I know that iguanas are not trained, they train us, but I am trying to make a compromise with Dizzy to keep him from jumping on places where he is not welcome. (I.E. The dvd rack, Phil's computer, the bunches of cords behind the TV, The kitchen counter)
So here is my dilemma, positive or negative reinforcement, or both?
If I tell him "No." and he doesn't jump does he get a treat, or if I tell him "No" and he still jumps should he be punished by being locked back up?
Should I do both?
A lot of the time if I yell at him when I can tell he's thinking of jumping or climbing something he wont, but I want to cement the habit. It's all I ask of him, well this, and that he stay potty trained.
What have you done, and what has worked with you?

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Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

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positive. no matter what. I don't care if its a dog, cat, husband or ig.

Think about it, training is work to him, you don't work for free, why would he?

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I have never used positive with a cat, negative all the way.

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Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

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I use it when its something I really need them to do. Like sit still for nail cuttings. They get their nails cut, then they get treats. If Sam is out on the deck and comes in when called, he gets treats.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Ahhh, you see, I just yell at the cats when they misbehave, and they have always sat for nail trims because they have been cut weekly since they were kittens. It's just part of life.
As far as coming when called they just do that too, I never had to reinforce that behavior.
They do get a treat after taking a pill though.

I'm just wondering if an iguana is going to understand the method we choose.

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

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I think that maybe a little of both would work. If you tell him no and he listens, give him the treat. If you tell him no, put him in "time out" for a few minutes. I wouldn't just leave him there unless say after 5 or 6 times in a row he keeps doing the same thing over again. But if you only leave him in there for a few minutes before you give him the chance to try again, maybe there is more of a chance that he would remember what you are trying to teach him. (how is the re-potty training going btw?)

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No problems recently with the potty training, but he's got to eat in order to poop and he's eaten about a days worth of food over the last 4 days. He's still adjusting and he's going into season so he only has one thing on his mind.

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

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Even though I never had an IG ...I always use positive reinforcement and a time out if necessary BTW...what is the intelligence on an IG? Sorry for spelling just woke up lol are they as smart as a dog? cat?

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Just because you have an animal that isnt dead doesnt mean you know how to take care of it

Iguanas are VERY smart, but almost too smart, they are stubborn as all get out. Keep in mind intelligence isn't willingness to comply, but ability to reason.

You can try diversion training, that usually works for most reptiles, I have seen vinegar used, it is neither positive nor negative, it is just repulsive to them. I put vinegar on a paper towel and set the paper towel where I don't want him to go, or wipe the floor of the space with vinegar. One tongue flick onto that and he generally is content that the area he wanted to go is less than inviting. To get him to get a sour taste I encouraged him to explore and watched him over several days to see where he wanted to go that I would not approve of and then after days of picking him up and moving him away I started with vinegar.

All you have to do is bottle neck the iguana and get him to head where you don't want him. After days of you stopping him (and if he is anything like Ira) he will know you don't want him there and will try to slyly sneak into that spot, but... he will do so slowly tasting everything and you will be amazed at how quick they will retreat after a nice bitter taste. If don't use the diversion sprays, I have seen places recommend using parrot repellent spray, but it is green apple flavored and my ig liked it, I caught him licking it off the floor and the door frame of the parrot room.

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“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ (I found it!) but ‘That’s funny…'"
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TKE:TT:118

I don't think vinegar will work for 2 reasons, the smell repulses the boyfriend and the iguana has always loved bitter acidy things, he'd kill for a lemon wedge. Darn the dysfunction.

He's generally pretty good when I tell him no, I just wish I didn't have to keep an eye on him like a hawk.

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos