The 6 Pillars of Balance: 
Our Core Teachings

Every “body,” no matter the species, moves in and out of balance due to current and past influences and experiences in their environment. Being that our dogs share our lives so closely, they are just as equally impacted by the people and events around us as we are. Our canine companions are especially influenced by their human's state of mind-body wellness because the bond between human and dog permeates all aspects of both of our beings.

Ultimately, our wellbeing is our dog’s wellbeing. Our life experience, in many cases, is mutual. Our canine companions share our space, family and heart in a way that no other creatures do. Sometimes, they know us better than we know ourselves. They serve and support mankind in incredible ways, and they deserve to live great lives.

When the whole being experiences harmony and balance, Sama is established. These core teachings are the 6 principles that lead to a Sama Dog, and they are the foundation that each one of our classes, workshops and consultations is built upon. 

 

1 — AYURVEDA & DOSHAS: Mind-Body Types

Utilize the timeless healing system knows as the “science of life” to understand your dog’s innate, natural tendencies in mind and body (referred to as mind-body type or Dosha)

  • Foundational principals of the natural, timeless Ayurvedic system of healing

  • How and where Ayurveda applies to dogs

  • Dosha Quiz – identifying and understanding your and your dog’s unique mind-body type

  • What each dosha looks like expressed through dogs

  • Identify physical and mental/emotional imbalances

  • Specific guidelines to create a customized plan for maintaining optimal health & wellbeing

 

2 — FOOD: Nutrition

Optimal nutrition and balancing foods (specifically for your type of dog)

  • Reading labels wisely – not all dog foods are created equal

  • Understanding dog food options and what's the best (while remaining easy) food

  • Clarity around popular dog food trends

  • Understanding the importance of water quality

  • The ideal food for your dog considering their dosha and current imbalance/s

  • The best supplements for various issues or circumstances

  • 3 of the best Ayurvedic herbs for dogs

 

3 — BEHAVIOR: Training + Care Routine

Training according to your dog’s mind-body type and creating an optimal daily routine

  • Training tips for each of the doshas

  • Moving past family tradition to learn best practices in positive training

  • Reduce common problem behaviors including leash pulling, jumping and barking

  • Increase positive behaviors and recognize that ALL dogs need training

  • Establish an ideal daily routine for your dog based on their primary dosha

  • Learn to guide your dog to be his best self

 

4 — MIND-BODY: Balancing through the Senses

Heal through the 5 senses – learn to balance your dog with sound, sight, taste, touch and smell

  • Identify specific areas of imbalance in your dog

  • Abilities and function of each sense as it applies to dogs

  • Methods to help balance your dog including massage and yoga

  • Treat your dog’s doshic imbalance/s through each sense, while creating a nourishing environment

  • How to use essential oils safely, effectively and most importantly sparingly

 

5 — EMOTIONAL: Communication + Connection

Access a deeper connection and expand communication ability

  • Explore the powerful and unique bond between dogs and humans

  • Basic principles and practices of animal communication

  • Building mutual language

  • Breathing awareness (Pranayama)

  • How to read body language and stress signals

  • How to communicate effectively (CLARITY)

  • Using Flower Essences

  • Recognizing the healing potential for humans and canines through connection

 

6 — SPIRITUAL: Dogs are Multi-Dimensional Beings

Dogs as spiritual beings and our teachers

  • The multiple layers of a dog's being – body, mind and spirit

  • How balance lies in the webbing of a dog’s body, mind and soul

  • Dogs’ abilities and capabilities; learning their weaknesses

  • Exceptional bonds and experiences between dogs and humans

  • "Access" our dog's spiritual side and expand your spiritual life to include animals

  • Mirroring: How our dogs reflect our own physical and emotional imbalances

  • Chakra balancing, energy clearing techniques, Reiki and meditations with and for our dogs for clarity and opening intuitive connection

  • Learning acceptance and present moment awareness from your dog