The Water Dog

4leggeds@gmail.com (Elizabeth Johnson) — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 21:37:18 GMT

The magical force of the ocean is deep, intelligent, teaming with wisdom, unpredictable, and full of treasures, and so is your Water Dog. When you are ready for one, they come to you and you stand astonished at the complexity of this animal in your life.

Water Dogs teach us to trust. We learn trust for them, for ourselves, and for our own inner wisdom. It may not be in the most conventional or easy way, but a journey awaits that will enrich, change, and sometimes baffle your life. Water Dogs are often considered a spiritual teacher with four legs .

Water Dogs are emotional beings and also extremely sensitive to our emotions. They are pools of reflection for us. Do not expect to act differently than you actually feel when working with them, the Water Dog will know. They are the quintessential empaths. Accept this reflective gift and utilize it to create a deeper connection with them and hopefully with your own self, as that is always their ultimate goal.

Water Dogs learn best when they have a deep and intimate connection with their human. They are extremely smart and devoted. Their emotional reflex is fear. They can be calm one moment and go into full blown panic the next. Water Dogs are often passed around from owner to owner for odd behaviors, but they truly are loving, cuddly, fun partners. Stay the mile with them, they are worth it and they definitely have something to teach you.

To help Water Dogs make their way through life, they need a strong, kind, devoted leader that does not rattle easily. Once they bond with you they will often look to you first, before letting their fear lead them. Learn to honor the connection between you and your Water Dog and you will catch these fears before they turn into complete chaos.

They often have mysterious ailments and injuries that come and go or may not be easily diagnosed by or respond to conventional medicine. They can be prone to kidney issues, bladder infections, and weak lower backs and hind ends. Visit your vet for blood work at least once a year. Water Dogs will teach you to think out of the box, and trust your intuitions about what feels right for them.

Expect the unexpected. Learn from the Water Dogs wisdom and they will enrich your life with their purpose and presence beyond your wildest dreams. Oh, and they may just drop into your dreams to chat, don’t be afraid to listen!

Old Water Dogs

Old Water Dogs hold a wellspring of wisdom in their eyes. They have “been there, done that” on so many otherworldly levels as well as this one we live in. Old Water Dogs need to feel quiet and peace as they age as well as deep connection and devotion. They prefer to be right by your side if they can be. Keep their muscles and back strong, start ramp training early as they tend to weakness in the hind end and may have problems jumping into cars and climbing steps. Slings can be very helpful also. Watch for excess drinking and urination, and be sure to schedule a vet visit if you see this.

As you start to view your dog’s world in this new interesting way, try broadening your scope to yourself and imagine your own predominant element. This can provide a unique and helpful understanding of both your dog’s inner and outer world as well as your own.

Stay tuned for the next blog on your combined Elemental relationship... Who is Your Dog? Who are You?

May this bring peace and harmony into your relationships with your animals, yourself, and this amazing and intricate world we live in!

The Metal Dog

4leggeds@gmail.com (Elizabeth Johnson) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 01:17:43 GMT

We often describe the Metal element archetype as a Librarian. Extremely intelligent, methodical, calm with a clear mind, dependable, easily rattled by noise and lack of order, and generally not very tolerant of emotional closeness. This is the Metal Dog.

Metal Dogs are typically lean, almost elegant in their presentation and movement. They are capable of intense focus and are mentally and physically extremely competent. They like challenges and doing things that matter. Metal Dogs thrive on having a sense of purpose and having a handler that takes their partnership seriously. They bond deeply with their handlers once they can trust that the handler is committed to their training in the manner the dog needs. They make incredible working dogs as they have a calm and cool exterior and a strong inner sensitivity.

However, due to this strong sensitivity they do not tolerate noisy atmospheres. They will internalize the stress of chaos and this ultimately taxes their well-being. They do not need much social interaction, but rely on the few trusted deep bonds they make in their world at home and “work”. They typically do not enjoy or need touch, but with trust and time can learn to accept it. Metal Dogs like to have a quiet place to escape to and rejuvenate after giving life their all.

Metal Dogs can have rigidity issues in both their personality and body. If there is lack of trust or disconnection with their handler they will withdraw emotionally and shut down. When Metal Dogs internalize their stress, the imbalance it creates can cause respiratory issues, skin issues, constipation, and immune problems. They give 110% physically when they work or compete and can acquire leg injuries due to their own high performance standards.

