dogs that can be both unreliable, hard to train. Incredible anxiety, behavioral problems and more. If we try to treat a dog that wants to be more dominant as we would a child that can really send mixed messages and fail to reconcile the problem. Small dogs as cute as they are still have the genetic code to act in such manners. Dogs in some sense have the genetics to exist in functioning groups that work together. Got there to be order there MUST be an understanding of position. This entire point is better realized with larger dog breeds that can cause physical damage. If we allow the dog to freely overstep no and stirs and challenge its position and role we may create a problem one day. If you let your dog defend it’s food dish, bed, area without correction you likely miss the warning signs. Do we all know how many dog bites occur every year? Cosmetic dog bite surgery? Dogs being euthanized or rehomed dye to failures of the owner? Wolves work the bugs out in a pack by power, wits and DOMINATION.... if you don’t think this is correct I’ll stick with playing with bugs and reptiles!!!!! Kevin

[@wyattmilliken3320]

Alpha and beta wolves literally don't exist but go off

[@wyattmilliken3320]

Alpha and beta wolves literally don't exist but go off

[@MisterEcks]

@@wyattmilliken3320 Alpha and beta wolves literally don't exist but go off

[@StefanEnslin]

I learned so much with this, I need to start doing this with my flighty Northern White-lipped python, I was content with never being able to handle him, but you taught me something and gave me hope. thank you so much

[@thatsnotveryfresh]

@@wyattmilliken3320 while the terms alpha and beta are no longer scientific terms, the sentiment is still there. wolves live in a family hierarchy, with a breeding pair being the leaders/most dominant members in the pack. everybody else in the pack is below them, but there are more dominant members than others in even the remaining pack. betas, if you will. these wolves will establish and eventually challenge dominance.

[@Lycanlena]

Great topic! Thank you for the video. My tegu used to be scared of humans. I have watched a lot of Kevin's videos and his socialisation tips work. He truly understands animal behaviour. After just a few weeks my tegu started coming over to me, and now it wants to hang out all the time.

[@ZeFroz3n0ne907]

RIP Lilith! She was such a GORGEOUS cobra, I was floored when I first saw her in a video.

[@lenccal2145]

Thank you for this video. The "avert thy eyes" trick totally works! I have just tried it on my flighty timon lepidus. He's ok with climbing on my hand to take food, but he runs away afterwards. So, I've put my hand in the viv while facing away, and what do know? He half-climbed on it, propped his little head on my knuckles and got all comfy and ready to bask. 😊😊😍 I'm so excited! Thank you.

[@dakingataleedo]

My bearded dragon calmed down in literally less than 2 days. I lift him high and look away, cuz he’s always checking to see if I’m staring. Now that I think about it, imaging a giant lifting you up and looking dead at you😂 makes sense to be afraid

[@IrieRogue]

Indeed, Kevin hits the nail on the head. I have essentially learned the language of reptiles (and mammals), through closely studying their behavior and earning their trust. I've raised several babies from the wild that could no longer survive out there. They eventually grow to trust, and even love me! Kevin is incredible at what he does, I can only hope to be in a similar position by the time I reach his age 🤘

[@bconSound]

"It's a far simpler mind than what we understand." Very well said man

[@joshualandry3160]

This is an amazing video. When I was younger I got a rescue kitten who was almost a fully grown. He would not allow himself to be handled at all. I don't know why but I met him I just knew I he was my cat. When I got him home I started working with him and lived with him for over a month while he was in quarantine in my bed room. After figuring out lot of this out he calmed down and became very social with me but it took years before he was social with anyone else. He also refused to leave my bedroom for weeks after he was allowed out. He had trust issues and never really learned to be a cat but he was so sweet and relaxed. It is even more gratifying because the rescue place thought he was too anti-social to be adopted. I really do miss him.

[@GraceWhip]

What a lucky guy to be found by you! He got to totally be himself with no danger!

[@angelgreen3532]

I can't love this enough!! Clint, I hope you realize how enamored Kevin is with you. You two are absolutely wonderful together! Can't wait to see more collaboration videos. Have you considered doing a duo field herping session or 10?

[@ClintsReptiles]

I think we have the same fascination with reptiles. Going herping with Kevin would be a dream come true.

[@HuNoGerdDemmit]

what a fantastic intro into taming philosophy! taming is so important because theres nothing worse than having to bring an overly flighty or aggressive animal to the vet or just transporting said animal in general. it benefits the animal so much to trust or at least be neutral in the context of being handled.

