Yesterday as I was handling Lucy(my leo) and she’s still pretty flighty as to be expected, but because of this I had a thought. How do I make handling a positive experience for my leo. Now of course I know every leo is different some love handling others hate it, if at the end of the day she hates it that’s disappointing but I wouldn’t have gotten her if I didn’t want to take the risk. But anyways it just seems like at the moment she tolerates being around me and handled rather than enjoys it. So I was just wondering how do I make handling a positive experience for her. How do I make her excited to see me. If possible my goal is just to have her enjoy handling rather than it just being a mah sort of thing. So if anyone has any suggestions on making her experience as well as mine better please, I’m open to suggestions and tricks. Thanks guys. Also if this doesn’t make sense sorry just ask me I’ll gladly clarify.
Unfortunealtey, I don't think that Leos show "love" towards their owners. They are fairly primitive and their minds only tell them to eat and to not get eaten. However, they can recognize smell using the Jacobson Organ, where they can recognize you by "licking" you w/ their tongue.
My Leo is always looking for a place to hide when I handle him, and if I try to pick him up he gets really fast and he is flighty like yours is. I usually take him out on my bed. Sometimes I'll wear a sweatshirt with the pocket in the middle and lead him in there, or I'll just cover him with my body and he will lay down. By that I mean put my arm over him so he feels safe, and then he is not skiddish (until I remove my arm). I haven't had my gecko for too long (5 mo. now) and I think that with a lot of time the flighty geckos will break out of their shell and get more comfortable around you.
Also, if you're still nervous when you hold your gecko (feeling like she will run away or fall, etc.) do not let anyone else handle her. I had a young cousin who was about 5 and telling me he'd be careful with my Leo and he was not at all and I feel like Alan (my Leo) got stressed out a little bit. When she's ready to be held by other people, only let people handle that YOU feel are responsible and careful, and therefore she will have no fear against people eventually (at least thats what I think) and kind of just tolerate them.
Overall, it will be a positive experience if she feels safe around you and comfortable.
Hope I could help!
