My Rockruff and Litten use to be best friends, until they evolved. When Litten evolved into Torracat, she and my Rockruff still got along just fine. But when Rockruff evolved into Lycanroc (Midday) he started ignoring Torracat and he even attacked her once when she tried to get him to play with her. I was thinking that letting Torracat evolve might resolve these issues but Torracat has made it clear she doesn’t want to evolve. What should I do?

As always, it’s of vital importance to forge an understanding of your pokémon before proceeding. It’s entirely possible that your lycanroc’s behavior can be explained by his evolution and thus shift in personality. Midday lycanroc are indeed highly loyal pokémon, but they’re only loyal to those they perceive as being members of their pack. To anyone outside of that pack (as the cat-like torracat would be), they may become defensive or even territorial.

Alternatively, your lycanroc may be experiencing the beginnings of his maturity. That is to say, seeing as lycanroc and torracat are compatible with one another in terms of breeding, it’s possible that your lycanroc is attempting to drive away what he perceives to be an inadequate breeding partner, or he may be dealing with conflicting feelings about his former best friend.

On the other hand, it may also have nothing to do with your lycanroc’s evolution at all, and it may simply be a coincidence. It may be that your lycanroc and torracat are going through a personal quarrel or a misunderstanding that has less to do with your lycanroc’s evolution and more to do with how much food they receive, what toys they have, or something entirely different.

Thus, the first step is observation and communication. Observe your pokémon to see if you can determine a point of conflict, and if you can’t, simply ask them why they’ve started fighting. If you can determine the root cause of your pokémon’s arguments, you may be able to work from there to settle things once and for all.

Best of luck, anonymous!

Can I evolve both my rockruffs into the different forms of Lycanroc or will this make them fight? Would it be better if theybecame the same one?

Allow me to answer your second question first. It depends on the form. Midnight lycanroc are generally lone wolves (excuse the pun) and will fight anything within its line of sight, including other midnight lycanroc. Midday lycarnroc, on the other hand, are highly loyal, including and especially to other midday lycanroc and rockruff. Consequently, if you have two midday lycanroc in the same room, they will most likely form a pack and get along perfectly, even if they were originally from two completely different packs.

However, to answer your first question, things aren’t quite as simple as that. While the above is true for wild lycanroc, tame lycanroc typically respond to memories instilled in them as rockruff. That is to say, if two rockruff were raised by a single trainer, evolving into two different lycanroc will not make them fight—not normally, anyway. There may be some tension, and if the rockruff didn’t get along before evolving, that will continue after their evolution. But if your rockruff had gotten along quite well before evolution, they will indeed continue to get along, even if one is a midnight and the other is a midday.

Still, always be prepared to moderate any potential bickering over food, water, or sleeping locations. Just in case.

So about a week ago I started travelling with another trainer (someone I’ve met a few times, I consider him a friend) and ever since my Gallade has been wary of him, extending his swords whenever he gets within a few feet of me, and occassionally stops paying attention in battle. He used to be fine when we met up before, so I don’t know what is wrong all of a sudden. Any help?

It may be a good idea to communicate with your gallade—specifically through means your new traveling companion can’t eavesdrop on. Gallade are highly protective pokémon, but it’s also important to remember that in addition to this protectiveness, they’re also psychic. While it’s entirely possible that your gallade is simply being overly cautious around your friend, it’s also possible that your companion presents a very real danger that your gallade has picked up on. Communicating with your gallade through subtle channels will help you determine whether or not the threat is valid and what actions you would need to take after that.

If your new companion is indeed a threat (and, of course, always investigate before assuming your gallade is completely correct), it’s important to take caution in your dealings with him from that point forward. I would advise parting ways with him in a public area (and doing so politely but confidently) to minimize the possibility that he will respond violently. Be sure to have your pokémon close at hand for a few days afterwards for protection, and try not to make it obvious that it’s because you perceive him as a danger to you.

If, however, your companion is not a threat, try to explain to your gallade that your friend is trustworthy. I would also suggestion having your friend and your pokémon engage in team building exercises (such as, for example, allowing your friend to help take care of gallade or having your gallade and your friend work together to set up camp) so that the two of them may begin to build bonds with one another. Eventually, the longer your friend works with your gallade, the more likely your gallade will finally let his guard down.

Good luck, anonymous!

My mimikyu is a wonderful Pokémon but she’s very shy. My primarina and tsareena keeps trying to be friends but mimikyu keeps getting scared and running behind me

Mimikyu are unfortunately very shy by nature, anonymous; each one simply expresses it a different way. In the case of yours, that means obvious, extreme shyness—hence her tendency to hide when faced with her own teammates.

One way you can help the rest of your team bond with her is by initiating and overseeing group activities. The more your mimikyu sees you interact with your other pokémon, the more likely she’ll relax when in the presence of her. Encourage her (by speaking to her) to interact with your primarina or tsareena alongside you. Note also that this doesn’t necessarily have to be in battle, either. Virtually any activity you can think of can be used to help bridge the gap between your mimikyu and the others. Play with your team, have them do housework together, or simply go on a leisurely walk—whatever is easiest for you.

Additionally, ensure that everything your primarina and tsareena do around her (even when you’re not present) are non-threatening, even on an unintentional level. Have them keep their distance at first as they communicate with her, and make sure they invite her to join them, rather than let them approach her and try to coax her into participating with them. Teach them non-threatening methods of communicating, including open gestures and softer voices, and be sure they understand the difference between asking your mimikyu to join them and pushing their friendship onto her.

Finally, it may help to have mimikyu interact with only one of them at a time. Two may be intimidating to her, especially given the fact that both tsareena and primarina are generally much larger than the average mimikyu. Dim the lights as well in order to make your mimikyu feel comfortable.

Keep in mind that no matter what you do, it will take time for your mimikyu to open up to the rest of your team, even if she has already been a member of your family for a while now. Just be gentle as you approach her and do all that you can to ensure she doesn’t feel threatened, and let her open up in her own time.

Best of luck, anonymous!

I have some issues with my male luxray, I use to let him sleep with me on the bed all the time but now I kicked him off for he got a little too “close” if you catch my meaning, now he mean to me and others around him. What do I do fix this?

Well, one option is having him neutered if he isn’t already. This usually resolves issues involving a feline pokémon’s … friendliness towards others. The alternative option would be to get him a suitable mate in order to satisfy his need for physical contact. A female luxio or luxray is usually ideal, but if finding another member of his family in your region is highly difficult, consider a more common pokémon, such as a member of the rattata, patrat, or zigzagoon families.

Alternatively, try letting your luxray down gently. Tell him that you still love him as your pet but that you need space. Get him a comfortable bed and a nice-sized pillow for him to wrap his paws around and train him to stay in his bed, rather than yours.

The key, in other words, is understanding that your luxray may be experiencing a dire need for something to cling to at night, and he expresses his frustration with that unfulfilled need by lashing out at those around him. If you can find a way to satisfy that need—either by replacing yourself with a mate, neutering him, or giving him a comfortable sleeping space—then your luxray will be a bit calmer towards you and the rest of your team.

i caught a pumpkaboo the other day and while she is very sweet, she is incredibly shy. I own a pokemon day care and my pokemon help me care for the ones people leave in my care, and it becomes easier when i have pokemon of specific typings to help with others of that type. but all pumpkaboo wants to do is hide. I dont mind her not wanting to be apart of taking care of the other pokemon, but i would like her to at least get along with her teammates. any tips?

Give her time, anonymous. New catches are very much like new people you’ve met. Sometimes, they’re very eager to be your friend and the friend of all your friends; other times, it takes a lot of work and effort to get them to open up to you.

With that having been said, her integration should start with you. Give her every reason to trust you by treating her with kindness and patience. Don’t force her to do anything but make it clear (through both affection and verbal communication) that if she ever needs or wants anything, she can rely on you. Once she begins to understand that point, introduce her to your closest and calmest pokémon and have them befriend her and nurture their own bonds with her. (I would suggest beginning with one pokémon and allowing that pokémon to help you introduce her to a second, then a third, and so forth. Introducing her to multiple pokémon at once may overwhelm her.) Explain to your other pokémon that your pumpkaboo has a more timid disposition so they know how to approach and support her, and once she begins to trust them, allow them to introduce her to the rest of your day care.

