DreamWorks’ How To Train Your Dragon is an epic adventure that captures the imagination of children and adults alike. The story follows a young Viking named Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, as they navigate the challenges of their world and forge an unlikely friendship. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or are just looking for some tips on how to train your own dragon, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know.
Understanding Dragons
The first step in training your dragon is to understand them. Unlike the fire-breathing, treasure-hoarding beasts of legend, these dragons are intelligent creatures with complex personalities. Each dragon has its own strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, so it’s important to get to know your dragon on a personal level.
One way to do this is to observe their behavior in the wild. Dragons are social animals, and they often form packs or family groups. Watch how they interact with each other, what they eat, and how they respond to danger. This will give you valuable insights into your own dragon’s behavior and needs.
Building Trust
Once you have a basic understanding of your dragon, the next step is to build trust. This can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with a wild or traumatized dragon. However, there are a few things you can do to establish a strong bond with your dragon:
– Be patient and consistent.
– Approach your dragon slowly, with calm and confident body language.
– Speak to your dragon in a soothing tone of voice.
– Offer your dragon treats or rewards for good behavior.
– Spend time with your dragon every day, even if it’s just a few minutes.
Teaching Basic Commands
Once you have established trust with your dragon, you can start teaching them basic commands. These commands will not only help you communicate with your dragon, but also keep them safe in dangerous situations. Some basic commands include:
– Come: Teach your dragon to come to you when called. Start by calling their name and rewarding them with a treat when they come to you.
– Stay: Teach your dragon to stay in one place. Start by commanding them to stay and rewarding them when they comply.
– Sit: Teach your dragon to sit down on command. This can be useful for calming them down or getting them to stay in one place.
Training for Specific Tasks
Once your dragon has mastered the basics, you can start training them for specific tasks. This could include flying, hunting, or even acting as a guard dog. The key is to make sure your dragon is ready for the task at hand, and that you are providing them with the proper training and equipment.
– Flying: Teaching your dragon to fly requires patience, persistence, and a lot of treats. Start by teaching them to flap their wings, then gradually increase their altitude and distance. Make sure they have enough space to fly in safely, and always supervise their flights.
– Hunting: If your dragon has a strong hunting instinct, you can train them to hunt small animals like rodents or birds. Start by rewarding them for catching toys or treats, then gradually introduce live prey under controlled conditions.
– Guarding: If you want your dragon to act as a guard dog, you will need to train them to recognize threats and respond appropriately. This could include teaching them to bark or growl on command, or to stand between you and potential threats.
Conclusion
Training your dragon is a rewarding experience that requires patience, persistence, and a lot of love. By getting to know your dragon on a personal level, building trust, and teaching them basic commands and specific tasks, you can forge a strong bond that will last a lifetime. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be soaring through the skies with your dragon by your side, just like Hiccup and Toothless.