On bonding with Dragon-types as a non-specialist
(The following is a transcription of my Tuesday lecture at the Dragon Conference:)
Dragon-type Pokemon are one of the most vague and misunderstood types in existence. So far, rather than abilities, the Dragon-typing generally refers to physical characteristics, temperament, and predation, along with a weakness to cold, as though they are cold-blooded.
What this means is that Dragon-type Pokemon actually have very few traits in common with each other, and thus there is little that can be done to have a foolproof way of bonding with all of them without fail.
The most often-seen commonalities between Dragon-types is a sense of strong pride, a strong instinct for claiming and defending territory, and longevity that surpasses any other similar Pokemon.
The pride and longevity combine into a problem when unprepared Trainers attempt to capture and use a Dragon-type Pokemon. As a result, many cultures around the world have their own methods of trying to cultivate a bond with these Dragon-types as a village rather than as an individual- While a single Dragon will almost always outlive a single human, by having the Dragons instead bond with the institution of a village or a group of people, a proper bond can be created. Blackthorn City in Johto is a prime example, living in harmony with their Dratini-line Pokemon.
Pokemon who are bonded with a location or settlement in this way are often thought of as guardian Pokemon. They begin to view the people they have bonded to as their territory, and will fiercely defend it. This brings me to my primary points in instruction on bonding.
As a veterinarian, it is my duty to care for Pokemon, and earn their trust as quickly as possible so I may assess their health. Thus, it is vital to be able to assess a Pokemon's personality, individual characteristics, and the like, as quickly as possible. However, you can still supplement this with basic understanding of their species' needs.
A Dragon-type Pokemon in the wild will often have its own territory, and even kept by a Trainer, it will generally have an area that it will be able to call its own. The most important thing is that, for a Dragon-type Pokemon, you must never enter their territory without first gaining its trust. That is considered an act of aggression, and they will try to remove you. While it is possible to bond with a Pokemon in this way, as many of our specialists here will no doubt be thinking, the bond of battle is best attempted by Dragon specialists, and those who are willing to risk harm to their own body to bond in this way.
A clear demarcation of territory is necessary if you are attempting to bond with a dragon. I have here a Dreepy lent to me for purpose of this lecture, but I have not once met this Dreepy before today. As you can see, it is quite curious. However, there is this line on the ground- A mark of territory. A Dreepy is often nervous to venture outside of the territory protected by a Dragapult, for fear of predation or other threats.
As you can see, the way to handle it is simple- First, you approach. Any signs of threat or hostility would be a sign to back away, but the Dreepy seems all right with my presence. Then, I wait here near, but not at, the edge of its territory.
This communicates to the Dragon that I am not a threat. Dragons have immense pride and territorial instincts- Thus, the greatest way to approach is to simply not be a threat to either. By allowing the Dragon to set the pace of the encounter, you allow them to keep their pride. By not invading their territory, you do not trigger those instincts. Thus, a dragon will feel contentedly in control. By leaving the 'territory' you have denoted for the Dragon's use empty, it can also retreat there at any moment if it so desires.
Through this, the Dreepy has, as you see now, felt curious enough to come out and curl up in my arms here. It may leave again at its own will, or choose to stay here. But now it has bonded with me, at least a bit- I have earned enough of its trust that it will stay with me at least for a time.
The key to bonding with Pokemon of any type is to speak with them in their own language. To communicate to their instincts, in ways they can understand. Dragon-types are the most difficult to reach a mutual understanding in this way with, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. The most important thing is that a Dragon-type demands respect- For its boundaries, and for its own self.
Thank you all for your time.
