A tamed, well-socialized iguana should be relaxed around strangers. It will be alert to its surroundings and respond positively to having its back or head rubbed. Healthy hatchlings and untamed juveniles and adults will be feisty and try to get away, may whip or crocodile-roll in trying to escape from your hands, and may be resistant to being picked up A sick baby, juvenile, or adult may still try to avoid being caught and held, and may still try to flee. Iguanas are NOT suitable for pets or children. Iguanas have a mouthful of very sharp teeth and are not afraid to use them when suitably motivated.
Iguanas take up a lot of time, effort and patience.