crossfire79

My black rough neck is almost 3 years old, and a bit after I built him his new enclosure I sorta stop handling him for like a month or two, and now he is scared of me again, and when I get him out he tries harder than ever to get away from me. He has also reached maturity. Can anyone please give me some tips on how to get him used to me again so I can pick him up without him wanting to get away form me/hissing/afraid?

I also need some advice on how to better socialize with both the BRN and my Argus monitor, because I don't think my technique of removing them from their cage then making them sit with me on the couch is the best method. Even my Argus monitor is still kinda afraid of me (who i had been working with alot latley).

Is keeping them completely covered with a towel or blanket until they settle down a good way to start a handling session if they are acting real flighty?

The Argus monitor is more tolerant of me not allowing him to run away, and holding him to keep him from running away for most of the sessions. Either by placing two fingers in front of his front legs, or by holding his torso in my palm, until just the weight of my hand on his back is enough to keep him in place. But the black rough neck won't stand for that, if you try to restrict his movement he gets frustrated/scared/mad. He will increasingly get mad and fight against you until you left go, or stop using your hand to block his path. The only way I have been able to work with him in the past is by using my hands and arms as a treadmill until he tired out.

What about when they are tired, is it better to pick them up and handling them then? When I get home from my 2nd shift job, I;ll sometimes get one out and sleep with them on the couch for a few hours until their lights come on? They go to sleep also after a lil bit and calm down from being awoken/removed from their enclosure.

Or do i have to slow it way down, back up to what I was doing when I first got them home, and get them to let me pet them in their cage first, then slowly work on letting me pick them up in their cage, and slowly work on moving them to the spot in the living room where I want to handle them??

Before they get too big I want to get them to the point that I don't want them to have a fight/flight reaction to me, and would like to take them with me to the pet store sometimes, or chill with on the couch. I understand that each monitor species has its own unique temperament, and may never been cuddle buddies.

The Argus monitor is allowed to roam while I am at home, and I'm starting to let the BRN do the same. This is creating a lot more interaction and closer content between me and them. I can walk past my Argus monitor now without him even taking notice of me, and the BRN is quiet like a ninja so I am able to nap while he is out. I put a basking spot on the living room floor, have everything blocked off that needs to be with fun noodles, and neither one has yet to attempt to ingest anything they come in contact with. After things have been quiet for awhile, I'll check to see if that are too cold and stuck somewhere, then show them basking spot or put them back.
Is it helping to let them walk around freely at home? Do I need to take more time to try to pet them or get close to them while they are out walking about?

Thank You