The
Earth Dog
By Sarah Fisher
Do You Live with an Earth Dog?
To imagine a typical Earth dog think Golden
Lab! Earth dogs are often EXTREMELY food motivated and generally have a broad, strong
frame, gentle, full lips, mobile skin and a very smiley disposition. They are generally
soft in heart, body and soul, and make peaceful, loyal companions. Earth dogs in
particular seem to be born with an inherent talent for sitting, pleading with their eyes
and drooling (the Earth Phase governs both saliva and the Stomach) as their human
companions eat (often guiltily!) even the smallest morsel of food. They enjoy using their
mouth to carry things and can be incredibly 'mouthy' as pups often taking a long time to
grow out of the chewing phase. When Earth is unbalanced this can result in excessive
licking, whining, mouthing, and even biting.
Earth dogs generally make good family pets as
they respond well to both children and adults alike. They are tolerant and loving and
enjoy taking care of their family - human or canine. However dogs with disharmony in the
Earth Phase can be prone to jealous behaviour towards babies, children and other companion
animals and may develop issues with the mouth such as food and/or toy aggression. They may
become overly protective of their owner, bed, food, toys and territory because they fear
the possible threat of deprivation so intensely.
Separation anxiety, excessive whining, and
clingy behaviour can be also linked to Earth imbalance as disharmony in the Earth Phase
can result in the dog not just needing but craving constant attention. They can become
overly anxious and prone to excessive worry. Unbalanced Earth can result in vomiting,
diarrhoea, bloat and other digestive disturbances.
The Earth Phase represents maturity. Some
Earth dogs can be slow to develop physically, mentally and emotionally, retaining their
puppyish appearance and behaviour well into early adulthood. Others can seem incredibly
wise and grown up from a very young age.
The Earth Phase is also linked to sweetness
and Earth dogs often have eyes that can be described as being like melted chocolate. If
Earth is in trouble however the eye can become hard due to the interaction between the
Earth and Wood Phases.
As with the Earth horse, the balanced Earth
dog enjoys being of service to others. Their even temper, friendly nature and willingness
to work can make them invaluable as Guide Dogs, Rescue Dogs, or Pat Dogs. Although not the
most agile of dogs, their stamina and strength of character enables them to keep going at
a steady pace all day. They benefit from a consistent feed and exercise regime as lack of
exercise and inappropriate feeding can make them prone to lethargy and weight problems.
At the time of writing I have just returned
from a two-day workshop in Scotland where I had the pleasure of meeting two full (canine)
brothers who both, rather appropriately, are excellent examples of the Earth Phase.
One whom I shall call Sam, was laid back,
placid, easy going, quiet, relaxed in both body and mind, had the softest, softest eyes,
enjoyed contact over the entire body, loved everyone around (particularly when they were
eating!) and enjoys staying in bed in the mornings. His littermate Fred was a worrier, was
anxious in new situations, was harder eyed, leaned into his owners (and would push and
push for affection at home), would rather be up and out in the mornings and had a tendency
to choke/vomit after eating. He was reactive to contact on the side of his face and around
his mouth and was tighter through the body. Two weeks previously he had bitten for the
first time.
The dogs are Golden Retrievers. Same litter,
same home, totally different. I am pleased to say however, the dogs were virtually
indistinguishable by the end of the weekend. The owners were stunned by the change in Fred
and over the moon because they had always had a gut (no joke!) feeling that Fred needed
help and not chastising. The owners did the TTouches on Fred, as he felt very threatened
if I got too close. Tight muscles softened under their fingers literally within minutes
and for the first time ever, Fred enjoyed contact around the muzzle. His eye and demeanour
softened and he became less clingy and apprehensive. A happy outcome for all thanks to the
TTouch.
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The Metal Dog
By Sarah Fisher
Do You Live with a Metal Dog?
Metal dogs are often highly individual in
character and can make great companions for people that lead active, busy lives. They have
strong, agile, angular bodies and bright, striking eyes. Although a sense of humour is one
of the attributes of this Phase, excessive clowning can be indicative of Metal disharmony.
Typical examples of a Metal dog might be some members of the Terrier family, some Collies,
and Pointers.
