Within the series, domesticated dragons "bond" with a human on hatching. This process is described as typically happening when the human presents the just-hatched dragon with their first meal, usually meat, and the dragon accepts it. The Chinese, who are renowned for their dragons, are described as having a different method, however. They have another dragon take care of the hatchling and educate it until it is knowledgeable enough to choose its own companion. Both methods are said to form a strong psychological bond similar to filial imprinting seen in species of real-world birds; in some cases, this is reminiscent of an owner-pet, friend-friend, and even parent-child relationship. Dragons will do anything to prevent their companions from coming to harm. In battle, dragons can be "captured" and forced into compliance, if their aviators are held at gunpoint or in some other way threatened. Dragons are commonly jealous of the attention of their human companions.