The Thorny Dragon is best tamed by trapping it or luring it onto high ground, then using tranquilizer arrows or darts while avoiding its torpor-inducing tail spines with cover, a shield, or careful movement before feeding it meat. It excels at gathering wood, benefits from reduced wood and stone weight, and serves as a mobile crafting mount thanks to its saddle-mounted smithy, while its quills provide useful ranged damage and torpor. When encountered, keep your distance or use a ledge or sturdy tank, remain alert for nearby pack members, and space out tranquilizer shots to allow torpor to build safely.