Well, that’s certainly unusual, but it sometimes happens when a water-type faces trauma or neglect in relation to water. For example, if an amphibious pokémon such as squirtle had been kept in a tank with no dry area for them to climb on top of or if the tank itself was never cleaned, then a young squirtle may adopt a strong aversion to water because it associates water with that past trauma.

For this reason, it’s important to treat the trauma in addition to acclimating your squirtle to his natural environment. Always start slow and employ an ample amount of positive reinforcement and affection. Begin by socializing with your squirtle. Spend as much time as possible with him, and give him as much gentleness as he can tolerate. Offer physical affection and soft tones of voice, as well as the toys and treats he can take without being exposed to water. As always, be very aware of his body language and if he shows any sign of stress (stiffening, withdrawing partway into his shell, looking at you with a glazed expression), disengage and try a different method of affection. Trauma and stress in pokémon rarely come with just one symptom—as in, water may not be the only thing that will trigger your squirtle’s anxiety. Your squirtle might also have an aversion to certain types of human contact, so it’s important to be observant as you interact with your pokémon.

When it comes to water, meanwhile, you will still need to give him a water bottle either way, as allowing him to avoid all forms of it may induce dehydration. At first, you may be able to work with him. Hold him in one arm and give him the bottle with the other, just as you would if you were feeding a baby. Offer verbal encouragement whenever he accepts the bottle, and reinforce the act with a treat when he’s done. Continue doing this until he seems comfortable enough to drink from the bottle or from a dish without your assistance.

Bathing your squirtle may be trickier, but this is also vital, not only because it will help him adjust to water again but also because it will keep his skin from drying and cracking. (Dry, cracked squirtle skin can become infected rather easily, so it’s not an ideal state of being for your pokémon.) You can help your squirtle by filling a shallow tub or your bathroom sink with water while he’s outside the room. Then, bring him in and continue to hold him as you let him see the sink or tub. Dampen a cloth or sponge in the sink with your free hand and wring it out as best as you can, then use it to moisten part of your squirtle’s skin. After this, slowly and carefully lower your squirtle into the bath and begin bathing him. All the while, continue offering verbal encouragement to soothe your squirtle and help him accept being exposed to water. After a few weeks of this, you can move him to a larger tub (or your own bathtub). Once he becomes acclimated to this, you can move on to filling the tub while he’s present to help him get used to running water. Once he gets used to this, you may allow him to bathe himself (either in your presence or quite literally by himself, depending on his comfort level), and once you pass this stage, you may move him to the pool.

As one would expect, though, always let your squirtle lead: let him decide when he’s ready for each new step. Likewise, be as supportive and loving as possible, and keep in mind that even if you help him with his fear of water, he may still need plenty of emotional care from you. However, although this may be an unexpected challenge for you, raising a pokémon that requires a deeper level of emotional care than others is ultimately rewarding, as it enables you and your pokémon to cultivate a unique bond that you might not develop with any other training experience.

Best of luck, anonymous.