After reading the first warning chapter, Leo sat back down, the taming manual open on his lap.
After his revelation about how to treat Dumpy to help him grow into an obedient adult, Leo felt eager to learn more about the finer details of training his rapidly growing companion.
Hence he flipped through a few more pages, settling on the next chapter: [Guidelines for Proper Training of an Ancient Swamp Frog].
[Feeding Guidelines:
An Ancient Swamp Frog's diet is critical to its development. During its rapid growth phase, it needs a balanced diet of raw, mana-infused meat to ensure its body and mana reserves develop at the correct rate. Overfeeding can lead to bursts of aggression, while underfeeding may stunt its growth and create frustration. Feed it twice a day in moderate portions—no more than three pounds per meal.]
Leo nodded, making a mental note to adjust Dumpy's meals accordingly. Albert had been handling the feeding so far, but Leo had noticed that Dumpy never seemed particularly happy with him. The frog often croaked threateningly whenever Albert approached with his food, despite eating everything given to him.
"I'll have to make sure Albert gets the right stuff… but also figure out why Dumpy doesn't seem to like him," Leo muttered.
[Controlling Aggression Towards Companions:
Ancient Swamp Frogs are naturally territorial and may view unfamiliar creatures or even people as threats. If your frog shows aggression toward servants or companions, this behavior must be addressed immediately. When interacting with others, always make sure that the frog sees you assert your dominance and interact calmly with the individual to signal that they are not a threat.]
Leo sighed. "That explains why Dumpy's been croaking at Albert all the time. I haven't been around enough to show Dumpy that Albert isn't competition." He thought back to the times when Albert had nervously left food at Dumpy's feet, only for Dumpy to watch him with clear suspicion.
[To control aggression, never punish the frog harshly. Instead, use a mana suppression technique or create a temporary barrier between the frog and the target. Reward calm behavior with small treats, but be cautious not to show affection.]
Leo grimaced reading this part, he had no mana suppression techniques available to him, nor did he have any barrier skills that could help him isolate Dumpy when needed.
"Guess I'll either have to learn a skill specially for Dumpy, or have to rely on the good old fists" Leo muttered to himself as he continued reading.
[Affirming Positive Behavior:
While you must avoid excessive praise, positive behavior should still be rewarded strategically. When the frog successfully completes a command or shows restraint, offer them a small treat. However, ensure the reward feels transactional and not emotional. This will affirm the desired behavior without creating arrogance.]
"So, treats for good behavior, but no 'good boy' nonsense," Leo muttered. "Got it. Dumpy's going to get a lot of snacks, I guess."
[Skill Training:
In the first six months, focus on teaching your pet a few fundamental combat skills.
Depending on whether your frog is a mage type or a weapons type frog, allow them to practice the sword or spellwork and join them in their practice sessions if you can.
If you can, be sure to demonstrate the skill better and faster than the frog, to show that quick learning is expected and not exceptional.]
Leo smirked. "Time to become the old rat master from the ninja turtles…. " He said, as he took this advice to heart.
[Warning:
Never allow the Ancient Swamp Frog to compete with others for attention or kills. This could trigger territorial instincts and create lasting behavioral problems. If competition arises, intervene immediately and establish firm boundaries.]
Leo scratched his head. "No other pets to worry about, but I'd better keep an eye on how he interacts with the servants. No more of that croaking at Albert."
As he read on, Leo realized how delicate the training process would be. Dumpy wasn't just a pet that would grow naturally into his role—he required calculated guidance. This wasn't something Leo could half-commit to.
[Note:
A well-trained Ancient Swamp Frog becomes one of the most loyal and fearsome companions a beast tamer can have. But mishandling the training can result in an unpredictable and dangerous creature.]
Leo sighed deeply. "No pressure, huh?"
Closing the manual for now, Leo leaned back and let out a deep sigh.
He had his work cut out for him, as training Dumpy wasn't just about keeping him fed and happy—it was about constant discipline and showing him who was in charge.
"Alright, I have a general idea of what to do… only to put it into practice now" Leo muttered, as he could hear Dumpy jumping back towards his office after having a meal.
The frog was clearly very happy having received head pats earlier, however, the atmosphere within Leo's office had changed remarkably upon his return.
"Is that how I've taught you to move? Creating loud noises every time you take a step?
As an Assassin's pet, how can you not learn how to conceal your presence?
At this rate, instead of being an asset to me during a mission, you will become a liability–" Leo scolded, as although Dumpy could not understand why it was suddenly being admonished by the Lord Father, it hung its head in shame.
"From today onwards your skill training begins, I will take you in the wild to hunt worthy opponents, but you cannot bring shame to my name.
At your age, I could already fight…." Leo began, as he seamlessly transitioned scolding Dumpy into a life lesson inspired by his own backstory.
Although Leo did not realize it, he was behaving more and more like a father by the day, becoming genuinely attached to Dumpy although he could not convey it properly.
In order to not spoil him, he pretended to be strict, however, his eyes were soft and at times he had to check himself from letting out a chuckle and breaking character.
In a way, 'Beast Tamer' was his hardest actor class role to play yet, however, Leo grew a lot from the experience.
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/// A/N - Mass release chapter 2/4 ///