Based on the idea of Eric Laarakker and edited by Stella de Vries
The Five Elements
The Five Elements correspond to five types of dogs, these are not breed specific, although some breeds fit more into a certain element. While a dog’s character can fit into different elements, usually one element dominates. With some dogs you see that two elements dominate. In a Fire dog can therefore best components of it Houtelemen t sit. Of course, certain circumstances can cause behavioral changes. The trick is to get the broad outlines that are more or less constant.
What can we do with it
To classify your dog, it is important that you learn to recognize the different elements. To help you with this, we provide five profile sketches, so that you can form a picture of a certain type. The profile sketches are examples to clarify and form a picture of a number of character traits. When we know which element predominates, it sheds light on the goals we set, the dog’s talents, the attitude we adopt towards our dog, as well as the expectations and the results.
It reveals the circumstances under which we can expect a conflict, which solution is preferred, where resistance lies and where its qualities lie. Fortunately, there are many ways to train a dog; a good trainer / owner knows different methods to teach or unlearn a behavior.
The Five Element Theory can be a wonderful addition to that. During training it is useful to respond to the abilities that are most developed and to see in which situation the dog is at its best. But also which method best suits a particular type, and which method the dog becomes frustrated and insecure with.
A behaviorist, familiar with the Five Element Theory can already determine in puppies of 7 weeks, in addition to the puppy test, whether the one Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal or Water type regarding.
Determining the type of dog
When training a dog, the classifications will also show that not every dog is suitable for the purpose we have in mind. Realizing the possibilities and the inability of the dog in time protects us and the dog from disappointments. Or it helps us adjust our expectations. You will gain a better understanding of your dog’s behavior. To determine what type of dog you have, or what type of dog you want, it is important to observe the dog in different situations and under various circumstances. Always try to remain objective, for an owner this objectivity is always the most difficult. His or her impression is always influenced by what he or she wants to see! You may want to ask someone who knows the dog well for help. A number of breed groups are mentioned in the description of the elements. You often see dogs from these breed groups fit more into an element than dogs from other breed groups. This does not alter the fact that there can be large individual differences and personal observation and interpretation is always decisive. Read more about the types of dogs according to the five elements on the following pages: