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Dragon Training encompasses interacting with and teaching dragons to do specific tasks for human purposes, ranging from fighting to companionship. It is seen throughout the DreamWorks Dragons Franchise, beginning with the first movie, How to Train Your Dragon.
History[]
Dragon Training was made well-known around the Barbaric Archipelago when Hiccup Haddock trained the Night Fury, Toothless. Taking knowledge learned about dragon behavior gleaned from hundreds of years of fighting and killing them, as well as his own observations, Hiccup established the Berk Dragon Training Academy for his village, as seen in "How to Start a Dragon Academy".
However, the training of dragons in one form or another has occurred prior to this event for ages. The Wingmaidens of Wingmaiden Island have been shepherding Razorwhips for centuries, forming a relationship with female and juvenile dragons. Most notable is their use of hatchlings as a mode of aerial transport, first seen in "Snotlout's Angels". Additionally, "Defenders of the Wing, Part 2" reveals the Defenders of the Wing also formed mutually beneficial relationships and utilized the abilities of the Eruptodon, as well as Speed Stingers. The Uruz Tribe have also been training Thunderclaws for centuries, using them to pull their sleds. In addition, the Large Shadow Wing Snogglewing was accidentally trained by Vikings offering it food in order to avoid its wrath for generations.
Negative dragon training is also in evidence prior to Hiccup and Toothless' Relationship, based on forced servitude. Drago Bludvist maintained an army of dragons and trained them in warfare, in addition to manual labor and transportation. The Dragon Hunter Tribe has also used dragons not only as a commodity, but trained them to fight, Terror Mail, and labor, evidenced throughout the entire Dragons: Race to the Edge series.
Dragons: Defenders of Berk and the episode "Triple Cross" also state that the Berserker Tribe was able to capture and tame Skrills and use them as a tribal symbol and as beasts of war.
As mentioned in Dragons: Rise of Berk, some dragons simply prefer to live among Vikings even without being trained, such as the Windstriker Galesplitter.
Purpose[]
Dragon training first and foremost is to prevent injury to the human and property when dealing with a dragon, which can be obtained through different methods. After this has been established, more advanced training can occur for the purposes of labor, war, transport, protection, companionship, courier services, demolition and construction, entertainment, and even as food and products.
Techniques[]
Negative Training Techniques[]
For purposes here, negative dragon training technique are those using intimidation and subjugation, physical punishment, force, captivity, chemical restraint, or otherwise little consideration for the mental and physical wellbeing of the dragon.
Intimidation and Force[]
All dragon species follow some level of hierarchy, even from other species. When properly executed without fear, even humans are able to intimidate a beast much larger and deadly than themselves. This approach is used by Drago Bludvist against dragons many times his size, even a Bewilderbeast. The key is to be able to render a dragon's attacks moot and move and vocalize in an aggressive manner as another dragon would. In Drago's case, his fireproof dragon skin aided with this approach. This was demonstrated with Hookfang when the dragon blasted him with fire, but Drago remained unscathed, advanced menacingly, in essence 'roared' angrily, slamming his bullhook on the deck till Hookfang lowered his gaze and put his head down. Drago then used his foot and large bulk to shove Hookfang's snout down to force further submission and drive home that he was in charge. Drago also tamed a Bewilderbeast by intimidation and subjugation of a juvenile during its formative years, so that it was conditioned to respond to him even when the beast could have easily defeated Drago. By harnessing the Bewilderbeast's power as an alpha and silent inexorable call to other dragons, he is able to control large groups of dragons to do his bidding.
"Breaking" dragons to riding, much like some horse training techniques is confining and chaining a dragon against its will, and then forcing a rider onto its back until it is 'broken' and gives in and gets used to a rider on its back. The Dragon Flyers used this tactic to train Singetails.
Physical Restraint[]
Most - but not all - dragons trained in a negative fashion against their free will are typically physically restrained in some manner. This includes caging when not performing a task, chains, manacles, box-type muzzles, and even bits and bridles. After breaking Singetails to their wills, the Dragon Flyers employed dragon-proof metal bridles with bits while riding them and crops for directions. Afterwards they were stabled and confined, much like horses. Cages and chains are also often the 'dragon proof' variety. The Dragon Hunters were able to ensure obedience from a pair of Quakens by using giant hammers, utilizing the species' sensitivity to vibrations, and later used the same giant hammers to force a Shellfire to fire its plasma-boulders.
Muzzles, fashioned to fit the various dragon species, were often some other iron alloy and leather rather than dragon-proof metal. This is most likely due to the fact that the muzzled dragon isn't able to open its mouth enough to produce flame to melt or burn the muzzle. Viggo Grimborn was seen both caging a Flightmare in a dragon proof metal cage, as well as placing a leather muzzle with an aperture at the front to control the amount of paralyzing mist it could breathe out. Grimmel also used this when he rode the Light Fury while drugging her with Deathgripper venom.
Chemical Restraint[]
Various substances can be used to drug dragons into submission, or otherwise perform how a human wants them to. Dragon Root, alone or in combination with other ingredients, have been used to sedate dragons, weaken them, but also enrage them tactically. The Dragon Hunters frequently use arrows tipped with dragon root reduction to bring down dragons, as high concentration of Dragon Root can overwhelm a dragon's senses to completely, making it almost impossible to them to fly. Eir Stormheart in DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of New Riders uses a cocktail of Dragonvine, Dragon Root, and other ingredients to in essence 'mind control' dragons to her bidding. This is incrementally delivered to the dragon over time by attaching a container of it directly to the dragon. The Dragonroot Company in Dragons: Titan Uprising also use a cocktail including dragon root and Buffalord saliva to strategically anger dragons beyond reason to wreak havoc in specific locations. Although dragon root-tipped spears have no effects on Bewilderbeasts, this proprietary blend from the Dragonroot Company does.
Nikora Stormheart in School of Dragons was able to extract Grimora toxin and vaporize it. She was able to deploy this against dragons to make them violent and crazed. Though she was not able to control these dragon directly, she was able to point them in the direction of her adversaries to fight.
The Dragon poacher Grimmel the Grisly utilizes the paralyzing venom of the Deathgripper in specific quantities to also 'mind control' dragons and make them docile and open to his orders. He creates harnesses that directly inject the venom into the head or neck of the dragons, even the Deathgrippers themselves. Because of the venom's effects, any dragon under it are immune to an Alpha Dragon's commands.
Positive Training Techniques[]
For purposes here, positive dragon training techniques involve those which work with a dragon's natural inclinations, positive reinforcement, human-dragon bonding, allowing free will and choices, or other methods that take into account the well being of the dragon and the needs of both parties.
This section requires expansion. |
Establishing a Connection[]
A connection must initially be established in order to work with a dragon and train it. This may occur through some circumstance of showing kindness or assistance to a dragon or human in distress, offering resources, or through an initial and direct approach of the dragon.
In general, approaching a dragon head on in a calm, confident, and purposeful manner will divert the dragon's focus to you. Any sign of aggression, including "bearing teeth or claws" i.e. holding weaponry, is a signal of negative intent to the dragon, and therefore must be discarded. Sometimes diverting your gaze is necessary as direct eye contact can also signal dominance or aggression. An extended hand - offering a vulnerability - is also crucial to establishing a connection. Once the dragon assesses you, it may extend it head and place his or her nose in your hand in a show of acceptance and trust. Though in reality the hand-to-snout gesture is very fast and simplistic, it readily and concisely demonstrates the start of bond formation between human and dragon. It is also used to reinforce and reestablish the relationship if it was disrupted in someway or for some reason. Hiccup uses it when trying to reconnect with Toothless in What Flies Beneath, Astrid and Snotlout use it in A Tale of Two Dragons to reconnect with and calm their dragons who were exposed to Dragon root.
Once a connection is made with a dragon, the human can begin solidifying and building the bond, as well as training it to specific tasks.
Reinforcement[]
As with other creatures, dragons can be trained with reinforcement techniques to support a desired outcome. Positive reinforcement is primarily used, but occasionally negative reinforcement is also used.