In other words, take things slow and give her plenty of kindness, patience, and space as she needs. You’ll know when she’s ready to meet someone else when she grows comfortable being around you or the pokémon you introduce her to. But above all else, avoid being too aggressive with your attempts to befriend her, and never force her to meet any of your pokémon, as doing either may be perceived as a threat. Make sure she feels safe by speaking to her gently and letting her decide whether or not she’s ready to meet another member of your family.

Best of luck, anonymous!

I have to watch my friends Fennekin for two weeks but she does not seem to like my Vulpix. They hiss at each other, steal each others toys and so much of my stuff has been set on fire. Like so much. It’s only for two weeks but is there something I can do to stop them?

It’s possible to separate them as soon as fights break out. As in, physically separate them and tell them in a firm voice to stop fighting. This may seem like a basic thing, but if you show both your friend’s fennekin and your vulpix that you’re neither afraid of them nor afraid of breaking them up and giving them a stern talking-to, then they’ll be more likely to listen to you and behave (in your presence, at least).

It’s also worth it to note that vulpix and fennekin are both fox-like fire-types that evolve into pokémon with mystical abilities and that fennekin, as starter pokémon, are known for being more docile and friendly than the considerably rarer, prouder, more capricious vulpix. That is to say, it’s important to recognize that your vulpix may feel threatened by your friend’s fennekin, so it’s important to give your vulpix its own space and amount of affection. Reassure her that you don’t plan on adding your friend’s fennekin to your team and that she doesn’t have to interact with that fennekin if she doesn’t want to—but that you need her to be on her best behavior if she does.

As for your friend’s fennekin, they’re likely suffering from a simple case of homesickness, which happens when a pokémon isn’t in the care of the human they’ve bonded with. Because of that homesickness, though, your friend’s fennekin may be feeling on edge, which isn’t helped by the animosity your vulpix is feeling due to the aforementioned worry about being replaced. So it’s important to reassure fennekin that your home is its home for the time being and that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to make it feel safe and comfortable. You can do this by giving this fennekin its own space and amount of affection while keeping it away from your vulpix.

If you’re still struggling to keep their tempers in check, it may be a good idea to ensure your vulpix remains in a separate room from your friend’s fennekin. Use their poké balls if you need to, and set up a time when your friend’s fennekin is out and taken care of while your vulpix is in her ball and vice-versa. Be sure to keep their toys and possessions separate and out of reach during each shift.

I know this sounds as if I’m saying it’s impossible to get them to socialize. It’s not. In fact, after rotating them in this manner, it’s possible that they’ll understand why they’re being rotated and attempt to make amends with one another. However, the main point is this is more of an issue you should work out with your friend present, rather than with them absent, as it will involve training on their part as well. You will need to work with your friend—the fennekin’s true trainer, with whom it’s bonded—to bridge the gap between your vulpix and their fennekin and to get the hostility between them to calm. You can only do so much via training your vulpix.

Best of luck in the meantime.

I have a banette and he is not responding to anything i say in and out of battle,I don’t think it’s friendship problems since i captured him in a luxury ball and also didn’t make him battle until a couple months ago. Is there a solution to my problem?

Disobedience in battle may be caused by two things, anonymous.

First, is your banette completely healthy? As in, can your banette hear you when you shout commands? If you’re not sure, take your banette to your local pokémon center and have his hearing tested. If this is the issue, Nurse Joy should be able to suggest options that will help your banette to hear, even if you’re standing far away.

If your banette is perfectly healthy, it’s possible that he doesn’t actually want to battle. Sit down with your banette and communicate with him. Ask him if he would be interested in battling, and if he isn’t, try to figure out what he would like to do instead (if anything). Some pokémon, no matter how well you treat them, simply don’t want to battle, especially if they feel they’ve reached their “peak” (as some fully evolved pokémon do). Others have interests that lie elsewhere and just don’t have the heart to battle. It’s important to figure out what piques your banette’s interest and support him, regardless of what that is. Never force your banette to battle if he simply doesn’t want to battle.

If he does want to battle but still shies away from the battlefield, consider adding more time to his routine training regimen. It’s also possible that he’s simply afraid to battle, so it will take a bit of extra work to build his confidence.