[@SHENworks]

Beautiful, and Brilliant! Thank you so much Kevin and Clint! I've studied "calming signals," for mammals - mostly horses, dogs and cats like turning sideways, mouth movements and slow blinks. Absolutely fascinating to see similar and beyond applied to reptiles. Truly, as you said, a game changer. Thank you again.

[@JessSpade]

This video couldn’t have come out at a better time for me. I just got my first reptile last week, an Indonesian BTS, he’s wild caught and a bit skittish and moody and I’ve let him be for a bit but I don’t want to take too long to get him used to interaction. I know BTS have the potential to be some of the friendliest most interactive reptiles, which is why I got one and I just really want to win him over. I’ve work with dogs for years now, scared rescues and behavioral training and I honestly didn’t even think there would be parallel’s for winning over a reptile’s trust, turns out there is! So many of these techniques we actually use on defensive scared canines. Eye contact is a big no no when working with a defensive canine never give them your fingers unless you want to lose them, get them used to your scent, and get to or below their level, not above. It’s just learning to read a different creature’s body language for me at this point. This was super helpful and educational! I can’t wait to start.

[@happysquirrel9]

I’m trying to tame my northern rn so lemme know if you have any tips 😭

[@themrryan7596]

@@happysquirrel9 tips for taming a reptile are listed in the video above.

[@LostGirl1428]

@@happysquirrel9 update: long story short my phone broke and I couldn’t log into my other youtube channel through the app for whatever reason so Im using my photography youtube account now but whatever 😂 anywho. I’ve been working with her a lot and she seems to tolerate handling more than enjoying it. Still a work in progress. It was a slow build up. I started by petting her in her cage in short intervals eventually led up to holding her for shot periods of time, now I’m handling her 30 mins a day. I usually put her an her own blanket that she can borrow in to feel safer. She’s still a bit squirmy and huffs sometimes but i mean hey, she doesn’t pee or poo on me anymore while holding her so she’s definitely less stressed. I can’t really tell if she’s enjoying it or tolerates it, I think its the latter honestly. But we’ve made plenty if progress I’d say! So basically all i can really suggest from my experience is slowly working into it in small intervals till they seem comfortable then moving on. I honestly think I just have one Diva of a skink because she’ll huff at anything 🙄😂 she huffs at her fogger when it goes off, and she has ispods in her enclosure and when she finds one she looks at it and gives a little huff. I just installed s little water fountain i got online yesterday and she looked at me, looked at the water fountain and started huffing. Either shes a just a diva or a big baby. Either way she gets used to it, she loves when I move things around in her enclosure and adding new things after shes done huffing at it 😂

[@LostGirl1428]

@@happysquirrel9 also i started calling her a she although I’ll probably never know the sex but I’ve named her Bubbles and shes my diva sausage lizard now 😂

[@BriDia3]

​@LostGirl1428 how is it going now 3 years later

[@kyleblacq7694]

This video may have very well changed my life...with very little overstatement. I appreciate you guys beyond words. Please, please continue posting content. Humans need you.

[@Paula-sw2tt]

Kevin is the best! He is a true reptile whisperer. Clint you are awesome too.

[@avraelasgard]

Im overflowing with joy over here, for once because those monitors, and all of your animals, are so unbelievable awesome and adorable, and also because you said everything on how i see reptiles too, what i would do for an animal and more, and this video might help me the most out of all things for when i get a pet, honestly even if its not a reptile. I dont understand people who just keep animals to look at them, thats a part of the expirience and its great, but much more important for me is interacting with them and creating a bond, some people dont do that at all, especially with reptiles, because they think or have heard that theyre too stupid, arent social and cant understand emotions etc., which just isnt true. No ofc they cant express emotions like humans, mammals are much better at that, but theyre still much more intelligent and social then most people think. Probably more intelligent then those people themselves. Yes reptiles come to you for warmth... for literal and emotional warmth.

[@squirrellio1490]

it's good for people to know that reptiles have minds and opinions just like a dog or other common pets. most people including myself at one time think that reptiles don't have feelings or interactions, kind of like most insects. but this is completely untrue, and that's honestly super cool to me that these reptiles don't always want to hurt us as some animals do, some reptiles even like to be interacted with.

