DOG AND DOG YEAR

The Chinese believe that the essence of any year's chi energy often reveals the tendencies that reflect the behavioral types of the animal which rules the year.  Thus, the secret to ensuring a harmonious Year of Dog is to understand the behaviour of Dogs.  Observe all the rules in your treatment of Dogs, then apply the same principles to the people around you.  Thus consider, when Dogs are nasty they will snarl, growl and maul.  Sometimes they even attack, especially when pushed into a corner and become afraid.  So it is important not to behave in a way that brings out this vindictive streak in Dogs.  On the other hand, Dogs can also be gentle, sweet natured and incredibly loyal.  When they feel secure, Dogs give back a thousand fold. 

In a Dog year, take your cue from these observations.  You will discover they go a long way towards ensuring a trouble-free path through work and social relationships.

1.  Put out your hand towards a dog that you are meeting for the first time so he can sniff you before attempting to pat the dog.  This give the dog a chance to decide if he wants to let you get any closer. 

Same when meeting someone for the first time.  Do not get excessively familiar too soon.  Allow time to let them assess you and you to assess them.

2.  If you encounter an angry barking dog that seems to be coming at you, stay still, freeze and put on a non-threatening expression.  Look down in a gesture of surrender.

Same when dealing with someone who is angry at you.  This Fire Dog Year, adopt a humble response.

3.  When a dog is sleeping, it is foolish to wake him up.  The saying "let sleeping dogs lie" is most appropriate to remember.

Same, do not make the mistake of ruffling calm waters.  This is not the year to do it.  It is better to be conciliatory this year.

4.  Never make the mistake of removing food when a dog is eating.  He could attack you.  Removing the food or appearing to do so can transform even the mildest mannered dog into a monster.

Same, you would be ill advised to give anyone the impression you are taking their rice bowl away from them.  Do not disturb someone who is eating. No one will appreciate this kind of threat, and especially not during this Year of Dog.

5.  Dogs do not like you staring at them and making eye contact as they consider this very threatening.

Same, this year, do be sensitive to the hostility vibrations that are in the air.  Refrain from staring at people as it can be read as if you are looking to pick a fight.  If you find yourself in an explosive or dangerous situation, it is better to immediately look down and play coward.  This is not a year to act tough.

6.  Dogs do not like being teased as this can frighten them.  They are usually patient to stroking and praise, but they do not like it when they get teased, especially by children.

Same, it is not a good idea to make jokes at someone else's expense.  You may not realize, but you could be making an enemy unintentionally.  Observe this rule especially in your relationships with people older than you.

(1/8/2006)