Remember, we are more than one archetype. If you haven’t read my information about archetypes, please read this first.
Is your pet an Innocent, Mystic, Saint archetype? Examples of this archetype include Hounds, Bichon Frises, and Spaniels.
Here are some ways to tell if your pet is an Innocent: Do you have an animal that unquestionably wants to please you? You might find them underfoot as you go about your business around the house because they are always there to help! Their goal is to be happy, and if you are pleased with them then they are happy. That said, although they may be near you a lot, don’t be surprised if mentally they seem a little “out there” sometimes; that’s the dreamer/mystic side of them that is often called into another dimension.
They believe life is a grand adventure that needs to be fully experienced, so they go through life with great curiosity and trust, and often try to bring others with them, for they want all to be free and happy.
However, if something goes wrong and you are unhappy with them, they may seem extra ashamed or embarrassed. One of their greatest fears is punishment for doing something bad or wrong, so while consequences for ill behavior are necessary, be gentle and understanding in their predicament, i.e. don’t go overboard, because it is likely they just made a mistake.
Be fair in the jobs you give your saint/mystic/innocent; don’t take advantage of their naivete or desire to please by assigning them something inappropriate. Do use these qualities for purposeful jobs: if they’re strong enough they might want to fetch items for you, such as newspapers, slippers, etc. If they like people, some of these animals might be good in therapy roles. Some are very good at just being there – keeping the bed warm might be job enough for them.
Because of their desire to be happy and do right, and fear of punishment, don’t be surprised if they seem to point fingers at another animal when the garbage gets tipped over, or to genuinely seem to deny something – if they did it they likely either didn’t know it was wrong, or they just weren’t paying attention!
Around the house, you can help them be successful by spelling out every expectation and rule. They want to be successful and do right, so don’t get upset with them when they don’t understand the rules that they’ve never been told. When necessary, remind them of the house rules firmly but without high emotion. Yelling can be very traumatic for them, more so than it is for others.
In a way, saints/innocents/mystics get along with everyone and no one at the same time. They can be very social, yet at times do have tendencies to really enjoy alone time. Be sure they have a good mix of both until you have a clear idea which way they lean.
Your mystic/saint dog might enjoy special training such as agility or a performance based activity in which they receive plenty of admiration and recognition, while also having fun. If it turns out they don’t take to jumps, turns, and commands very well, don’t push it and stick with more simple training such as party tricks.
I have a regular client that is very much an innocent/saint/mystic, but also has a strong rebel. So she will do most anything you want when out in public and won’t leave your side. She’s very athletic and loves to do agility, not so much for the personal satisfaction, but for the praise. At home it’s often a different story though; her rebel emerges and it takes playing to her innocent to get her to cooperate again.
That’s how we are, and that’s how the animals are, different archetypes emerging 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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