Remember, we are more than one archetype. If you haven’t read my information about archetypes, please read this first.
Rebels and outlaws may have an honorable goal initially, but they aren’t very good at following the rules. In fact, there are times you may think they break the rules for no other reason than “it’s a rule.” Yes, this might be the cat that looks at you as it pushes the vase off the table or the dog that tears into your slipper at your feet. The truth is, they don’t have a lot of respect for rules, and if you have a rebel in your house, you’ve probably seen it over and over again, to the point of frustration.
On the good side of having a rebel/outlaw – you have a leader waiting to be molded for the good instead of bad. They are afraid of being powerless, so letting them lead others in well-monitored adventures will play on their desire to be a leader on the edge. Keep an eye on them though, as they will take risks without thought or concern.
Because they believe in breaking rules, know you are going to have to stick with the rules. There is no room for no-follow-through with a rebel. They will continue to test the boundaries, and as tired as you may get from it, you need to stay firm. A rebel that makes their own rules will likely lead to disaster in the home.
As mentioned earlier, a good job for a rebel/outlaw is being a closely monitored leader, or something that appears to give them the radical freedom they seek. It’s okay for you to use very specific, consistent actions to let them think they’re breaking the rules. Maybe let them think they’re getting away with sitting in the front seat when in fact you never had a rule they couldn’t. Don’t tell them they’re breaking the rule, don’t acknowledge it at all, or it may lead to other rule breaking.
They may try to shock you with their actions – be prepared and always respond with low energy; don’t allow them to get you all riled up! Try to be as matter-of-fact as possible when they’ve done something destructive or shocking. Employ the necessary consequences, but do it without big energy.
Endurance training is often good for them, as are pack walk activities. Help them succeed by playing up their desire to be a leader living on the edge. Watch out for the risk-taking, and if they’re being a bad influence on the other animals, and minimize that behavior.
Just as people are, that’s how the animals are, different archetypes emerge at different times. Pay attention to the strongest qualities that your animal shows, and remember to play up or down the different qualities as needed.
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