The most common form of positive reinforcement is offering a favored food item for performing a task or displaying desirable behavior. The food item could be a preferred type of fish, chicken, a rock or mineral, dragon nip, or other item. Astrid offers Stormfly chicken for encouraging high speed; in fact she feels a diet of chicken physically increases her speed as well. In School of Dragons, the player can use various types of fish or eggs to train their dragons. The Snafflefang Irontooth will find iron ore which the Viking can reinforce by offering a geode as a reward. Other types of positive reinforcement can include scratching or grooming a hard-to-reach spot for the dragon. Hiccup devises one method to have a dragon drop or release something in its mouth by scratching under its chin along the jawline.
Negative Reinforcement also has a place in dragon training - offering an undesirable stimulus to promote a behavior to remove the stimulus. The most clear example is showing an eel to a dragon. Most, but not all, dragon species loathe eels and will avoid them at all costs. Therefore, presenting an eel will cause the dragon to complete a desired action, even if that is simply leaving the area.
Physical Bonding: Providing food and shelter, grooming, exercise/play
Mood Enhancers: Dragon Nip (alters behavior of dragons so that they are calmer and happier), Sagefruit (calms a dragon down and suppresses extreme feelings)
Modification of Natural Behaviors: Modifying hunting/fishing behavior to fish/herd/hunt for humans, Redirecting defecation, Modifying protective instincts to protect humans and animals.
Strategies used for Specific Species[]
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Boneknappers and Armorwings: Both Boneknappers and Armorwing wear armor made of foreign materials, and are quite vulnerable without one. Simply helping them find pieces for their armor is enough to gain their trust make them docile.
Bubblehorns: Bubblehorns appear to be highly food motivated, especially by easily obtainable snack foods eaten by humans. They are also extremely social and live in groups, a behavior that can be redirected to a human-based "pack". While they are quite an agressive species, with time and patience this dragons can become more docile.
Buffalords: Buffalords are super easy to train due to their calm and docile demeanor. However, due to the extreme attachment to its established territory, an adult Buffalord may be trained easily within its territory, but outside of it be extremely difficult. A hatchling or perhaps juvenile whom has not formed a territory may be much easier to train.
Catastrophic Quakens: Due to their reclusive behavior, Quakens are hard to train. However, once a trainer asserts a certain level of trust with the dragon, as well as befriends them, Quakens are easy to train and will not hesitate to help the trainer too. They are also professed to be extremely loyal once their trust has been earned. In addition, Quakens can be easily trained in the face of an authority. This higher authority, however, must be based on mutual respect and trust, instead of a strict demanding force, or the Quaken will simply ignore any commands.
Cavern Crashers: One can earn a Cavern Crasher's trust by slowly approaching them while allowing yourself to be seen to prove that you're not trying to sneak up on them. They can be trained if they are moved by a human's compassion, and they will repay the favor by saving the one or ones who helped them.
Changewings: Changewings enjoy mimicry, so if one tries to mimic them, be it by their noises or their movements, they will find the individual fascinating. It is possible to train them using Dragon nip. Also, by saving a Changewing's life, it will be fiercely loyal to you.
Crimson Goregutters: Training a Crimson Goregutter seems to be fairly straightforward. Like most Boulder Class dragons, the Crimson Goregutter is relatively easy to train, due to its docile and peaceful nature. Saving the life of a Crimson Goregutter is enough for the dragon to remain loyal to its rescuer, and protect them in battle.
“ | Berserkers used metal daggers to lure Skrills into traps. The dragon is drawn to this due to its electrical properties. [src] | ” |
— Viggo Grimborn |
Skrills: Skrills are notoriously one of the most aggressive and one of the most difficult to deal with. Despite this, members of the Berserker Tribe were able to lure them into confinement, in the Tribe's history. The very first step in taming an adult Skrill is to calm it down and get its attention so a physical connection can be made. The Berserker Tribe was aware that Skrills were attracted to metal objects with electrical conduction properties. Simply waving a metal object like a dagger or a sword slowly in front of a Skrill seems to calm and perhaps mesmerize it enough to get close.
Whispering Deaths: Whispering Deaths are one of the hardest dragons to train, as they are extremely wild and aggressive, especially to those that enter their tunnels. However, they rather enjoy having their teeth brushed, as they cannot do it by themselves. If one can get close enough to a Whispering Death to brush its teeth, the dragon will calm and allow the person to touch it.
