Hello! I’d like some help with taking care of my Pokémon. Recently, my Eevee has evolved into a Jolteon, and sometimes when she encounters something new the first thing she does is try to shock it lightly, which has startled people and Pokémon that she comes across. Sometimes I can convince her not to do this but other times she gives in to her curiosity. How can I help her to stop doing that for the most part, or is it a friendly gesture of the Jolteon species that can’t be stopped? Thank you!

Unfortunately, anonymous, a lot of electric-types tend to use their electricity to explore their worlds in exactly the manner you’re describing.

Fortunately, it’s not entirely preventable, although it is difficult to curb. One of the things you can do is teach her to heel (see this ask: http://bills-pokedex.tumblr.com/post/163998759883/help-my-cubchoo-has-an-insatiable-appetite-for), then combine that with a bit of training to teach her not to shock. Alternatively, teach her to use her other senses, particularly smell, rather than her electrical reading.

I realize that sounds a bit vague, but it hinges a lot on the same principles as teaching her to heel. In other words, you need to use a lot of positive reinforcement. When she shocks, tell her no (or to heel), then follow up by instructing her in as clear and simple a manner how to properly interact with an object of her curiosity. When she interacts with that object in the correct manner, however, you should reward her until she begins to understand the difference between wanted and unwanted behavior. Once that difference is ingrained in her mind, she’ll begin to follow wanted behavioral patterns, at first consciously and then habitually as time goes on.

Of course, because you’re working against instinct, it will take a bit more patience and persistence than usual to get what you want her to do to stick. She will, at first, be more inclined to follow instinct, especially because electrical sensing tends to be more comfortable for electric-types. However, be as consistent as possible, and slowly but surely, you’ll be able to teach her to use her nose instead.

Best of luck, anonymous!