whats the best way to build trust?

[robb4565]

I have had different types of snakes for years now both aggressive and docile and i have decided it was time to get back into lizards. i went out and bought a argentine black and white tegu. now this is not my first time owning lizards so i have an idea of what im doing, no expert tho. my problem is the tegu stays under the substrate most of the time when i am home and while im at work those are the hours he is out. so how can i build trust with him when i dont see him. i dont want to take him out of his hide but if i dont there will be no interaction what so ever. i dont want to force handle him either. i have tried holding out food and having him climb on my hand as a start but everytime i put my hand in the cage he puffs up and i get a few good smacks with the tail. if anyone has any suggestions i would really appreciate the advice. i know it takes alot of patients to build trust.

[reptiledude987]

One thing I heard when trying to do the same thing with my nile monitor was to puy a dirty t shirt in the enclosure so that the animal gets used to your scent. It didnt calm my grumpy nile down but may be worth a shot. Aside from that I was thinking hand feeding as well but dosent sound like hes taking to that very well. not sure what else to suggest.

[jjhill001]

These lizards can get big and a big aggressive lizard is no fun. If it were me I'd pick it up and show it I'm no harm.