[@charlijames6698]

This is so good. I’ve picked bits up from watching nerd and other people handling and interacting with their animals, but that’s completely different to having it all together step by step. Going to be a game changer for sure. Also love that this shows there’s no such thing as bad animals, just bad owners

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

Man slow and steady like that is what i do to make bonds with most any skittish animal. I rescued a few guineas that had bad lifes lost one of them before i had a chance becauses of absesses they had before i got them. Died right in surgery with the vet but all the others i would just sit with my hand in the cage with food by me that i would hold near the hand. I would let them come up grab the food run off and after a bit of time they started to let me pick then up trim their nails and one i had to shave because no one ever brushed that poor long haired. Being calm helps animals pick up on calm. Sorry this video just got me thinking of all the diffrent animals i have had a pleasure to have in my life and help.

[@pastelclouds7939]

I really feel because of KZbin, more people are comfortable owning reptiles. It’s so awesome! Thank you for this awesome video Clint and I hope Kevin’s channel gains more subs!

[@ivywells2909]

Wonderful information. Fascinating how many principles are universal when socializing animals even though the techniques can be quite different. Thank you Kevin!

[@harrismerckle2771]

Ivy Wells how did u comment that early it was just uploaded

[@newtscamander7713]

@@harrismerckle2771 Patreon!!!

[@harrismerckle2771]

Oh

[@BoamanBoaenthusiast]

This is the most amazing video ever filmed. I've looked up to Kevin for the last four years.

[@ClintsReptiles]

I knobs of think you might be right. I learn something new each time I watch it.

[@BoamanBoaenthusiast]

@@ClintsReptiles I adore this video and those adorable water monitor hatchlings.

[@kieramalham978]

I've just found this channel and wow, I'm entranced. I don't think I've ever seen someone so passionate about what they do, it's truly admirable:)

[@ClintsReptiles]

I'm so glad you found us :)

[@lizroberts9023]

I really like how Kevin brought up the comparison almost of a domesticated dog. And the way he gains his animals trust and the respect he has. Every animal can have the mindset of all humans are bad. Like with abused animals they're scared, they've had bad interactions. But with time and effort you can show them you're okay and they can trust you. And you can do that with almost every animal. I love you're guys videos, I used to be very stand offish of reptiles but the more I learn, see and observe they have the same reaction I do. And that's okay, we both just want to be respected. It's really awesome. I've grown a love for hognoses and I would really love to get one one day 😁

[@JoanneHiratsukaPetersen]

Hognose snakes are awesome, not aggressive, will allow handling and hanging out with them. I hope you get one!

[@thememoryhole9355]

One of the things that I appreciate about Clint's channel and others like NERD's is that it has given me a far greater appreciation of reptiles. I love all animals and always appreciated the beauty. But my affection tended to focus mainly on intelligent animals. Years ago, I used to think most birds and reptiles were stupid .. although nice to look at. Over time I learned to appreciate how intelligent birds are .. and after I accepted that birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs and closely related to reptiles, I began to appreciate that reptiles are much more intelligent than I thought. Videos like these only increased my growing appreciation for these creatures intelligence. I used to see signs for reptile shows in Vegas all of the time. I never went. Unfortunately, I may have to wait awhile now before I can go to one. That is why I appreciate these channels so much.

[@thememoryhole9355]

Interesting .. humans also seem to stop thinking when we go into defensive mode. I have two cats and a dog, and used to have a fresh water tank. I find you can learn a lot about life in general by observing animal behavior. I love what you guys do! And you are very brave for handling some of those animals. Thank you for producing these videos, Clint.

[@thememoryhole9355]

One of the things I've learned, which both of you drive home .. is that you have to see things through the animals point of view. You have to empathize with them. Once I started doing that and making sure I met all of my pets needs .. it was like an unwritten contract was signed. All of my issues went away.

[@orng417]

Finally someone to get Kevin to sit down and talk everything socialisation and put it in one video

[@susanspeight148]

The things that Kevin has learned from his reptiles is nothing short of amazing!! Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@hamsters7760]

This is so moving. I don't understand what kind of monster downvotes Clint videos! So pure.

[@dpreston8831]

I absolutely love Kevin!!! He’s really intelligent and loves the animals he deals with!!! Best part of it is when he’s dealing with them his care is based on the animal over himself!

[@ClintsReptiles]

Totally agree!

[@mikel724]

I really love seeing Kevin in his element, teaching and loving his animals! His smile is so genuine when watching him work with these glorious reptiles. How awesome!!! I would love to be able to work with Kevin and watch him on a daily basis! How cool!!!

