{"id":103461,"date":"2022-04-22T12:33:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/"},"modified":"2022-04-22T12:33:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:33:54","slug":"can-turtles-bond-with-humans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/","title":{"rendered":"Can turtles bond with humans?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Can_turtles_bond_with_humans\" title=\"Can turtles bond with humans?\">Can turtles bond with humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#What_is_a_turtle_dog\" title=\"What is a turtle dog?\">What is a turtle dog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_like_dogs\" title=\"Do turtles like dogs?\">Do turtles like dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#How_do_turtles_show_their_affection\" title=\"How do turtles show their affection?\">How do turtles show their affection?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_get_attached_to_owners\" title=\"Do turtles get attached to owners?\">Do turtles get attached to owners?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_play_with_humans\" title=\"Do turtles play with humans?\">Do turtles play with humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_tortoises_get_attached_to_owners\" title=\"Do tortoises get attached to owners?\">Do tortoises get attached to owners?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_like_to_be_petted\" title=\"Do turtles like to be petted?\">Do turtles like to be petted?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Can_a_dog_at_a_turtle\" title=\"Can a dog at a turtle?\">Can a dog at a turtle?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Why_is_my_dog_obsessed_with_my_turtle\" title=\"Why is my dog obsessed with my turtle?\">Why is my dog obsessed with my turtle?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Can_a_box_turtle_make_a_dog_sick\" title=\"Can a box turtle make a dog sick?\">Can a box turtle make a dog sick?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_eat_dogs\" title=\"Do turtles eat dogs?\">Do turtles eat dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_tortoises_like_dogs\" title=\"Do tortoises like dogs?\">Do tortoises like dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Can_a_dog_hurt_a_tortoise\" title=\"Can a dog hurt a tortoise?\">Can a dog hurt a tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Can_dogs_lick_turtles\" title=\"Can dogs lick turtles?\">Can dogs lick turtles?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#How_do_you_tell_if_a_turtle_likes_you\" title=\"How do you tell if a turtle likes you?\">How do you tell if a turtle likes you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_like_to_cuddle\" title=\"Do turtles like to cuddle?\">Do turtles like to cuddle?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Can_turtles_feel_when_you_pet\" title=\"Can turtles feel when you pet?\">Can turtles feel when you pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#How_do_turtles_get_their_attention\" title=\"How do turtles get their attention?\">How do turtles get their attention?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_love_their_owners\" title=\"Do turtles love their owners?\">Do turtles love their owners?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_interact_with_humans\" title=\"Do turtles interact with humans?\">Do turtles interact with humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_play_with_you\" title=\"Do turtles play with you?\">Do turtles play with you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Can_turtles_recognize_their_owners\" title=\"Can turtles recognize their owners?\">Can turtles recognize their owners?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_turtles_like_to_be_touched\" title=\"Do turtles like to be touched?\">Do turtles like to be touched?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-turtles-bond-with-humans\/#Do_tortoises_get_attached_to_humans\" title=\"Do tortoises get attached to humans?\">Do tortoises get attached to humans?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_turtles_bond_with_humans\"><\/span>Can turtles bond with humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes, it can! Tortoises and turtles show affection in different ways than a human or dog would. Yet, both turtles and tortoises are definitely able to show affection or at least a preference when it comes to their human friends.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_turtle_dog\"><\/span>What is a turtle dog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtle dogs are <b>Boykin Spaniels trained to track box turtles in the wild. A sporting dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009, the Boykin Spaniel is particularly friendly, eager to please and very trainable.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_dogs\"><\/span>Do turtles like dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dogs and turtles <b>Turtles and dogs can live together, but care needs to be taken. For starters, dogs have huge teeth and strong jaws that can crack open a turtle&#8217;s shell with ease. While dogs are humans&#8217; best friends, the same cannot be said for turtles. A curious dog can easily injure and even kill a turtle.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_turtles_show_their_affection\"><\/span>How do turtles show their affection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What is this? Turtles also show affection by <b>rubbing their head and neck against their owners. This is a natural behavior that turtles do in the wild. When a turtle rubs their head up against you, it means they trust you and want to show their affection for you.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_get_attached_to_owners\"><\/span>Do turtles get attached to owners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes, turtles do get attached to their owners. They can sometimes express their emotions by showing playful behavior when they are around their owners.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_play_with_humans\"><\/span>Do turtles play with humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Human Interaction Even though most turtles don&#8217;t like being handled, <b>they do like to see you. When you take them out of their tank, you can have them follow you around in a safe space. You can also wiggle your fingers at them from outside the tank.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_get_attached_to_owners\"><\/span>Do tortoises get attached to owners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since tortoises are reptiles, they are not capable of feeling love as we humans understand it. However, <b>tortoises do show signs of affection and appreciation for their owners. They follow their pet parents around, tolerate handling, eat directly from human hands, and come to us when they see us.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_to_be_petted\"><\/span>Do turtles like to be petted?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles are arguably the cutest of all of the reptiles. Because of this, they are often desirable pets. However, <b>turtles don&#8217;t really enjoy being handled and petted the same way other domestic animals do. This makes petting them a little trickier.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_at_a_turtle\"><\/span>Can a dog at a turtle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dogs and turtles <b>Turtles and dogs can live together, but care needs to be taken. For starters, dogs have huge teeth and strong jaws that can crack open a turtle&#8217;s shell with ease. While dogs are humans&#8217; best friends, the same cannot be said for turtles. A curious dog can easily injure and even kill a turtle.