Well, I'm sure plenty of people will have something to say about this. It's a very common misconception that these big lizards can or will become "puppy dog tame". That's not what you want. When people have "puppy dog tame" monitors, generally the case is that the monitor is simply suspended in a state of shock and has given up on it's life. You have to take in to consideration that every time you pick up a lizard, and it seems unhappy about you touching it, that is because it thinks you are going to kill it and eat it. What you want is a monitor that is first of all, a monitor that is comfortable in it's own environment. Then, a monitor that's comfortable with you being in it's environment. After that, I wouldn't do anything more than extend your hand for the monitor to study and if it decides to have anything to do with you, then it will. You can't force a friendship with these guys. These animals demand respect and work, far more than many people would like to believe. I blame a lot of that on commercialism and pet stores. Bottom line is, the main concern of a having a monitor, is whether or not you actually know and absolutely can provide for the monitor what it needs. Nile monitors are generally considered a monitor with a bad temperament. Personally, I like to assume they all simply have the right to be pissed at us, so I do all that I can to find out what it takes to make the lizard feel like a king before I even bother trying to "befriend" it. Find the nile a good home, because it simply won't work out with kids(IMO). Too many wounds. My nile is only about two and a half feet long and when i let him climb around on me, I'm usually covered in cuts and scratches that bleed bad just from his nails. Do a ton more research, build an appropriate cage, then go with a monitor better set for your situation. Good luck.

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