[@justmedavid2977]

All these tips are extremely helpful, thanks so much for tackling this subject!

[@ClintsReptiles]

There is no better source.

[@aureaphilos]

I've been using Kevin's techniques on a large female garter snake, which I discovered in my veggie garden last Sunday. She has a preferred area of wall where she likes to sun, so that's where I am building trust. With slow incremental steps, she will now allow me to sit 2 feet from her, while she relaxes and warms up; she keeps one eye in my direction, but she's not showing any stress. It's a great feeling, like having the chickadees eat from my hand. Thank you Kevin and Clint.

[@xxfiftygy4840]

Hello Clint, I'm a really big fan of the channel and this video today really got to me, because I have the same passion and understanding for these amazing animals as you and Kevin do. I'm 23 and been herping at lakes and forests, reading about reptiles, and searching about them since I'm 7 years old. Reptiles are way more intelligent than what humans give them credit for and Kevin is helping in proving that out. Keep up with the amazing content!

[@katelillo1932]

Congratulations on the new baby 😊💕 I loved this episode! I strongly believe socialization is important to the quality of life of your animal - it shouldn’t have to feel afraid every time you get close to it. When I was a kid, I went to an alligator park and they let the crowd pass around a ball python. That was the day I fell in love with ball pythons and knew I wanted one someday. When I got my own, I made a conscious effort to show her that she didn’t have to be afraid of being handled. Unlike the snake I met as a kid, which stayed curled in a tight, frightened ball, my Lucille Ball never balls up and has no problem letting me touch her nose and head. Even if the animal you keep is so docile that it isn’t likely to bite you when it’s scared, the animal deserves a life where it knows it isn’t in danger from its keeper 💚

[@rachelwakelin3811]

My juvenile BP has learned that when I put his feeding platform in his enclosure it means food. As soon as I put it in his enclosure he pops his head out and comes over and waits. It was like training a dog. He associated the platform with food. It's actually adorable and convenient. It has also made it easier for him to differentiate between feeding time and handling time.

[@jellybeansi]

That rotating trick is so neat. Desensitizing them to the fact they can't see you, and don't need to be afraid as a result.

[@cameronleeleatherworks254]

Kevin has invested so many years and so many millions of hrs. Dedicated to developing the techniques that he was describing to us.. He is an amazing asset to any reptile keeper and showing appreciation of his knowlege is important. I hope he knows just how much of a treasure he is to everyone in the community.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

That is a very kind comment and very much appreciated!!!! Living under a rock at times doesn’t allow me to always realize such things! K

[@chloewright1]

This guy has so much enthusiasm for his work, it's inspiring! I love to see people who genuinely care for animals ❤️

[@mastermarkus5307]

I'm not an experienced handler or anything, but having interacted with animals like horses and stray cats, I think that "act like they're not going to hurt you" is incredibly key to getting another animal to trust and work with you because panicking and/or being aggressive is likely just going to build up a similar feeling in that animal.

[@ItsMattF]

This video is so important! Thank you for making the effort to get the information about animals out. I truly believe that we can all have fantastic relationships with animals. People are always shocked when someone who shows animals respect and most importantly knows what they're doing, gets a good reaction out of a "problem" or "difficult" animal. I've adopted pets from people who insisted the animal was too difficult (temperament wise) to care for. The most prominent example is my hedgehog, Harriet. She came from a home where her owner was fearful of handling her and didn't clean her cage enough. Harriet became comfortable with me after A LOT of work but still doesn't "love" handling and really doesn't like other people. All animals just need love and understanding to be happy. We become their whole world when we adopt them and therefore owe them the best we can give.

[@mybubbles5552]

I loved this video. I don’t have reptiles but I help rehabilitate cats. I use some similar techniques. The biggest thing is to actually care about/respect the creature you’re working with in my opinion. They can tell.

[@MeowZer_ing]

Me too!

[@BirboBirbums]

Bless Kevin. This is how you do it. It's all about learning how to speak their language, and how to work with and around it.

[@patrickbourne3819]

That mangrove snake is just beautiful!