The Metal Dog’s emotional reflex is grief and when there is the loss of a bonded handler, companion animal, or even a job they love, they will internalize grief. Grief can illicit coughing and other respiratory issues, impatience, and also emotional withdrawal for the Metal Dog. This hard driving, intelligent, and talented dog has sensitivity needs that are often hidden from many owners.

Take the time to connect with them, develop two-way trust, and support them for their unique needs. You will be rewarded many times over.

The Old Metal Dog

The Old Metal Dog still needs a purpose. This can be challenging for owners to find. Teaching Scentwork/Nosework earlier in the aging process can give them a fun, rewarding, and purposeful challenge in their later years. It can also strengthen the respiratory system and keep the body somewhat supple and limber, as can Doggie Yoga. I’ve taken many of my aging dogs to Canine Nosework classes and it has been great enrichment for them. Some of the working dogs may have had this earlier training and will find it fun and exciting.

For Old Metal Dogs, and with all elder dogs, it is important to pay attention to environmental factors affecting the respiratory and immune system. Their powerful nose may be the only sense they are relying on in their elder years. They can be adversely affected and confused by strong scents in detergents and cleaners, carpets, heavy dust loads, smoke and pest/weed control products etc. Be safe and green in and around your homes, you have a sentinel to remind you to be healthy too.

The Earth Dog

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 01:16:45 GMT

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The Earth Dog

The quintessential caregiver. Kind, gentle, abundantly patient, and a bit chubby. The perfect kid loving family dog. Easy-going, loves everyone, loves touch, comfort, and of course, food.

As I write this I’m watching my older rescue Earth Dog Wilbur play ever so gently and patiently with my new rescue pup Pretzel. They are sharing a bed and chew toy as she sings loudly, while Wilbur is gently holding the toy in her mouth and trading it back and forth. They have been playing like this for about 4 hours. It can be mesmerizing to watch this gentle interplay of kindness between an elder and young dog.

Pretzel just fell asleep tucked in Wilbur’s arms and he hasn’t budged, just watching over her quietly. Wilbur, now dubbed “the Uncle”, has been my best asset with Pretzel, a very sweet, shy, wily, and feral, six-month-old Water Element Dog (more about that element later). Wilbur has taken on the task of teacher. Uncharacteristic for Wilbur, he is now doing everything I ask him to, absolutely perfectly, as she mimics his behavior. He has even helped me potty train her by going potty on command every single time I ask. He is happily living his Earth element with purpose and patience.

Earth dogs are not always quick thinkers. It takes patience to teach them so short quick lessons are best. However, their memory is excellent and once they learn and master something, they will never forget it. They love praise and recognition but they love FOOD even more. They are major Foodies. If you lengthen lessons when training or ask too much they can become stubborn, not just a little stubborn, but persistently stubborn! High value treats like bacon can definitely extend the lesson time but there will come a point when the Earth Dogs mental clock runs out.

Earth Dogs are “easy keepers”. In other words, they gain weight just by looking at food. Food is one of their greatest motivators in life so it is important to watch what and how much you feed them and be sure to count their treats into your calorie count. No fun, I know. Regular exercise will help with their propensity for chubbiness.

Earth Dogs have incredible clocks and will always remind you if you are late for a meal or a walk. They are very “routine-based” and will do best with regular routines. This gives them a sense of security. The emotion associated with the Earth Element is worry. Any form of change or household imbalance (new puppy, packing a suitcase…) reflexes them into worry. This can create stomach issues and all sorts of digestive upsets. Having a gentle awareness and understanding of their propensity for worry goes a long way towards keeping them balanced and healthy, especially in the elder dog. Earth Dogs can also have stifle issues, fatty tumors, and other growths. Consult your veterinarian when needed.

Wilbur has managed to make many friends. He is the Grand Greeter. As with the Fire Element, he attracts people, but for a different reason. It is not magnetic charisma but the gentleness and friendliness that reels them in. Everyone who walks by my car has to greet Wilbur and this creates all sorts of magical conversations that would never have happened if it weren’t for his full-bodied smile and wildly wagging tail. I suspect he knows more people in town than I do! I’ve only had him for little over a year and everywhere I go someone remembers Wilbur. Embrace the Earth Dogs slower pace and gentle spirit and it will open up your world.

