The Five Element Puppy
By Elizabeth Anne Johnson.
Finnegan, my handsome little 11-week-old Labx rescue pup is a classic five-element shapeshifter. Actually, all puppies are. I’ve had Finn for 3 1/2 weeks now and as is common for all puppies when they start to participate in the world away from their furry Mom, Finn is an elemental moving target.
All puppies go through a sequence of elemental development when forming their Five Element archetype personality. Puppies typically begin with the Water Element, moving from creation and floating in the womb to living in their small closed-eye world of survival. They instinctually find Mom (otherwise known as food), and a puppy’s early weeks are about eat, sleep, and pee/poo. Water in, water out.
Early on they move into the rhythm of competitive nursing and slide into the next season of the Wood Element. The most competitive get to the yummy table of teats first. Having a competitive edge means more food and more growth. They learn to push, climb, shove and eventually give a wee high-pitched pseudo growl. The fine line between the smallest and the stoutest becomes more visible in their activity and growth.
Next, they begin to see and take notice of experiencing big human feet and gentle human hands that turn into heartbeats, whispers, and cuddles. They are entering a social life with other creatures – including us. They are feeling a different kind of love from a source outside of Mom’s care. Most will settle into this and enter their wee flame of the Fire Element.
Next, they will latch onto the yummy flavors of tasty treats as they discover new food sources and their own hungry Earth Element. This is the stage where puppies are always hungry for food and touch, especially the wee ones that may not have gotten as much of Mom’s milk and comfort as others. They are tapping into outside sources of food and love.
We humans create a new world of nurturing for them as they learn to feel, take, and give the all-encompassing love from our giant hands and hearts. Their world and focus shifts as they step further into our lives.
This new world quickly becomes about learning and filling up their little library of a brain with loads of sensory stimulus – sights, sounds, tactile variations, and of course smells upon smells. There is now a different kind of purpose and partnership in their new little life. They stumble and move through the Metal Element, logging hours of brand new, stimulus and fresh information, eventually needing to recharge with cozy naps throughout the day. Learning feels fun but rest is essential and often.
At 11 weeks old now, Finn is daily and sometimes hourly, cycling through a different element. All the elements have come to the party and as I see shades of each element’s characteristics, I wonder what his true nature will be.
Right now, I’m seeing Water, Wood, Metal and a bit of Earth taking their elemental shapes in his behavior.
Finn’s Water shows as a deep old soul looking straight into my eyes as well as having a bit of timidness about new things, people or places. He’s also a very clear communicator and vocal but not barky. He and I already have our tethered connection in place. When I first picked him up it was like greeting an old lost friend. My very best “heart-dogs” have always felt that way.
His Wood shows me his determination, fast learning, confidence and bravery when playing with my four-year-old dog, Pretzel.
Finn’s Metal shows up as his purposeful birdy obsession, solid tracking with his nose, consistent peeing and pooing in the same areas, and easily remembering what he very quickly learns.
His Earth is always starved and hungry (he was the runt of the litter) and very grounded for a pup. There’s not too much Fire yet, although he is very cuddly.
Clues to your pup’s element personality can be seen in their learning style. Are they a fast learner? a slow learner? or a “not sure they want to do that right now” learner? We can also gather clues by their play style – Aggressive? Stressed? Friendly? Persistent? Shy? Or not really interested in playtime?
Another solid clue is observing how they act when stressed – aggression, panic, worry, mistrust, fear. All of the above are associated with specific archetypal elements.
We typically start to see some archetypal patterns around 12-16 weeks (if you’ve had them from early puppyhood) and those may finally seat in strongly at 9 to 12 months.
Once you have a handle on their element you can then ask the supportive questions that determine your “ultimate relationship happiness”.
What archetypal play does he need and want?
What 5E food does he need for health?
What does he need for interactions?
Does he need “a job”?
What is his learning style?
What social style does my pup need?
Simply put: What makes him/her happy?!!!
This is all in the book Know Your Dog’s True Nature! Check it out!!
Remember that we all have five elements with the primary being most important and the secondary gently enhancing the primary. The quizzes, dog element discussions, and stories in my book “Know Your Dog’s True Nature” will give you a solid grasp of what element your pup is, once you are past the eight-week early puppy stage.
When you find their primary element, you’ll find that rainbow of understanding that helps you connect more deeply with your new pup!
Be well, peaceful, and happy! EAJ
Elizabeth Anne Johnson has over 30 years of experience as an animal empath, and healer, is the author of Know Your Dog’s True Nature, a TEDx Speaker, and a former veterinary technician. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest and happily walks the beaches and forests with Pretzel and wee Finnegan.
We are still in the Water Element… season of the Water Element Dog – Do you think you have one? To find out your dog’s element and why they do what they do – check out the dog (and human!) quizzes in my book – Know Your Dog’s True Nature and find out how you and your dog can finish an awesome winter season!!
Check out our free gifts! at ElizabethAnneJohnson.com