[@slickmullet3891]

Fantastic! It is always such a treat to hear from you and Kevin both in the same video! Thank you both so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us over the years. You guys truly are making a difference in the lives of reptiles and reptile owners. After practicing these types of tips that I’ve seen in several other videos of yours, my adopted Savannah monitor has gone from an absolute DEMON to a completely new animal! When I first adopted my Savannah monitor, you couldn’t even enter the room of his enclosure without him hissing, tail whipping, and darting under his hide, much less even consider interacting with him without several harsh tail whips and a nasty bite! But after about 6 months of patient “thread building” with some of the techniques like you talked about, Kevin, my Savannah monitor and I have ROPES and ROPES of trust and he actually does seek out interaction with me on a regular basis! Almost every day he will tripod up against the window in his enclosure and wait for me to slide the door open so he can climb out onto my arm for some interaction! He has gone from an absolute demon who was impossible to safely handle to now being one of the most inquisitive, hilarious, and fun to handle creatures (despite his painfully scratchy claws) I have ever had the pleasure of owning! I dare say that he is approaching the level of “puppy dog tame” that you see in a lot of extremely tame Asian Water Monitors! Anyway, thanks again for the videos, guys. You are doing amazing work!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Wow I LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear this!!!!!! Thank you !!!!!! K

[@newtscamander7713]

Hi Clint, this video is unlisted in a few playlists, so I'm here a bit early. : ) Now I can like the video before it's even uploaded!

[@ClintsReptiles]

Very sneaky

[@loriw2661]

A week and a half ago I got my first reptile, a Ball Python. He’s beautiful and I want positive interactions with him so I started right away, using Kevin’s methods. So far, it’s working wonderfully. I know Ball Pythons aren’t like monitors or dwarf caymans but this method can still be utilized on “less threatening” animals. It builds their confidence and mine! I’m really looking forward to the relationship that my snake and I will build. So cool!!! 🐍❤️🐍

[@sanguinepunk]

Scenting helps! Thank you for talking about it. My family has been putting newborn blankets in with our dogs for at least three generations. And reptiles are so keen. I have a ball python who watches television and a 7’ boa who gets VERY fussy if my husband doesn’t walk her around the neighborhood every day. 😂

[@KatanaDen]

I gotta know, how do you walk a snake?

[@sanguinepunk]

@@KatanaDen You put her on your shoulders and walk? lol. She loves to be outside. She likes to smell pine trees.

[@KatanaDen]

@@sanguinepunk Okay I was picturing a giant snake just following someone around the block or on a leash or something and was just thinking "Wait leashes can't work like that... So would that mean it just freely follows? That's one obedient snake if it doesn't wander..." This makes WAY more sense.

[@Edna2u]

I love what you said about the dogs at the end. When I got a pit bull as a young adult I made sure I understood the breed. As far as my dog was concerned I was Alfa. I never had problems with him. He never bit anyone. I did have to ask a person to leave once because my dog disliked him.(The guy was on drugs) I had a wonderful 15yrs with Thor. I miss him. He passed away 8yrs ago. I have not gotten another dog since his passing.

[@sakshamsingh2209]

I just realized that the descriptions said: “This MasterClass is a game changer.”

[@Ibaneddie76]

I really dig when Clint and Kevin do videos together, they are both well educated but in different ways so they completely compliment each other.

[@molnaralexandru3485]

This was so great!! I was already familiar with what's being said in the video, just because of how much I interact with other keepers and also because I view Kevin's videos as well. But ever since you said you were going to make a video with Kevin about this subject I was so excited, because our community is in desperate need of content like this. I really can't thank you and Kevin enough! I hope you all the best!!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Thank you very much! K

[@jonflannery8984]

Kevin And Clint in another great collaboration. Thanks to both of you guys for sharing your love of the hobby with all of us.

[@newtscamander7713]

I haven't seen the video yet, but I'm gonna say right now that it was one of the best. Future Me: It really was!

[@ClintsReptiles]

Was it?

[@newtscamander7713]

@@ClintsReptiles I shall know in about 20 minutes

[@jstomprud5]

This video is absolutely amazing. I am a cattle rancher and I can tell you that Kevin's approach to reptile handling is nearly identical to low stress cattling handling. I interact with over 600 angus cattle on a daily basis and am passionate about handling the animals in ways that work with their natural behaviors. I also have a collection of around 30 snakes including Prairie Rattlers, bull snakes, yellow bellied racers, and Garter snakes. All are wild caught on my ranch and , with the exception of the rattlers, were very easy to socialize regardless of age and size. I agree with Clint that this video is a game changer. I only wish more people could experience and apply the wisdom shared here. God Bless you all.

