I'd say you've got a good start on socializing him.

It just takes a LOT of patience to work at training reptiles. And they never truly tame.

You just have to keep at it and be consistent. He'll respond as he knows what to expect more fully. Right now he's on his way. He already knows that you won't bother him unless you're coming into the cage. The first step's been taken.

But, like was said before, you have to always establish that you are the dominant creature in the room. Otherwise he'll learn he can intimidate you, and you'll never get him to handle easily.

__________________
"Let's eat, Grandpa!"
"Let's eat Grandpa!"

Punctuation. It saves lives.

Sorry but I believe its kind of backwards thinking for the most part to try to dominate monitors. You actually want them in my experience to think they are the boss. That's when they stop being afraid of you. If you try to be dominate over them they will always be afraid. Doing things on their terms, giving them security that's usually the better way to go.

__________________
Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

That's interesting.

You'd probably know better than I do, as I don't have a monitor (yet. I want one! ). I was applying principles for "taming" other reptiles.

So monitors react differently?

With, say, an iguana, you have to make sure that he knows that he can't do what he likes, or he'll walk all over you and become even more aggressive.

A monitor responds the opposite way? Less aggressive the more they feel they are in control?

__________________
"Let's eat, Grandpa!"
"Let's eat Grandpa!"

Punctuation. It saves lives.

I'm just saying what has worked for me. Monitors especially Savs can have very different attitudes. I found that the biggest factor for monitors is that they feel secure.

__________________
Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

I'm just taking notes on everything. That's good information.

Although, I should probably clarify that when I say "be the dominant one" I don't mean beat the poor little guy up or anything. I mean not responding to the animal's threatening behavior by backing off and giving them their own way. My experience with other reptiles is that encourages them to act more aggressive towards you.

I find the differences between each animal fascinating.

__________________
"Let's eat, Grandpa!"
"Let's eat Grandpa!"

Punctuation. It saves lives.

If a monitor is showing threatening behavior it could be because he doesn't have somewhere to retreat to where he feels safe. A monitors first instinct to to run for shelter. For example if you constantly turn over his hide to dig him out, it never becomes a secure place. It's also very stressful for them.

__________________
Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

My sav doesn't run from me. He is in a spare bedroom along with my veiled cham and my Jungle carpet.(They can't see each other) When I enter the room, he starts jumping up and down on the glass! He has his own "Feed Me" dance! LOL

__________________
Git'er Done!