Who Are Your Power Animals? (Sometimes A Skunk Isn't Just A Skunk!)
Native Americans believe that each animal carries its own special energies and gifts, and that each animal has a gift to give each of us. Do you know what animals are guiding you on your individual journey? Are you aware of the gifts they are offering you?
Imaginary Guides
You can think of your Animal Totems as imaginary guides on your life journey. You might also think of them as Power Animals because each one imparts a special energy, or power, to your life.
By observing how each animal lived, found mates, located food and protected itself, Native Americans were able to define the animal's particular strengths and weaknesses. For example, bears hibernated during the winter, so it was said that they possessed the magic of dreams. They were also formidable foes, so Bear Energy was also about physical power and strength.
It's fascinating to note that different cultures (not just Native Americans) came up with similar interpretations for all individual animals.
Spiritual Energies
Native Americans as well as other cultures used Shamans to help them connect with the Earth around them, and with the power of the animals. Using dreams and visions, these Shamen would connect with the "manitou" of the animals. The manitou of an animal is its primal spiritual energy- wolfness, deerness, foxness...etc.
It was believed that every human being had a particular manitou (or several) which they were especially attuned to. These were their personal animal totems.
They discovered their totems through vision quests, although sometimes the totem made themselves known in other ways. For example, if you were attacked by a wild animal, it was believed that that particular animal totem had chosen you itself.
Physical and Spiritual Qualities
Each animal that exists has several qualities, both physical and spiritual. The qualities in your personal Animal Totems are qualities that you might connect with, feel a deep affinity towards, or simply need more of in your life.
Here are some brief descriptions of the qualities of a few animals. Read carefully. One of them just might be one of your Animal Totems.
Skunk: Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, creative energy, paying attention to intuition and inner knowings
Alligator: Power to survive, keeper of ancient wisdom, clairvoyance
Cat: Magic, mystery, curiosity, independence, healing, unpredictability, inner balance, moving through fears
Frog: Seeing in all directions, physical and emotional cleansing, metamorphosis, creative power
Shark: Peace, solitude, emotional transformation, power of protection
Your Animal Totems instruct and protect you throughout your life's journey. When you discover an animal that speaks strongly to you, an animal you feel you must draw more deeply into your life, try surrounding yourself with images of this animal. This will let the animal know it is welcome in your space.
Finding Your Animal Totems
One way to "meet" one of your Animal Totems is to do a guided visualization. Create Sacred Space by using music, a candle, incense, or a smudge stick. Sit quietly and very slowly scan your body, paying particular attention to each of the seven chakras. Then choose one chakra to return to and focus your attention there. Ask the animal who resides there to make its nature known to you. Wait. Listen. Watch.
Remember to be patient. Don't give up. You might not "see" anything the first time you do this.
Sometimes your Animal Totem is nearby, just out of your sight, watching you to see if you're serious about connecting with it. Continue to do this guided visualization until one of your animals makes itself known to you.
During your meditation, when you do "meet" one of your Animal Totems, look it in the eye and remember to greet it with affection and curiosity. Ask it how it's feeling today. Ask it its name.
Remember that this encounter is totally in your imagination; therefore it is in your control. There is nothing to fear.
At some point, move from your body into the body of the animal. Look at yourself from the eyes of this sacred animal and notice what you see. After a while, return to your own body and continue your conversation with it.
Ask your Animal Guide the following questions, so that you can learn more about its meaning for you and its place on your journey:
Who are you?
What do you have to give me?
What do you want from me?
How will I remember what you have taught me?
Be sure to give it ample time to respond, and expect to be surprised!
You might be pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised by an animal that makes itself known to you. Try to accept the animal who wants to be with you rather than forcing a different one to be there.
Trust the process- My Summer of Skunks
It is generally believed that an Animal Totem chooses you, and not vice versa. The animals you love just might be your totems but then again, they might not! The animals which come to you when you are open and accepting are the ones you need to work with. They will have the strengths and weaknesses that you already posses, and they will have lessons for you to learn.
A few years ago, I was continually seeing skunks in our front yard, even in broad daylight. This is highly unusual skunk behavior, I assure you! A few times I also glimpsed a white skunk with a black stripe!
Later, I learned that skunks are really about self-respect, self-esteem, and inner protection through intuition. And I was seeing them at a season of my life when I felt completely powerless and unprotected regarding some difficult family situations which directly affected my self-respect and self-esteem.
Coincidence? I think not! I haven't seen them brazenly walk across my front yard since that summer several years ago. I believe that Skunk had a message for me that year, and I believe that if I need him again, he will be there.
Honor Your Animal Guides with SoulCollage®
SoulCollage® is a personal growth tool that is a mystical magical blend of intuitive art and imaginative play. It was created by Seena Frost in 1989 as she worked with clients in her therapy practice in California.
One of the suits in the SoulCollage® deck is Companions, where you can create unique collaged cards to honor your special animal guides. Making a card like this, and working with it within the SoulCollage® process is an excellent way to honor these special animal energies, and to get to know your animal totems in a creative, imaginative way.
Shih Tzu: Finding the Perfect Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a lively, proud and very lovable dog as owners will testify. The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds on earth for good reason. In 1994 the Shih Tzu was the 12th most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club.
They are generally friendly and self-assured. The Shih Tzu is the kind of dog that expects to be treated like a king, and wants you to know it. It is for this reason that often Shih Tzu's are not a good choice of dog if you have babies or toddlers in the house. They can become jealous easily.
Shih Tzu's make excellent watchdogs. Their alert and active nature means they are excellent good mannered companions. Poorly bred Shih Tzu's can be noisy and snappy.
If you want a Shih Tzu it's best to take a few precautions to avoid half-bred or genetically faulty Shih Tzu breeds. Rather spend some time making a good decision than have to regret it later. Unethical breeding practices are common and you will need to be an informed buyer if you are going to choose the best Shih Tzu for you.
Choosing a good breeder is very important. You don't want to end up buying a puppy from one of the notorious puppy mills. Cross bred varieties can produce all kinds of health and behavioral problems. If you want to be certain that you are getting a genuine Shih Tzu it's wise to check the breed standards before buying.
This means careful attention to the look and temperament of a Shih Tzu. Ask your breeder to show you the parents of the dog before you commit to buying the puppy. Check the parents of the puppy carefully for any of the faults outlined. This is just a guideline; it is not an absolute standard for pet quality.
If you intend on showing your dog at competitions and shows then an even more careful reading of the breed standards are important. You will also want to choose a more confident puppy - look for the puppy in the litter that seems poised and friendly - and of course good looking!
Some general points to look for
Color, age and size are the most important and immediate things you can check. The puppies will tend to look like their parents however this is not fool proof.
Shih Tzu's do not have gender related temperament differences and both male and female are equally loving.
Teacup varieties are not officially recognized for good reason. People who breed these minute dogs do not do so improve the breed; ethical breeders breed for that reason. Teacups, the ones that will be under three pounds as adults, have many problems and usually do not live beyond the Shih Tzu's that weigh a little more.
Caring for your Shih Tzu
Usually the major grooming has to do with care of the coat. If you do not have time to groom your Shih Tzu at least every other day then you will need to consider another breed. Neglect of the Shih Tzu's coat will lead to skin problems as well as a host of other horrifying conditions, Painful matting, skin infections and even maggot infestations can occur if you leave the coat for too long.
The Shih Tzu is also prone to renal dysplasia (kidney disease) and slipped kneecaps. Because of the shape of the Shih Tzu's face the eyes are more prone to injury. The short muzzle can mean breathing problems.
Spend some time learning about the Shih Tzu breed before you commit to a puppy. They can make a very nice pet for your family. Well looked after Shih Tzu's can expect to live a long and healthy life, by your side.
Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu's and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide
Dog Aggressive Training: Understand & Eliminate Your Dog's Aggressive Behavior
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of canine communication similar to human frustration or anger. Like human, aggressive behavior occurs in every dog. The different lie in the level of aggression shown in them, and this is where dog breeds come into the picture.
While some breeds are born with a greater tendency to become aggressive, problems usually occur in homes that knowing or unknowingly encourage the development of a dog's aggressive behavior.
It's important to know what is going on when your dog show aggression, biting unwelcome strangers in your house is justifiable aggression. But if he bites the postman or you when you push him off the couch is certainly a crime!
There are basically 3 main types of aggression behavior shown in dogs namely, dominance aggression, possessive aggression and territorial aggression.
Dominance and possessive aggression are one of the most common reasons why dogs growl at or even worse bite their owners. This type of behavior does not develop in a vacuum and is always a result of the dogs' interaction with its environment and owners. The dog has been accessing his position for some time and decided to challenge you for the alpha leader position.
If your dog is showing aggressive behavior towards you or any family members, he has to be brought down to earth again. You must let him know that he is the lowest ranking member in the family:
1. Avoid physical punishment if possible, it is too provocative and may make matter worse.
2. Review your relationship with your dog to determine why your dog is challenging you. Do remedial steps to assume to role of the alpha leader role again:
- You must eat first before your dog does.
- You must go through doorways first.
- Do not let your dog win you in games of strength. (Tug-of-war, wrestling)
- Do not let your dog assume a superior position against you. For example, you lying on the floor while your dog's two paws pressing against your chest.
- Set & enforce your house rules consistently, let him know that he has rules to follow.
Territorial aggression is display by dogs that are fiercely overprotective. Prevent this problem by introducing and socializing your dog when he's young to break down his suspicion of strangers. Try to expose your dog to more things and different people, which means bring him out more often! Let your dog know that these people are harmless and his territorial aggressiveness will died down naturally.
If you are unsure of your dog's behavior when you bring him out to the public, be sure to put him on a leash and muzzle if necessary. This is to not only to safe guard the general public but also your dog. More often than not, dogs are always put to death should they bite and injure someone. No "ifs" No "buts"!
Lastly, remember that aggression is no small problem and need to be seriously dealt with. If you are losing control over your dog or feel that he by and large outsmarts you, seek professional help and advice immediately.
Moses Chia is the webmaster of DogsObedienceTraining.com. He provides more helpful information on dog obedience training, dog training book reviews and dog illness symptoms interpretation that you can learn in the comfort of your home on his website.