[@SeneliaStein5632]

Last year I found a wild aesculapian snake and picked it up, a little too quick for it so it bit me twice. I didn't react at all, it wasn't a painful bite anyway, despite it being a big snake, probably around 4 feet long, and then I started handling it gently, just letting it move freely in my hands, and within a few minutes the snake was perfectly fine with me holding and touching it. No more defensive behaviour (no hissing, no opening of the mouth, not trying to get away from me...), it became curious very quickly, with slow tongue flicks, exploring without any hurry... I was surprised on how relaxed this snake was, to be honest, just sitting in my hand like that... I tried to made it bite me to show people what not to do to a snake, making big, sudden movements around its face, poking it, touching its nose with my palm... but it didn't mind me moving around at all. I could touch it anywhere I wanted without restricting it, and even let people that never touched a snake in their life hold it, and no problem at all. I knew it won't bite or loose its mind. When I released it, it got away nicely too. Very good experience

[@ibic2441]

This is way to underated for the amount of knowledge and effort in this comment Thank you for sharing!

[@olyvia1380]

lucky. do you know what it was?

[@SeneliaStein5632]

@@olyvia1380 A male Aesculapian snake :)

[@calvinwon5113]

This is awesome! People underestimate the importance of building trust with the animals you own. Because it becomes less stressful for you AND the animal. A defensive animal is less likely to be allowed to explore any environment outside of their prison cell. And it becomes such a sad situation. All through my childhood and into adult life, I love nothing more than to interact with beautiful and interesting animals. Lizards were a huge part of my childhood. Currently, I have a beautiful juvenile carpet python that I’m working with. Daily handling. And each time I interact with him, I fall more in love with him!

[@madmakerreptile8294]

What a great video! I'm so grateful you both are sharing your skill and knowledge. Perfect timing too. I can't wait to start making threads with my new baby Sailfin Dragons. I needed this! Thanks guys 👊

[@ogsylvari4723]

Im currently using this with a negleted and scared lace monitor I picked up , the improvements she is having are astonishing, I honestly can't thank you enough... from scared and flighty to climbing down her enclosure to explore and look out the windows and walking around us with no fear .. we still have alot of work to do but I'm proud of her, thank you again.

[@KaitlinSdorsey]

PREMIUM 👏 CONTENT 👏. Clint I love the perspective your video concepts come from. You make content to really learn from instead of content to oogle at (though the animals you feature are also oogle-worthy)❤️

[@bobsteckenreiner3415]

Many many thanks for the "Dont stare down your lizard!" pro tip! That never crossed my mind before...

[@DaveLeoBaker]

I'm curious about nonvisual interactions. I'm a totally blind musician with a crested gecko in my studio. Got him about 4 months ago now. I've never picked him up except to put him in the enclosure. I got the Gecko kit from Pangea, so his enclosure has tons of branches and leaves to hide in. I always talk to him and tell him before I open the door, tell him what's gonna happen -- "it's gonna rain" when I am about to mist his cage. I deliberately had a hands-off approach for a long time because he'd just been shipped. But he just stays hidden no matter what. We hear him in the night, just a bump or two, or sometimes I hear a little squeak from him. Quite different from when I kept birds. I was hoping he'd be a bit more vocal, I know geckos have voices. But what I don't do is go reaching and shuffling around in his leaves trying to find him. I know that would scare him. I only change the paper towels in the morning, and just like I used to with my birds, I tell him before it happens so hopefully doesn't get scared. But except for the occasional squeak and bump, or the little poops on the paper towel, hes quite the introvert. It might be nice for him to come to my hand to investigae.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Ohhhhhh this one I need to think on and give a decent response...... CLINT???? Thoughts???

[@Kazeteiru]

Perhaps you could try feeding with tongs? Depending on how bold he is it could be a good way to interact with him.

[@DoctorNemmo]

Geckos are usually nice. I used to capture them as a kid, they never bit me or anything. So I'd suggest keeping your hands in the enclosure until it decides to investigate you. (You'll need some help to make sure it doesn't run away ! )

[@MeetJackBlack]

- Most definitely a game changer. To say nothing of the amazing customer service that New England Reptile offers. Had a chance to deal with their staff lately and I was blown away. Really admire Kevin for what he's built and shared with the animal community. He's quite opposite of a monster, in my experience!

