Despite what you might think concerning zorua’s natural masking abilities, taking care of a zorua is actually rather easy and comparable to taking care of any other dog- or fox-like pokémon. They need the same levels of time and affection and very similar training exercises to their non-morphing cousins. Likewise, they can be kept in very similar environments, with very similar beds. You may need to find a larger bed for zoroark, but luckily, it can even use the same sorts of beds as arcanine or ninetales (if it sleeps curled up, anyway—it may also sleep like humanoid pokémon, which would require a humanoid bed).

When it comes to the other basics, as with other canine pokémon, zorua are largely carnivorous, and when not fed kibble, they should be fed meat but can eat some vegetables and grains (in small amounts). It would also be a good idea to invest in chew toys or rawhide for distractions, and be sure to set aside some time each day for play and walks, especially during the first couple of years. Additionally, as with all canine pokémon, zorua can be paper-trained but should be let out to relieve themselves. Zoroark can be toilet-trained, but zorua prefer taking care of themselves in the outdoors. A fenced yard will do just as well, but definitely keep an eye on your zorua as it does so, especially if it grows into a mischievous pokémon when it comes to its ability to disguise itself. Finally, while zorua and zoroark are capable of self-grooming, you can supplement their routine with regular baths. Either way, zorua claws should be regularly trimmed, and their teeth should be brushed. This may be a difficult task as most zorua are finicky about these, but offering a treat for sitting still through these procedures may make things easier.

The only thing to keep in mind is that your zorua will eventually learn to disguise itself and create illusions. However, this is less of a problem than most people think. If you raise a zorua from a young age and treat it with kindness and love, then it won’t attempt to use its abilities to escape, contrary to popular belief. However, it will very likely attempt to create illusions for its own entertainment, so always keep your head about you when your zorua is growing into these abilities. The aforementioned distractions will be more important than ever at this point. Whenever you encounter something that is clearly an illusion (be it entire rooms that shouldn’t be there, pokémon you definitely do not have, or even an extra toaster in your kitchen), offer a toy. This will distract your zorua enough to break the illusion. In the meantime, try your best not to react negatively to your zorua’s illusions. Certainly, show your support and enthusiasm to its developing abilities, but don’t show fear or anger whenever zorua tricks you. (And, yes, this will happen.) Eventually, your zorua will outgrow its attempts to trick you, at which point you can train your zorua to use its abilities during more appropriate times, such as in battle or to protect you or your home.

As for which pokémon zorua work best with, it really depends on whether or not you intend on using your zorua for battle and what its personality is like. You may find it easiest to have a pokémon with Foresight at hand to dispel zorua’s illusions, but that would be protection for you, rather than accompaniment for your zorua. Some zorua do well when paired with other canine pokémon, especially houndour or growlithe, as they may form a pack together. Otherwise, in battle, trainers tend to pair zorua and zoroark with crobat, as their speed, combined with their typing, make them ideal counters to most of zoroark’s weaknesses.

In short, most people tend to think zorua are a challenge to raise, but for the most part, they’re fairly easy. Just remember that ultimately, zorua are canine pokémon … and also that they have a fantastic mischievous streak that can be countered with squeaky toys.