Yes, ig's respond to positive reinforcement...(more)

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Posted by Diana on October 03, 2001 at 04:00:49:

In Reply to: Positive reinforcement posted by Nick on October 02, 2001 at 11:07:48:

: Does positive reinforcement work for iguanas? Does anyone have any recommendations for this? What treats are good to offer? Thanks.

HI Nick,
I do believe that positive reinforcement works even in iguanas. We have used it to train Bobbit to go to the bathroom in his poop bin. Each time he goes in the bin, weimmediately put him outside in his lush new outdoor cage which he just loves to be in. But when he goes on the carpet, (ich!) we give him a bath (which he just hates) and we don't put him in the cage for a while. Now he almost always goes in his bin--he even looks up at us when he's done as if to say, "okay--I've done my part, now put me outside!" I think that igs are a lot smarter than we think they are.

As far as what makes a good treat to use in training, mine both LOVE blueberries! They just go crazy for them. Same goes for bananas, but they're not that great for them and should be fed sparingly. I must admit, that mine probably get a bit of 'nana too often...I'm a sucker for a begging ig. But in all seriousness, banana should be an occasional treat and not fed as a staple. But I think bananas are the best as far as a reward goes. Habib (my female) will actually stand on two legs and beg for a bite if I'm eating one!

Hope this helps!
Diana

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: : Does positive reinforcement work for iguanas? Does anyone have any recommendations for this? What treats are good to offer? Thanks. : HI Nick, : I do believe that positive reinforcement works even in iguanas. We have used it to train Bobbit to go to the bathroom in his poop bin. Each time he goes in the bin, weimmediately put him outside in his lush new outdoor cage which he just loves to be in. But when he goes on the carpet, (ich!) we give him a bath (which he just hates) and we don't put him in the cage for a while. Now he almost always goes in his bin--he even looks up at us when he's done as if to say, "okay--I've done my part, now put me outside!" I think that igs are a lot smarter than we think they are. : As far as what makes a good treat to use in training, mine both LOVE blueberries! They just go crazy for them. Same goes for bananas, but they're not that great for them and should be fed sparingly. I must admit, that mine probably get a bit of 'nana too often...I'm a sucker for a begging ig. But in all seriousness, banana should be an occasional treat and not fed as a staple. But I think bananas are the best as far as a reward goes. Habib (my female) will actually stand on two legs and beg for a bite if I'm eating one! : Hope this helps! : Diana

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