[@mikeyok6976]

i have got to do this with my crested gecko, when i was younger my father always told me that i can't hold it and it will bite me, just because it's his personality and he doesn't like people, and now i have actually began to hand feed him and he's not as afraid of my hands anymore, but this video should definitely help! :)

[@Silas237]

This couldn't have come at a better time. Thankyou Clint and Kevin

[@ashnohomo]

Oh hi there! I love your channel so much!😍 I have seen almost all of your interesting and amazing videos! I want to get a bearded dragon and you helped me a lot! You are just THE BEST reptile KZbinr in the world! From you I learned the fascinating world of the reptiles! Love from Greece!!!❤️🐍🦎

[@ClintsReptiles]

That makes me so happy. You're going to love that dragon so much!

[@ashnohomo]

@@ClintsReptiles OMG you replied!😱 I didn't expect that! Thank you so much! I have done A LOT of research! I was between bearded dragon, blue tongue skink and leopard gecko. I don't know yet which reptile is better for me. Do you have any suggestions?🦎

[@ClintsReptiles]

All of those are amazing.

[@turtlejeepjen314]

came here from NERD, stay here more for Clint!🙂🙂

[@P_steez]

Clint hangs out with Kevin for a few days and suddenly looks unhinged😂

[@AgentPedestrian]

I think taking the advice of veterans is always a good idea as it saves you having to gamble the animals trust in you on trial and error for a conclusion that this expert came to years ago. I have a particular fondess for breaking people's perceptions that cats are aloof or genuinely nefarious by giving some helpful pointers and some info on basic body language and then watching the positive interactions start.

[@bluewaternebula652]

living in Florida, I would love to see an in depth video on gator behavior. There are two wild juveniles that live at the lakes around my apartment complex and they're dangerously comfortable around humans. I'm extra careful when I walk my dog and I keep my distance but I see how other people try to interact with it. It's a recipe for future disaster.

[@keithpayne9776]

Honestly the best thing to do is find a service that will humanely remove and relocate them. If they are already getting used to people its a very slippery slope that leads to someone getting hurt and a dead gator

[@zacg_]

Unfortunately, once a wild crocodilian is comfortable around people it should be removed. The issue is that even if you personally learned how to interact with it safely (which is not likely for the vast majority of people) it still would end up interacting with other people who aren't familiar with their behavior and don't understand what the safe boundaries are. And it's not like learning more about its behavior will help you determine when the animal is behaving dangerously around other people. If the animal is interacting with you or anyone else then it is already an unsafe situation. Alligators are extremely cool but very few people can safely keep them on their private property and no wild alligator can safely interact with normal pedestrians if it has lost its fear of humans.

[@mattslev]

Keith Payne - In the state of Florida, by law any alligator over two feet in length that is reported is designated a “nuisance animal” and it is then captured and euthanized by a contracted trapper who harvests the animal for its meat, hide and body parts that can be sold as trinkets. I learned this the hard way, thinking the alligator living in a small pond in my condo complex would be relocated to better habitat. When I asked the trapper where he would release the alligator, I found out the truth. The state does not relocate them unless they are under two feet in length. I felt terrible for getting it killed because it had never acted aggressively.

[@EarthWalkerOne]

Anyone who's ever seen Kevin interact with animals knows that he loves them. You don't get well socialized animals without that level of care and respect.

[@jpjacobs436]

hell yeah, dude plays guitar wearing an obituary hat. friggin love it; bet you're in FL too, my metalhead brother \m/

[@gauchegreyhound]

So much of this advice is also what you'd do in dog training - building on small success & having a positive experience is so important. The parts about averting your eyes & giving them your smell apply heavily with unsocialized/abused dogs, too! Plus, keeping them in a calm environment... some people call it "trigger stacking" with dogs, where small stressors can build up one by one to push a dog over its bite threshold. I've never seen it applied to reptiles before - this is amazing!

