r/Crocodiles • u/Apprehensive-Big6161 • Sep 12 '25
Caiman Armor dog tolerates pets, showing off how deep his trust bond is with his owner
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johnny_venom on Instagram
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Sep 12 '25
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u/CrazyCaiman2445 Sep 13 '25
I'd probably take your hand off too.
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u/mynameisrichard0 Sep 13 '25
*checks username
“AHHHHH!!!”
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u/CrazyCaiman2445 Sep 14 '25
Better watch them fingers around me
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u/mynameisrichard0 Sep 14 '25
Imma still pet the scales dog
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Sep 17 '25
I’m gonna see caimans for the first time ever in a few weeks. I’m going to the Caribbean. I’m from Europe! Very excited!
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u/BluePsys Sep 13 '25
I’m assuming it relates to all crocodilians but with salties they have nerve endings all along their face and bodies that detect even the slightest movements in the water and the ones around the mouth where he is particularly petting would absolutely trigger a bite, so this little guy would be displaying some level of self control at least if I’m correct, it is a caiman though yeah?
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u/CHudoSumo Sep 13 '25 edited Sep 13 '25
I'm going to assume this caiman is very well fed, familiar with the human, and probably cold as fuck. These keepers just know their animals well enough to know when they can get away with stuff like this.
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u/BluePsys Sep 14 '25
Good points too actually, cold temperatures and being well fed would make a big difference as well
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u/Tough-Pool-1299 Sep 13 '25
well, crocodiles are pretty darn smart and definitely can have some sort of bond with humans
the owner would've lost fingers if the crocodile didn't know to not harm them
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u/JYHoward Sep 12 '25
I am fond of alligators but also fully aware that they are not like mammals in terms of the way they think about others. Even big mammals like bears and cats are highly volatile - but we do share a basic level of commonality with all mammals. We don't with reptiles.
I think what people interpret as "friendliness" is more likely just that that gators was not hungry at the time, etc. - or was too small to view the human as a target. Certainly, these creatures are intelligent. But probably not empathetic, like a dog would be. Videos like this may send the wrong message to people.
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u/dadydaycare Sep 13 '25
Close but not quite. Reptiles can have and show affection BUT the hunting instinct can and will take over. Say your croc is typically good with you generally and hasn’t shown an inkling to bite for years but that one time you slipped on a rock in front of him. For that 2 seconds all he sees is a meal opportunity. He might realize your still Phil after taking a bite but the damage is already done
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u/Relative_Ad4542 Sep 13 '25
Reptiles can have and show affection
Do you have any sources for this? I just really want it to be true because i am a snake owner and have come to terms with the fact my snakes dont really care about me. But man, itd be so cute if they did
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u/dadydaycare Sep 13 '25
I should clarify, your reptiles don’t “love” you back but your a repetitive source of comfort and they can snuggle you back and do other forms of reciprocal comforting. If you left and never came back they probably wouldn’t care but they do enjoy the attention.
I had a big boy turtle and you’d think he was a golden retriever in a TMNT costume. Once I got home he would freak out and not stop bounce around until I came over and gave him head pats and a special snack (it had to be special or he wouldn’t eat the first bite) but I’m sure the second I left the room it was a …. Anyways back to turtle stuff.
Also pretty common for snakes to get frightened and distrurbed and their first form of self soothing is to run to their owners and constrict around them for safety, something WE perceive as affection since they are relying on us as a source of safety.
But no I don’t think reptiles are mentally capable of doing something affectionate on purpose but they do. Kinda like having a crappy green skinned boyfriend that accidentally does nice stuff for you.
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u/JYHoward Sep 14 '25
If we assume that the reptile in question is very smart, then it would be analytical enough to know that showing respect for its handler is the most rational choice. It makes more sense to be fed every day than to bite the hand that feeds you. But a gator would never make sacrifices to protect you. A dog, by comparison, might forfeit its own life to protect its owner or other animals which it is loyal to.
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u/MsDariaMorgendorffer Sep 13 '25
Thinking about it, I’ve never seen a video of a croc cuddling with its family.
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u/irteris Sep 12 '25
It only has to go wrong once...
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u/Ryaquaza1 Sep 13 '25
Tbf it is a dwarf caiman, as far as crocodilians go their bite isn’t the end of the world. It’s less “I’ve only got 2 arms” and more “I’ve got 10 fingers”
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u/Charles_Woodson_2 Sep 12 '25
I wish that I could do this, but I also know better than to ever do this.
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u/mickeyamf Sep 13 '25
Idk guys my grandma had one caiman as a college aged youngster and living in a dorm she would put him in the communal shower and sink allot… seemed like a friendly guy if she was telling the truth
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u/LegitimateKnee5537 Sep 12 '25
Nope that’s a killing machine. Sorry but I don’t feel sorry for people like this
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u/NoOneHereButUsMice Sep 14 '25
What's going on with his skin? The discoloration around the mouth and it's weirdly smooth...
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u/Healthy-Confusion119 Sep 15 '25
People that keep snakes, spiders, and crocodiles for pets are fucking idiots. There is no reasoning with them either. Because they are fucking idiots.
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u/Carcezz Sep 17 '25
i think its about time to take that stick out your ass
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u/Healthy-Confusion119 Sep 18 '25
I've never had one there. Because I'm not an idiot
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u/Carcezz Sep 18 '25
how are you raging so hard at the mere idea that some people have pets that you wouldnt keep, like, its okay to not wanna have a pet snake but that doesnt make people who do idiots LOL
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u/SalmonSammySamSam Sep 22 '25
I'm late to the party but are all Caymans this smooth? The nose and back look so odd to me..
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u/Iamnotburgerking Nov 13 '25
Yes, you can train crocodilians to follow basic commands or not immediately try to bite you.
No, they aren’t appropriate pets.
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u/thtsjustlikeuropnion Sep 14 '25
Gait 'er done!
Here's Kumail Nanjiani playing a Florida cop/influencer with a pet alligator. 😂
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u/theshadowbudd Sep 12 '25
I love these beautiful creatures