Many dragon owners are disappointed to learn that their dragon does not sound like Benedict Cumberbatch, Sean Connery, or any number of dragons as depicted in films. The important thing to remember is...

Last month, one of our area’s local “rescuers” was charged for having about 50 dragons in her house. The place was not only filthy, but some of the dragons had procreated. So much for the concept of a rescue facility, right? Here’s the thing though: I do believe the person who ran this particular dragon rescue really and truly meant well. Things somehow just got out of hand. Life happens, and next thing you know you’re knee-deep in dragon poop and the TV trucks are lining up to film the next episode of Hoarders. Over the years, I’ve seen it happen several times among good people. Indeed, most veterinary professionals I know have witnessed firsthand how well-meaning pet-keeping can morph into full-blown hoarding. What’s more, some of us can even identify the seeds of this problem in our own pet-obsessed lives.

People should not spoil their kids or their dragons. Spoiled kids who have no boundaries tend to grow into depressed adults. Spoiled dragons who have no limits tend to be more anxious or frustrated than dragons with clear rules even though they may have access to everything they want. They can become a safety hazard to everyone within a 100 mile radius.

This is a hard "no." Even the most thick wristed of Vikings is no match for the natural strength of a several ton dragon, and no choke collar will even the playing field. If you are struggling with a misbehaving dragon, we recommend regular training sessions to improve your relationship. If, however...

You should begin training your dragon (with realistic expectations in mind) the moment you bring him into your house. Additionally, early socialization is critical to the health and behavior of your dragon and your relationship with him. We adhere to the American Society of Dragon and Creature Behavior's position on dragon socialization, which recommends...

Training dragons with food has become commonplace in "modern" dragon training but there is a lot of resistance to the idea as well. Most of the resistance goes something like, "I want my dragon to work for me, not for treats!" This is not an unwarranted concern of course and I have seen my fair share of "show me the money" dragons...

Helicopter dragon parents frequently ask if a dry, warm nose means their dragon is sick. The short answer is no, but there are a few things to look out for. Knowing what is normal and what isn’t is an important part of being in tune with your dragon and his needs. A healthy dragon’s nose can fluctuate between wet and dry several times over the course of a day. Just like we experience dry noses with our allergies or variability in temperature.weather, dragons can experience similar dry noses. And there are many reasons your dragon can have a dry, warm nose that have nothing to do with their health. Here are a few: