That is an ornery stage they go through. First of all, they do settle down with age and size.
A lot of tegus really do not like to be held, so that may be an issue you have to work out with yours in finding a comfortable position. The more support he has, the secure he'll feel. I have found that cradling them like a baby hold works, or using a towel for ground support so they feel like are standing on something. Also, if they feet against my body, like across my front or going up my shoulder works, too.
Gloves work for the biting issue. I had one that was a leaper but I manged to avoid her teeth. Now she's so laid back...well, before nesting. I wonder if he's eating enough at one time? Especially for growing tegus, the appetite can really be enormous. I would let him eat his fill before handling and see if that calms him down for handling.
Not all of them will hang out and go to sleep. A couple of mine will but others would rather dig into the sofa cushions or hide under the sofa. There's a cozy spot back in the corner where I store blankets that seems to be a tegu favorite. If I lose track of one for a moment, I can generally find them buried into the blanket stash.
Anyway..just a few quick thoughts this morning.
Laura R (FL)
1.0.0 Colombian Tegu
1.4.0 Argentine B&W Tegu
1.2.0 Red Tegu
1.2.0 B/WxRed Tegu
1.0.0 Green Ameiva (yet another teiid)
7 other lizards
1 little gator
3 FL box turtle
1 Sulcata tortoise
16 snakes
5 fuzzy pets
4 little frogs
a bunch of creepy bugs
and a partridge in a pear tree
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