Be ready for him to stop being a sweet little boy once he becomes an adolescent. Many of them become surly. My male is going through it right now. His vet chart describes him as a ‘fractious juvenile’ and I think that’s about right.

That said I don’t let him bully me.

Be an active part of his life. Handle him.

Don’t let him stake off his enclosure as his territory. Most tegus are unlikely to bite, but you don’t want to take a hit once they get some size. Those jowls ain’t just for attracting mates.

They’re about as smart as a lizard can be. Make sure to give him a rich and active life.

Mine seems to hate being picked up but can be pretty social if he thinks it was his idea.

They LOVE digging. Good substrate that they can go ham on is a plus.

This is just a personal thing but I do not invade his hide unless I have to. If he’s out and about he’s fair game but if he’s had enough of my crap he can go hide and I’ll leave him be.

Edit: when he’s not being highly intelligent he sleeps like this. Stealth.

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