Screaming Death: Like a Whispering Death, training a Screaming Death is of utmost difficulty, if not impossible. The best way to train one would be to gain the trust of its family and mother, which may help to train it, as the mother seems to have a reasonable amount of control over her mutant child.
Scauldrons: Scauldrons spend most of their lives underwater, and on the rare occasions they surface, they can quickly become homesick. Covering oneself in ocean water or fish oil will calm down a Scauldron enough to be able to get close to it and make it comfortable in the presence of humans.
Flood Fangs: Flood Fangs are aggressive Tidal Class dragons that will usually attack anyone or anything that they perceive as an intruder into their territory. However, they can be easily tamed by offering them large amounts of their favorite food: tiny bioluminescent organisms, namely fireflies. By using large amounts of these organisms, one can easily draw a Flood Fang out of its territory and convince it to follow orders. Once offered enough of its favorite food, the Flood Fang will become much more tolerant of the human’s presence, eventually allowing itself to be trained without issue.
Strategies used in Training a Dragon (or defending yourself without harming it) and Dragon Quirks/Weaknesses[]
- Render yourself defenseless in order to earn their trust (best way to train Night Furies).
- Give powerful dragons (such as Monstrous Nightmares and Thunderdrums) the respect that is their due. Place a gentle hand on their snout.
- All dragons will collapse when scratched in a point by the neck (mainly the chin). Though Gronckles don't like being scratched on the chin.
- All dragons (with the exception of Whispering Deaths) love the scent of dragon nip.
- Terrible Terrors can get distracted by a concentrated point of light (so too, can Night Furies).
- All dragons (except the Typhoomerang, who consumes it) have an aversion to eel.
- All dragons (except Whispering Deaths, who sneeze when they smell it) are calm in the presence of Dragon Nip.
- When attempting to train a Gronckle, be aware that there are two ways of befriending them. The first way is since Gronckles love to eat sandstone, feeding it sandstone, or some other kind of rock, they will accept you. The second way is to give them lots and lots of love and affection which due to their sweet nature, they love.
- Whispering Deaths love having their teeth brushed.
- Approach a Deadly Nadder from behind, make sure that it can see you. If you prove you're not a threat, it will let you smooth its tail spikes down.
- A Timberjack will be your faithful companion if you scratch an itch on its back (which due to it's enormous wings, it cannot reach on its own).
- Scauldrons are sentimental dragons. Dump a bucket of water on yourself, and they will playfully lick it off, as it reminds them of home. Or you could either put fish oil in your hair or on your clothes. Or you could roll in a pile of fresh fish.
- When feeding a multi-headed dragon, such as a Hideous Zippleback or Snaptrapper, feed all the heads at once.
- Snaptrappers love rain, because they enjoy playing in the resulting mud.
- Give a Boneknapper the bone it's looking for, and it will become very affectionate towards you.
- Changewings display mimicking behavior; whatever they see, they love to imitate. Night Furies may also mimic you.
- Fireworms are (quite ironically) afraid of fire.
- Monstrous Nightmares like having their horns pinned on the ground.
- Terrible Terrors can be befriended by giving them a fish to eat.
- Screaming Deaths are attracted to sun light when young.
- Deadly Nadders love to eat chicken.
- Catastrophic Quakens can be easily trained in the face of an authority of command, or rather, instruct with a giant hammer. This higher authority, however, must be based on mutual respect and trust, instead of a strict demanding force, or the Quaken will simply ignore any commands.
- Triple Strykes respond to clicking sounds.
- You know you have formed a bond, when the dragon touches your hand with its snout.
School of Dragons[]
“ | The first tip of successful dragon training is knowing that the way to a dragon’s heart is through its stomach. Most dragons hate eels, so don’t serve your scaly friend this for dinner! | ” |
— School of Dragons Website[1] |
“ | Completing activities and tasks together is another way to make sure your dragon is in good shape! | ” |
— School of Dragons Website[2] |
“ | Expert trainers also recognize that the best way to train their dragons is to adopt a “work hard, play hard” attitude. After a long day of training, remember to have some fun with your scaly friend by playing a friendly game of catch, using the mirror to make them chase after a dot of sunlight, or fry some eels. This time dedicated to fun and relaxation will ensure that your dragon doesn’t burn out too quickly. | ” |
— School of Dragons Website[3] |