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_my_dog_obsessed_with_my_turtle\"><\/span>Why is my dog obsessed with my turtle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A dog bite into a turtle shell can cause harm to the turtle, and veterinary care would be required immediately. While it seems like the shell would protect the turtle, it doesn&#8217;t make them invincible. In addition, large turtles and tortoises can actually harm your dog, regardless of size of your dog.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_box_turtle_make_a_dog_sick\"><\/span>Can a box turtle make a dog sick?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>The dogs natural instinct is to toss the tortoise around and play with it &#8211; while he&#8217;s doing this he will be puncturing the tortoises internal organs which in turn will kill him.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_eat_dogs\"><\/span>Do turtles eat dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Do snapping turtles even eat dogs? It turns out that <b>snapping turtles do, evidently, eat more than plants and small fish. Usually, the omnivores will chow down on insects, spiders, frogs, snakes, birds, small mammals, and even their own kind, but cute, dying puppies doesn&#8217;t seem to be a consistent menu item.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_dogs\"><\/span>Do tortoises like dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoises are docile creatures, and dogs are friendly and welcoming. However, you need to remember that these two animals have vastly different body language, behaviors, and instincts. While there are exceptions, <b>tortoises and dogs don&#8217;t get along well<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_hurt_a_tortoise\"><\/span>Can a dog hurt a tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The chelonian shell is a sturdy structure composed of dermal bone covered with a layer of keratin scutes. However, even a sturdy shell cannot always provide enough protection against attacks. <b>Dogs and foxes pose a risk, especially in the warmer months when tortoises are often left outside unsupervised<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_dogs_lick_turtles\"><\/span>Can dogs lick turtles?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>If Fido licks or bites your turtle, he could get the bacteria. Never allow Shelley to nibble from Fido&#8217;s dish because some turtles will eat dog food and this too might transfer salmonella to your pup.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_tell_if_a_turtle_likes_you\"><\/span>How do you tell if a turtle likes you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoises may <b>touch their nose to your hand or arm to show affection. This is a common behavior in the wild and is a social behavior. A tortoise or turtle roaming the house or garden may show affection by following you around. They might bump against you for some pats or simply stay a few paces behind you.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_to_cuddle\"><\/span>Do turtles like to cuddle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles prefer to be alone, and they never welcome being picked up and handled. Because turtles aren&#8217;t affectionate, <b>don&#8217;t like to be held, stroked or cuddled and don&#8217;t play with toys, many people lose interest and cease to take proper care of them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_turtles_feel_when_you_pet\"><\/span>Can turtles feel when you pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Turtles can actually feel through their shells, so you can also pet it by stroking its shell with your fingers. It might be more energetic and receptive when it&#8217;s warm, so try petting it after it&#8217;s done sunning itself.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_turtles_get_their_attention\"><\/span>How do turtles get their attention?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Hold a piece of lettuce or other vegetable 6 inches from the turtle and wait patiently until he eats from your hand. If the turtle remains in a shy state of mind, try feeding crickets and other live food to really engage and distract him.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_love_their_owners\"><\/span>Do turtles love their owners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes, it can! Tortoises and turtles show affection in different ways than a human or dog would. Yet, both turtles and tortoises are definitely able to show affection or at least a preference when it comes to their human friends.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_interact_with_humans\"><\/span>Do turtles interact with humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes, both tortoises and turtles can learn to recognize their caretakers. This does take time, but turtles and tortoises are very smart. They will learn your scent, sounds, and behaviors. They will come to associate you with food and safety.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_play_with_you\"><\/span>Do turtles play with you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Some turtles also enjoy playing. Although it is completely okay to pet and play with your turtle keep in mind that turtles are generally a kind of pet that is better to look at than to constantly handle. They will get stressed out.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_turtles_recognize_their_owners\"><\/span>Can turtles recognize their owners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles Know Their Owners! Most people don&#8217;t realize this, but <b>many turtles recognize the sight and sounds of their owners! In fact, many owners comment how their pets swim right up to the water surface to greet them when they walk in the room.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_to_be_touched\"><\/span>Do turtles like to be touched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles are arguably the cutest of all of the reptiles. Because of this, they are often desirable pets. However, <b>turtles don&#8217;t really enjoy being handled and petted the same way other domestic animals do. This makes petting them a little trickier.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_get_attached_to_humans\"><\/span>Do tortoises get attached to humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since tortoises are reptiles, they are not capable of feeling love as we humans understand it. However, <b>tortoises do show signs of affection and appreciation for their owners. They follow their pet parents around, tolerate handling, eat directly from human hands, and come to us when they see us.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Can turtles bond with humans?What is a turtle dog?Do turtles like dogs?How do turtles show their affection?Do turtles get attached to owners?Do turtles play with humans?Do tortoises get attached to owners?Do turtles like to be petted?Can a dog at a turtle?Why is my dog obsessed with my turtle?Can a box turtle make&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-103461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103461"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103461"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103461\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}