The Old Earth Dog

The Old Earth Dog needs comfort and a peaceful atmosphere with very little change. They need lots of praise for doing small things, it makes them feel loved. They like to have buddies with them. Cats and other dogs help them feed their nurturing spirit. They also need to keep an adequate weight for the age-related decrease in physical exercise. Chubbiness will be a detriment to them. Feeding them vegetables when they are young, so they learn to like them early, is a low-calorie way to help fill the tummy.

Earth Dogs like the slow life so getting them to exercise may take some gentle prodding and praise. However, they are “routine based” animals so if you keep the same routine as their younger years, but just dial it back as needed, they will do their best to get motivated. Low calorie treats help too!

Lastly, they really need their humans to spend time just being with them, maybe giving them long belly rubs and petting sessions. Some of the best memories I have with my old dogs is taking the time to simply sit and just be with them. It is a profound and loving gesture in dog language and a healing balm for our own hearts.

The Fire Dog

4leggeds@gmail.com (Elizabeth Johnson) — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 21:53:57 GMT

The Fire Dog!

Everyone adores a Fire Dog! And a Fire Dog loves to be adored. Not only do they thrive on social interactions and attention but they carry a charisma and magnetism that is hard to ignore. Fire dogs, often red or a red combo, are happy being the center of attention in any crowd. They thrive on play, adoration, and social stimulation. They are the quintessential party dog!

The Fire Dog needs both physical and emotional contact as much as they need food. They are quite cuddly and are as good at giving affection as receiving it. They love fun activities, are quick learners, and fun to train. They love praise and they create lifelong partnerships and friendships with other animals and humans. Being incredibly social, they typically do not like being alone.

Think of a cozy campfire that warms you and cooks your food. Aaaahh…Then think of a raging forest fire. EEK! This can be the emotional span of your Fire Dog! The Fire Dog is physically and emotionally sensitive to others and their surroundings, and can mentally overload easily. This charming, heartfelt dog can quickly become a drama queen! In TCM we call this a disturbance of the Shen, the shen being the combination of the heart and mind. This imbalance can cause them to be unpredictable, ungrounded, and emotionally reactive, creating dramatic behavior or doing something totally out of context for the situation.

At this point, we humans need to support the Fire Dog by grounding ourselves first, then taking them out of the fray. We can then calm them with some tender touch, soft words, and praise which should re-ground them quickly. Usually they snap back to their adorable, sweet, party dog self and life goes on while you are still wondering what happened!

Physically, Fire Dogs may have imbalances of excess heat both inside and outside their bodies. They may have stomach/gut issues, allergies, itchiness, skin and shoulder issues. They also may be prone to heart conditions. Keeping them grounded, cool, feeling loved, socially engaged, and giving them regular caring, physical touch can keep them balanced for a long, happy, fun life.

The Old Fire Dog

Include your Old Fire Dog in your daily life as much as possible. Train them on a ramp early so you can take them with you on errands or bypass stair climbs. Take short walks about town or your neighborhood where they can gather attention and feel adored. Have quiet play sessions with other dog friends. Give them cool places to be outside in the summer heat and have regular vet checks for their big hearts. Give them praise for anything and everything. Spoil them rotten! They deserve it and need it. And most of all, schedule regular time to share touch with them. This special being has brought smiles and joy into so many other lives and touch is a great way to give back.

Discover Your Dog's TCM Five Element Personality-The Wood Dog

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:52:45 GMT

Discover Your Dog’s Five Element Personality!

The Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a great tool for

understanding your dog and possibly, yourself. The personality and behavioral aspects of this

ancient technique provides a fresh view for how to see the world around us. As you learn more,

you will never look at things the same way.

In this brief review we look at a segment of TCM’s Five Element Theory which includes

personalities, emotions, physical characteristics, and potential maladies. This fun approach can

both gift us with “aha!” moments and settle our souls with helpful information that can’t be

found anywhere else.