[@hadrosaur-harley9623]

I'm so bummed that it's so hard to find good quality monitor lizards in England . All I want in the future is an awm that is well socialised , healthy and just overall amazing . But you just cant get that here in england , most breeders here (out of the very very very few) have bad quality animals that are never socialised and aggressive

[@lmk3182]

Yep definitely mate I’m in Kent , finding someone that captive breeds most kind of lizards, let alone monitors is a miracle here. Even then, not sure if it’s everywhere in England but any breeders near me don’t bother sexing, breeding morph lines or even bother giving anything more than the minimum. I haven’t ever come across a captive breeder near me that has any animal socialized, tamed down or routinely worked with. Here they just find suitable breeding couple of whatever reptile , mainly iguanas, beardies, leopard geckos, corn snakes and many more with no real inspections just sell of every clutch to local pet stores for £10-20 each!not like pet smart or whatever these stores normally are not greedy and provide nice individual tanks)but because of the price the buy for and bs breeders tell them, they have nice setups but iguanas and chameleons that have no human experience for £20!? Seen a 4ft young boa for 100 down to £30 there and they said they just needed someone to buy it it’s getting to big their breeder said it would sell quick. England are way behind in the reptile game

[@hadrosaur-harley9623]

@@lmk3182 yeah . While there are definitly good breeders here , hell I could call them great , they are only ever for basic reptiles . Unless you want a beardie , leopard , corn or ball your basically stuck in England. You can get really good breeders of exotic reptiles here like philipniceguy but because their animals are so hard to find they are hone in a day of being put up for sale . Unless you happen to find the breeder the day they set up their socialised babies your chances of getting one are pretty much 0

[@jeanneh9742]

Harley Smith not sure you guys are seeing 100% of the point of this video. After you get a reptile from a less than stellar breeder the rest is up to you. Follow this tutorIal and create a pet who trusts you and can lead a life NOT filled with fear. Do you think these monitors were this calm before Kevin worked his magic with them?

[@LoriTorrini]

Nice to see relationship building being promoted here. More people need to be doing this. We have strict polices here at our animal sanctuary and adhere to LIMA (least intrusive minimally aversive) standards of handling and husbandry. We train cooperate behaviors and allow the animals choice and control over their own outcomes. This is not only for our mammals but our snakes too. Our snakes all go through training and gradual desensitization to life here. Thanks for this one!

[@bobbiscrittercave2348]

That albino mangrove is almost as gorgeous as Lilith!

[@siriusgd4753]

My gawd! This is the BEST video about keeping and handling "pet" animals that I have ever seen! Too often sellers and owners alike do not understand their animals.

[@mattr2238]

The whole modes thing is true for people. Sometimes I say: "we can't talk until you decide to change from angry mode to thinking mode".

[@KarlAndArma4ever]

I more apply that line of thinking to myself than others, like when I know I'm too heated to think straight, I'll either ask as politely as I can if I can take a moment to cool down, or outright state that I need time and try to remove myself from the situation. When it comes to other people, I'll apologize for whatever behavior of mine I think set them off and offer them time to settle down before resuming whatever it was we were doing.

[@mattr2238]

@@KarlAndArma4ever I should do that too.

[@onlyjuan100]

Kevin is amazing and what makes him so amazing is his so humble

[@dantealexander9863]

Kevin is secretly a Komodo dragon, that's the reason reptiles respect him lol

[@vanburnburn]

This is one of the best videos on exotic pets period. Kevin really knows his stuff. He's like a walking animal encyclopedia.

[@chaosmorris5865]

Could you do some videos on the different Spiny Tailed Iguanas? A lot of them seem like significantly better pets than most other iguanas but I want to hear your opinion.

[@mraBJJ33]

The most amazing thing about the techniques kevin uses, is that he discovered them over many years of trial and error. He didn't come into owning reptiles with this information, he spent so much time observing and learning how these reptiles brains operate. He mentions getting the reptile into thinking mode to gain some positive ground with their socialization, I would argue that its equally important for the human to get themselves into thinking mode when formulating the best way to interact with a certain animal.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Haaa haaaa and this video may help get us into thinking mode!!! K

[@chefrarestones1960]

Kevin is the greatest !!! Two questions he didn’t touch on or I missed. One, if you put hand in and the animal goes crazy do you stop and try later or do you keep the hand there and wait for it to calm so it’s a better thread? Also if you get bit what is the best way to deal with it? End the inter action or continue? Thanks 😊

[@NewEnglandReptile]

A shirt with your smell. Hand in look away and try to get in and out without freaking out and a few tongue flicks. That is actually a thread if you can let the animal assess what you are and still not freak out to start! K

[@mk_cichlids]

All great info here! I've felt this way for years in the hobby. I've always been able to tame my more aggressive snakes by free handling them. People in my local pet stores always wanted to manhandle them. No reptile wants its head restrained, ever. And the smell tip is great also, most people will automatically do this with dogs they dont know. Let it smell you first. It only makes sense that this would work with other intelligent animals. Great vid guys!