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Elizabeth Anne Johnson, CBW, EEBW
Learn more about your dog’s personality through TCM’s Five Element theory. Uncover how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water archetypes shape behavior, emotional balance, and your bond.
Do you sometimes wish you had x-ray vision so you could see into the deep recesses of your dog’s behavior and personality? Understanding your dog’s personality with the Five Element theory is like having x-ray vision. It’s a fun way to learn “why your dog does what they do.”
The Five Element theory comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It explains the five distinct archetypal patterns of behaviors we see in our dogs (and ourselves). It also gives us a clear understanding of these personality types. This can help us develop more patience, empathy, and compassion within our dog/human relationships.
Once you know your dog’s primary element archetype or “true nature” (see sidebar on page xx), you can use this ancient wisdom. It can help guide you in your choices and interactions with your dog.
As you learn who they truly are, you’ll begin to see patterns. These patterns reflect how your dog learns, what they need and want, and how each element acts under stress.
Not only will you begin having “aha!” moments, but your dog will feel understood and your connection will blossom.
What are the Five Element dog archetypes?
1. Wood Element Dogs are athletic, powerful, and fast learners. Like springtime, the Wood Dog is full of growth and potential. We often relate the Wood Element archetype to being a world class competitor. These dogs are courageous and alert. Exercise is very important to their mental and physical well-being.
The Wood Dog has keen, highly tuned senses — especially sight – so they can react instantly if needed. Many police, military, and competitive dogs are Wood Elements. They are unflinching under pressure. They push beyond limits and fear and will take charge if they see a weakness or opening.
Default emotion when imbalanced: Wood Dogs can be aggressive when out of balance, which can lead to overprotectiveness.
To maintain balance: Movement is their medicine.
2. Fire Element Dogs are very social and love to be adored. They thrive on attention. Fire Dogs carry a warm charisma and magnetism that is hard to ignore. We are drawn to them as to a warm, cozy fire. Fire Dogs love fun, need social activities, and are quick learners. They create lifelong friendships with other animals and humans.
Default emotion when imbalanced: Fire Dogs can overload on too much fun and have mini panic attacks. They also often experience separation anxiety when left behind.
To maintain balance: Take them with you everywhere so they receive the adoration they crave.
3. Earth Element Dogs are nurturers and caregivers. Loyal, gentle, brave, abundantly patient, and often a bit chubby, an Earth Dog is the perfect, kid-loving, family dog. They thrive on being with family and friends, especially if treats are involved.
Earth Dogs are routine-based by nature. They have amazingly accurate internal clocks, especially at mealtimes. They are easy-going, cuddly, love everyone, and love food.
Default emotion when imbalanced: Earth Dogs are prone to worry when imbalanced. They may pant, pace, actively beg for treats, and follow you closely.
Their routine-loving nature means they worry about household changes and stressful situations. These could include an adult child going to college, moving to a new home, arguments, and family unrest.
To maintain balance: Monitor the Earth Dog’s food intake with low-fat treats like veggies, and try to keep harmony and happiness a household goal.
4. Metal Element Dogs are focused on having a purposeful life. We often describe the Metal archetype as a librarian. These dogs are extremely intelligent, methodical, calm, clear-minded and dependable. They have a solid working-dog demeanor and are devoted to a purpose, yet deeply sensitive.
Metal Dogs are easily rattled by noise and lack of order. They like routine, calmness, and purposeful direction.
Generally, Metal Dogs do not desire emotional or physical closeness…petting is not their thing! They often completely ignore you as you approach. They rarely engage in cuddles and are usually all business. Metal Dogs can be rigid and not very flexible, just like metal itself.
Default emotion when imbalanced: A lack of purpose, or an incongruency within the dog/human relationship, causes imbalance in the Metal Dog. The result is mistrust and a quiet form of apathy and grief.
To maintain balance: Be true to your partnership by being consistent. Give your Metal dog a job with a purpose. Start with scent work. A Metal Element’s sense of smell is their dominant sense.
5. Water Element Dogs are often considered “spiritual teachers with four legs.” When you are ready for them, they will find you. They are intelligent, emotional beings and carry deep connections with their humans. They are highly sensitive and often act as pools of reflection for us, knowing what we are feeling even before we do.
Water Dogs are extremely intelligent and devoted. They learn best when you have a deep and intimate connection.
Default emotion when imbalanced: A Water Dog’s emotional reflex is fear — often deep and visceral. Sadly, people often rehome these dogs because of their high sensitivity.
To maintain balance: Check in with yourself first — are you calm and solid? Take a few deep breaths and feel your feet on the ground so your Water Dog trusts all is okay. Maintaining a deep connection and open heart for their sensitivities helps them find their true power and courage. Trust is the vessel that holds Water.
Understanding leads the way; balance trots right behind.
Understanding your dog’s elemental needs and wants with Five Element theory will open both your worlds and create balance in your relationship.
Maintaining elemental balance leads to health, happiness, and true companionship. Keeping balance is not easy, and challenges will always arise within each element:
- Wood needs to find patience, which may be elusive for these bright, shining, capable stars.
- Fire needs to temper the excess joy that creates a raging heart-fire. They need to settle into the warm coals that spread light and goodness to everyone.
- Earth needs to reel in worrying about everyone else and focus on self-care.
- Metal needs to learn trust and lean into flexibility.
- Water needs to exercise bravery, offering powerful and gentle versions of themselves to help others and be a visionary force for the world.
Finding your dog’s archetypal element is an eye-opening process and a true gift. When you learn to weave and balance your own element archetype with your dog’s, you create a stronger, healthier, supportive relationship.
Understanding your dog’s personality with Five Element theory will open a delightful new lens into your life with them.
Find your dog’s Five Element archetype!
Answer the following questions about your dog and rate them as follows:
0 – Never
1 – Sometimes
2 – Often
3 – Always
When finished, add the totals for each element to see which one most closely fits your dog.
Wood
____I am happiest when I get movement
____I am not afraid of conflict with other animals or humans
____I will fiercely protect my humans and animal friends
Fire
____I treat everyone like I’ve known them forever
____I lick a lot
____I can be a bit of a ham and want to be adored by everyone
Earth
____I love having children or other pets around me
____I worry and obsess when my food is late
____I gain weight easily
Metal
____I can be stand-offish with other dogs and humans
____I am happiest when I have a job to do
____I isolate myself for rest time
Water
____It takes me time to trust someone
____I speak a lot and am a very clear communicator in other ways
____I am not very sociable with other dogs or humans
The post Understanding your dog’s personality with Five Element theory appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
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