Metal dogs, like their equine friends, enjoy
activity and adventure and will often leave the tastiest of meals if a walk is in the
offing. They excel at agility classes and do well in obedience due to their intelligent,
quick thinking personality but it is important to remember that all training methods must
be fair and their individualist nature appreciated. Dominant and rigid methods will shut
the dog down and inhibit his/her natural vitality.
Whilst Metal dogs enjoy company they are often
extremely independent and can sometimes be greatly disturbed by the addition of a new
canine family member. Although generally even in temper, these dogs may have a tendency to
withdraw and become aloof and distant if upset. As with all balanced Metal types, Metal
dogs often have an innate sense of wisdom about them. They enjoy order, fair play and are
generally sensitive to the feelings of others - attributes which can make them excellent
canine playground monitors. If disharmony occurs, however, they may become insecure,
anxious, overbearing and assertive. It is important to remember that Metal dogs like to
take time out alone. Excessive isolation however can have a detrimental effect on the dog
and give rise to depression and feelings of loss.
Homeopathy may be more appropriate for Metal
types as an imbalance can cause an extreme sensitivity to odours.
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The Water Dog
By Sarah Fisher
Do You Live with a Water Dog?
The Water Dog, like its equine companion is
generally blessed with a luxurious coat that shines with relatively little grooming. They
are observant, and calm but can become over excited or nervous when under pressure. Strong
boned, with a denser body than the Fire or Metal Dog, Water Dogs make excellent working
dogs. Some Black Labs might be typical Water Dogs as they tend to be a little less thick
set than some of their Golden or Yellow friends. Needless to say, the Water Dog is often
at home in a river, pond or swamp! This can cause problems if the Water Phase is
unbalanced since water in the ears can lead to recurring infections due to the correlation
between the Water meridians and the ear. Disharmony in the Water Phase can also give rise
to cruciate ligament and spinal problems, particularly as the dog ages. As Kidney vitality
is linked to the vitality of life, deafness, hind limb weakness and conditions such as
arthritis set in as the dog advances in years. Supporting the Water Phase as the animal
ages can minimise the debilitating effects of old age.
It is said in Traditional Chinese Medicine
that the Kidneys store 'Jing' the essence of life. As the Kidneys are also linked to
sexual function important 'Jing' may be depleted in animals that are over bred. Pregnancy
itself further depletes vital Kidney energy and as 'Jing' is inherited, the health and
longevity of any offspring will be adversely affected if the dog, whether it be male or
female, is used for breeding purposes too young, too old or too frequently.
As with the Water Horse, an imbalance in the
Water Phase can give rise to nervousness, noise sensitivity and fear of sudden movement.
Further symptoms of Water disharmony are bone and dental problems and arthritic
conditions. Dogs that bite when disturbed by loud or shrill noises such as ringing
telephones, jet planes, or high pitched laughter often have arthritis in the hind limbs.
Dogs exhibiting this pattern of behaviour are often withdrawn and slightly shutdown.
Extreme territorial behaviour or over guarding may develop as the condition worsens.
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The Wood Dog
By Sarah Fisher
Do You Live with a Wood Dog?
Wood Dogs are generally lithe, muscular and
very energetic. Some of the working breeds such as the sight hounds are typical of a Wood
Dog and provided they have plenty of exercise and the right environment make excellent
companions for the experienced, active dog owner. The independent nature, and high sense
of adventure that accompanies this type may cause problems for the Wood Dog owner in some
instances since the drive to be constantly busy may encourage the dog to escape the
confines of a back yard and roam uninterrupted at every conceivable opportunity. A high
fence or wall will merely be tackled with the zest and gusto that the Wood Dog applies to
every other obstacle that crosses his/her path. And they rarely give up. For dogs with an
affinity with the Wood Phase will generally keep on going until they drop.
With anger as the emotion associated with this
Phase, dogs with Wood disharmony may have a tendency towards moody, and aggressive
behaviour. The bark will often be full and deep and will generally be accompanied by
jumping and lunging. They may even have a tendency to bite and will often be extremely
intolerant of other dogs around them. Allergies and recurring eye and ear problems are
further indications of Wood disharmony.
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