The Secret Your Dog’s Been Hiding – Decode Their Soul in 5 Minutes!

Host: Jason Rigby

 

Guest: Elizabeth Anne Johnson, Animal Healer and Author

Book: Know Your Dog’s True Nature: Understanding Canine Personality through the Five Elements (Findhorn Press/Inner Traditions

Episode Overview

 

In this enlightening episode of the HDL Podcast, host Jason Rigby welcomes Elizabeth Anne Johnson, an animal healer with nearly 40 years of experience and the author of Know Your Dog’s True Nature. Together, they explore the ancient Five Element Theory from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a sacred map to understanding canine personalities and the profound spiritual bond between humans and dogs. From the soul-level pact forged centuries ago to the karmic mirroring of rescue dogs, this conversation unveils how our furry companions guide us toward healing, self-discovery, and a deeper connection to nature.

 

 

Key Segments and Highlights

 

Introduction (00:00 - 01:06)

• Jason’s Welcome: Jason introduces the episode with enthusiasm, highlighting Elizabeth’s book and its promise to decode the soul of dogs through the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. He frames dogs as more than pets—sacred guides reconnecting us to our wild hearts.
• Elizabeth’s Greeting: Elizabeth expresses her excitement to join Jason and dive into this fun, spiritual exploration.

 

The Ancient Soul Pact Between Humans and Dogs (01:06 - 04:47)

• Question: Jason references a poetic line from the book—“Dogs too have endured and thrived beside us as we have beside them”—and asks about the soul-level pact humans made with dogs centuries ago.
• Elizabeth’s Insight:
  • She describes this pact as rooted in “kindred respect” between two natural beings—humans and dogs—meeting with curiosity and a sense of safety.
  • Historically, dogs helped humans hunt and find food, while humans offered warmth, companionship, and protection. This 50-50 exchange has evolved into a modern pact where humans strive to hear dogs’ voices and honor their wild essence.
  • Practical Tip: Elizabeth encourages letting dogs spend time outdoors to stimulate their senses, a nod to their feral roots, enhancing the bond and their happiness.

 

The Five Elements: An Elemental Awakening (04:47 - 05:13)

• Jason’s Prompt: Quoting the book’s line about the Five Elements providing “X-ray vision” into a dog’s personality, Jason sets the stage for a deep dive into Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, noting their dual role in understanding dogs and ourselves.
• Elizabeth’s Macro View:
  • She frames the Five Element Theory as a 5,000-year-old, nature-based “mindful guidance system” fostering compassion, empathy, and understanding across species.
  • Rooted in her personal journey—finding solace in nature amid a challenging childhood—the theory connects behaviors to natural cycles, offering a lens beyond mere archetypes.

 

Exploring the Five Elements (05:13 - 39:09)

1. Wood Element: Spring and Growth (07:46 - 14:22)

• Overview: Associated with spring, Wood dogs are determined, purposeful “army sergeants” (e.g., Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Rottweilers) excelling as working dogs in military or police