Today many Asian countries and communities around the world celebrate the start of a new lunisolar year. The celebrations end with the Lantern Festival on 12 February. While, traditionally, China has not been at the forefront of animal rights and welfare, attitudes are changing, particularly in more urban areas and among the younger population. One cultural aspect that is comparatively well-known in the West is traditional Chinese astrology. It is based on a twelve-year cycle of zodiac signs, all animals. This shows that animals have always been important in Chinese and wider East Asian culture.
Although 2025 is the Year of the Snake, there is also a Dog among the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. It is the eleventh of the twelve signs and the last Year of the Dog was in 2018. People born in a Year of the Dog are said to be loyal, honest, protective, dependable and trustworthy, all qualities of a well-cared for pet or working dog.
There is another aspect of Chinese philosophy that can be linked to living with a dog: the concept of Yin and Yang. It means two different but complementary forces that make up a whole. Both forces are often seen as opposite but deeply interconnected and influencing one another through a reciprocal energy flow. If we evaluate this concept with a view of how humans live with dogs this is something we can apply to our relationship with a different species. Humans are very different to dogs. They look, speak and behave differently, have different goals and values, and are motivated by different things. As the caregiver, if not to say dominant partner, in the relationship humans control most aspects of their dog's life. Yet, it is often said that to combat stress and regain inner calmness one should be 'more dog'. As a certified transformational coach, I can only agree. Dogs live in the moment. Their most important goal is to meet their need for nourishment (both physical and mental/emotional) and for safety. Other than that, they accept what is happening, go with the flow and don't worry about the past or tomorrow. This is something we can learn from dogs (and other animals). And if we are open to it, like in a Yin and Yang relationship, we can allow our dogs to influence our lifestyle as we do theirs. This will deepen the bond between human and dog and create a fairer, more harmonious relationship.
Ever heard of emotional contagion? This is another aspect that can be viewed in light of Yin and Yang. Emotional contagion is the effect that another being has on one's own mental state or behaviour. I am sure everyone has experienced the drop in their own mood when they are around critical, pessimistic people. Or felt exhilarated and more positive when they are surrounded by happy, funny, optimistic people. Meeting with good friends often has the same effect. Similarly, people can find the courage or motivation to do something they dread or are afraid of if they see others do it. That's how role models work. People can receive emotional stimulation that affects them in good or bad ways and in turn can influence those around them.
The same applies to our relationship with dogs. Dogs, with their long history of domestication, are experts at reading our moods. Aggressive, dismissive or careless human behaviour affects a dog's behaviour in negative ways. Similarly, a calm, loving, reassuring demeanor is frequently mirrored by the dog showing a more positive, resilient behaviour. So, like in a Yin and Yang relationship, we can take deliberate steps to influence our dog's mental state and behaviour in positive ways. An anxious dog for example can feel more safe when their human demonstrates a relaxed, confident behaviour. Dogs often orient their behaviour along ours. They watch what others do and adapt their behaviour accordingly. This is how dogs learn. Now this is something that can be used by humans to help dogs with their behaviour, e.g. a reactive or fearful dog when visiting a scary environment such as the vet. While this is only one of several different factors that contribute to successful behaviour modification it is an important one. One that should not be overlooked and given more prominence.
If we are ready to learn from our dogs and give them the support they need, we create a two-way partnership that values the differences of both parties and recognises the benefits of a mutually supportive relationship across species. Dogs give so much. Friendship, companionship, unconditional love. Joy, fun and excitement. Let's give something back.

If you want to mark the Lunar New Year by visiting a Chinese or Chinese-inspired site, why not pay Stowe Gardens near Buckingham a visit? The gardens belong to the National Trust but the entrance fee (or indeed a membership) is well worth it. Stowe Gardens is also extremely dog-friendly! A short walk from the Bell Gate entrance to the right there is a path branching off to the right leading to a small clearing with a beautiful Chinese tea house in the centre. This intricately painted wooden building is the oldest surviving Chinese-inspired (Chinoiserie) garden pavillion in Britain. The tea house is close to Lamport Garden, an area of Stowe with vast swatches of delicate snowdrops which right now are starting to appear. Both areas can be combined for a visit and the walk has even been named 'The Path of Contentment' by the Stowe Visitors Welcome Team, which says everything!

Comentarios