You may see several elements reflected in your dog, however, there will be one that clearly

stands out. Once you identify your dog’s predominant element you can support him or her with

simple lifestyle measures to keep your pup balanced and happy.

In the scenario below there will be typical coat colors for each element. Because there is so

much variety in coat colors and combos, this may or may not be relevant. Look more towards

the personalities, needs, and wants of your dog to determine his/her element.

This interpretation is not meant to diagnose or treat but to open our eyes and help us create

harmony in our home. Have fun!

The Scenario

Five people lead their dogs into an obedience class. The first dog, brawny, brown and black,

struts in, pulling a bit on the leash while assessing the “competition” around him with a

confident air.

In bursts the second dog, a flashy red dog who pulls at the end of his leash and excitedly wags

his whole body as he changes direction to say hello to everyone and anyone.

The third dog, a bit pudgy and yellow, looks to his handler with worried eyes and nuzzles the

treat bag while wildly wagging his tail as he tries to ignore the flashy red dog.

The fourth dog is lean, angular, greyish tan, and walks quietly along the handlers’ side paying

absolute perfect attention to the bubble of his owner and himself.

And lastly the fifth dog, mostly black, comes in slowly and quietly, head down and eyes up

moving slightly behind the handler, aware of every movement around her and yet confident…

until she is not.

Each of the five dogs represent the common behavioral and physical characteristics associated

with the Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Stay tuned! There will be 5 total blog articles to help you find out Who’s Who!

We’ll start with the Wood Dog…

The Wood Dog

The Wood Element dog thrives on movement, competition, and leadership. This dog usually

ranks high in the “pack” in any circumstance where there are multiple dogs such as dog parks,

competitions, and even possibly at home, if they do not have a strong human leader. Wood

Dogs need clear boundaries from their humans. A human partner being clear, consistent, and

firm will easily earn respect from a Wood Dog, however, they will test us regularly just to be

sure someone is in charge.

Wood Dogs are always alert and aware. In the human world we often relate the Wood Element

archetype to being an army Sargent or a world class competitor. They are unflinching under

pressure and will take charge if they see a weakness or an opening.

Wood Dogs are fast learners. They love challenges, competition, and variety. When training,

they may become impatient or irritable if there is too much repetition. Honoring their need to

move will make any training easier, so first give them a good run, play, or a long walk and they

will be more focused and less impatient with the methodical acts of training. Competition is

their main goal so find ways to fill that need. Agility has all the components they love:

challenge, speed, movement, variety, and competition. If your Wood Dog is competing he will

most certainly be pushing himself to the absolute limits of his body so be sure you are

supporting his performance with massage, chiropractic, acupressure and supplements,

particularly after competitions.

On a physical level the most important health need for the Wood Dog is movement. Give them

plenty of walks or runs. Don’t skimp on their time working or training or you will have an over-

active and impatient dog on your hands. They are athletically gifted animals and need that

movement and challenge to create balance and harmony within the Wood element.

The common ailments and body parts affected by imbalances in the Wood Dog are tendon and

ligament injuries, muscle soreness, liver issues, digestive issues, eye conditions, and right sided

issues like muscle tension and stiffness. Movement can both help and hinder most of these.

Keeping muscles strong will mean less tendon/ligament tears and less stiffness. Active

movement helps the liver flush toxins better and aids digestion as it balances the Wood

element Qi. Balancing the Wood element Qi encompasses both solid leadership from the

handler, regular movement that meets their need for challenge and activity, and utilizing

supportive therapies for the amazing athletes that they are.

The default emotion for the Wood Dog is anger, causing aggression, impatience, and

frustration. Many Wood element dogs become working police dogs. Anger is their archetypal

stress response and can be balanced by giving clear, firm, and consistent boundaries,

competent leadership, challenging work and exercise, variation to life experiences, and of

course, praise and kindness.

The Old Wood Dog

The Wood dog does not take getting old very gracefully. They are not used to limitations with

their bodies and will almost always be incredibly frustrated and grumpy as aging takes hold. His

mind that is still raring to go, along with his strong determination and drive, can wreak havoc on

his aging body. Continued senior support of acupressure and massage will help, as will long

walks out in a familiar forest or venue. As they continue to age, multiple short walks with some

variety of scenery and smells will be an effective way to counter stiffness and keep his mind and

nose stimulated.