Best of luck, anonymous!

My altaria and flygon have been fighting a lot recently since flygon evolved. Before I used to fly primarily on alratia but since I’ve been training my flygon I’ve been taking Him more often… im really worried one of them is going to get seriously injured. What do I do?

Ah, therein lies the problem, anonymous. Any time you shift attention from one pokémon to another, especially if you don’t explain the situation beforehand, you risk instilling a sense of jealousy in one of them. Yes, this happens even if the jealous pokémon is one of the nicest, most selfless you’ve ever worked with or if the jealous pokémon had been close friends with the one you’re affording more attention to.

With that in mind, in order to rectify the situation, you need to do two things. First, you need to explain clearly to your pokémon (both of them) that you’re not replacing either of them. You’re simply redistributing tasks. Of course, it’s also important that you offer this explanation without implying that your flygon is simply better suited to flight than your altaria. Otherwise, you risk provoking your altaria to “prove” that it’s just as capable of a flyer (by fighting your flygon again).

The second task will help you avoid this implication. What you need to do is, quite simply, spend more time with your altaria. Find something that it does best and work with it every day. Spend a little more time training it. Do everything you can to make it feel important to you or to make it feel as if you’re spending an equal amount of time with it as you do with your flygon. The more effort you put forth to make your altaria feel like a part of your team, the more your altaria can rest easy that its place hasn’t been taken by flygon. And thus, once you figure that part out, it will be less likely to instigate fights with its partner.

Likewise, your flygon may also be less likely to display dominance over your altaria, but I would also keep an eye on him and reassure him that your altaria is not a threat too.

Best of luck, anonymous.

Hey Bill, my Sylveon and Leafeon have been mates for about a year and a half now and Leafeon used to do a lot of cute things for Sylveon like bring her pretty rocks and play. But lately he doesn’t have much interest in her and no matter what Sylveon does she can’t get him to do anything for her like he used to. What’s going on?

You’ll need to verify two things before you can know for certain. First, check for eggs. Look everywhere—anywhere your sylveon and your leafeon can crawl into. Second, pay close attention to your leafeon. See if he looks listless, interested in other pokémon, or uninterested in anything else (such as food).

The reason why I suggest looking for these signs first is because when a male gives a female gifts, it’s usually part of a mating ritual, which in turn means mating is soon to follow. Unfortunately, a female eeveelution can only mate certain times a year. During these times, she secretes a specific scent that attracts her mate and entices him to romance her, as it were, right up until they finally engage in intercourse. Once that’s done, the female will find a place to lay a clutch, and once her clutch is set, she stops emitting those pheromones until she’s ready to lay more eggs—which usually doesn’t happen until after her first clutch hatches. During the period shortly after laying her eggs, the male finds her uninteresting, in part because of that lack of pheromones (and thus, a lack of anything to entice him to court her) and in part because his inability to detect these pheromones is a signal to him that he needs to leave her alone with her eggs.

If that’s the case, then you can possibly help by incubating the eggs. Incubation will allow them to hatch faster, and once the kits are born and placed near your sylveon for the first time, this may trick her body into believing she’s reached the end of her mating cycle. Be warned, however. If you do find a clutch of eggs and attempt to move them, you could instead provoke the wrath of both parents. On the one hand, that could result in helping them to bond with each other again. On the other, taking Magical Leaf and Moonblast at the same time is not a pleasant experience.

If you don’t find a clutch of eggs and your leafeon looks listless, take him to the pokémon center and check for any physical problems, just to rule these out. Your local Nurse Joy may also be able to diagnose any mental health problems if your leafeon’s disinterest is actually caused by depression.

If, however, his disinterest is not an indication of a physical or mental health problem but rather a shift in his attention, it’s important to keep an eye on him and try to figure out what it is. It could be that he’s trying to get his mate an even more impressive gift, at which point, you should help him in any way that you can. Or, alternatively, it could be that another pokémon has caught his eye … at which point, you should perhaps inform him that, no, you are most definitely not going to help him in any way that you can.

In short, your leafeon’s behavior could be the result of a few possible things, so it’s important that you hunt around his living space for anything that could be a possible source, then work from there.