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.

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.

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 Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a great tool for understanding your dog's personality. In these five Blog Articles we look at a segment of TCM’s Five Element Theory which includes a dogs personalities, emotions, physical characteristics, and potential maladies. The personality and behavioral aspects of this technique provide a fresh view for how to see the world around us. This fun approach can both gift us with “aha!” moments and settle our souls with helpful information that can’t be found anywhere else.

There is a rich alchemy created when a human and dog connect. We all feel this at some point. A vessel of tangled hearts mixing into a sparkly richness of life teachings and adventures. The Wisdomkeepers, our dog companions, are like markers in time for us. Their lifetime is full of memories we hold deeply in our hearts for eternity.