Teaching your fast learner Old Wood dog some new tricks will keep him engaged and feeling

successful. There are several great books out there on this. Enrichment activities are abundant

and finding what “gently challenges” your aging Wood Dog may be a simplified version of an

event or play style that he loved and found success with in his early life. He will always need to

be successful at something to be happy and balanced.

Stay Tuned to our Blog for the next Element - The Fire Dog!

A Dog's Wisdom

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 00:53:40 GMT

There is a rich alchemy created when a human and dog connect. We all feel it at some point, this tangled vessel of our hearts mixing up a sparkly batch of lifechanging experience and wisdom. The precious time we share with them becomes a PhD worth of teachings about life and about ourselves. As Wisdomkeepers, they become markers in time for us and remain nestled in our hearts for eternity.

I am so excited and honored to share the deep Wisdom that has been gifted to me by many, many dogs in my home life,my practice, wild canids, and the world around me. The wisdom and teachings our dogs generously impart can provide us with subtle information about who we are, who they truly are, and how we both interact with the world around us. Dogs are a wellspring of reflection for us humans and can be patient teachers for us, once we have the listening skills required to learn about ourselves.

Dogs have always helped me connect the dots of life and taught me how to be a better human. Yet I secretly live my feral side through them. They strengthen my listening skills, my awareness of all things around me, my awareness of others and the pain that others carry deep inside. They are a bridge of understanding for me about human nature. My queries are many in this realm, but dogs have taught me empathy and acceptance, two powerful tools for settling my questioning.

They teach me to reach out and help others, to forgive unconditionally, to eat on a regular schedule, play hard, and how important naps are. I vicariously wag when I see a friend and carefully sense the waters with most new humans, all the while just being exactly who I am. The more time you spend with dogs, the more subtle teachings occur and a peace begins to form, the peace of knowing you are not alone on this journey but have a caring and fun guide to help you navigate this complicated world.

I hope some of these blog articles offer tools to create more awareness of your own feral self and can help shift outdated ways of being, doing, and feeling. I hope your understanding of Dogs and all animals becomes deeper and carries the respect that they deserve. Let's share their path to create more

two-legged Wisdomkeepers and make the world a better, more harmonious place, one wag at a time.

"Musings..."

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 18:09:17 GMT

As I sit here typing, a Bald Eagle is flying slow looping circles above while an old rufous male hummingbird, weary from traveling back from South America to this little island in Puget Sound, is resting outside my window. Life holds so many blessings and high among them are the animals we live with, work with, and care for. It has been my privilege and pleasure to live close to and heal this world of furry, fuzzy, and feathered ones that surround us. The connections we create are magical and wondrous. These animals are our companions, our partners, and most of all our teachers. They are a gift to us, whether wild or domestic, they all have a message to share.

There are some wonderful side effects to my work. In devoting my life to the well-being of animals, I’ve watched them share a larger purpose of helping humans to heal body, mind, and soul in so many different ways. I then realized I’d become part of this process with them, being relegated as a messenger of sorts. I did not see this coming in my early practice years but am now grateful to be a small part of the bigger dance of wellness for all.

My highest goal and purpose in life is to deepen the connection between animals and humans. To create an atmosphere that pulls humans a little deeper into the soulful ways that we are connected with our beloved animals. Sharing the teachings of the animals has been a profound part of my life. It feels like I am a conduit for cords of wisdom coming directly from animal to human.

My upcoming book P.A.C.K. is a transformational guidebook for pet owners. P.A.C.K. has many Old Dog practical teachings interlaced with mindful teachings about animal/human mirroring, soul contracts, and most importantly learning about ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. As these teachings spiral into us, I hope they spiral back out into the world and bring the Patience, Acceptance, Compassion, and Kindness that is so badly needed in our interactions with others.

And what can I learn from Grandfather Rufous? He’s still resting after his long journey, becoming more vigilant in his awareness of the others, and sipping the wonderful, welcome nectar of his summer home. Sounds like a recipe for a good day! Time for me to rest with a nice, warm cup of tea…

Stay tuned, follow me and enjoy the blogs to come, the free gifts, the Animal Wisdom and P.A.C.K.

Til then, Many Blessings!