Today, Friday, February 16, marks the start of the Chinese New Year and 2018 is the year of the dog! “This year of the Brown Earth Dog is going to be a good year in all respects, but it will also be an exhausting year. You will be happy yet frustrated, rested yet tired, cheerful yet dull!” discusses the Chinese Zodiac site. The website likewise states that the particular word is “action.” Other than the dull part, this sounds a lot like life with pets! Let’s find out a bit more about the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dog in specific.
1. First, What is the Chinese Zodiac and the Chinese New Year?

TheShar-Pei, a Chinese dog, has much to commemorate in 2018, the Year of theDog Photography by Waldemar Dabrowski/ Shutterstock.
TheChinese animal zodiac includes 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, bunny, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals are set up in a duplicating cycle, every 12 years. The Chinese New Year is a crucial yearly Chinese event of the lunar brand-new year. In the lunar calendar, months are 28 days long, and years vary from 353-355 days long. The Chinese New Year moves each year depending upon the lunar cycle. In 2018, the Chinese New Year starts on Friday, February 16.
2. Fireworks Are a Big Part of Chinese New Year Celebrations–Funfor Humans, But Not for Dogs
Lighting fireworks to keep away misfortune is a standard method to commemorate the Chinese NewYear Many dogs worry fireworks, so it may be best to prevent bringing your puppies to regional Chinese New Year events. If you reside in a community with lots of Chinese New Year celebrations, keep your dog inside, and make certain she’s using a collar and upgraded recognition. If your dog has an actually extreme worry of fireworks, seek advice from your veterinarian– one of my pets has an unique stress and anxiety prescription to assist her through vacations that include fireworks.
3. Loyalty Is a Paramount Trait of Dogs in Chinese Culture
The commitment of pets is comprehended throughout lots of cultures, and a dog’s commitment is main in the Chinese zodiac, too. “Dog is man’s good friend who can understand the human spirit and obey its master, whether he is wealthy or not,” Travel China Guide states. “The Chinese regard it as an auspicious animal. If a dog happens to come to a house, it symbolizes the coming of fortune. The invincible God Erlang in Chinese legend used a loyal Wolfhound to help him capture monsters.”
4. It’s Not Only the Year of the Dog–It’s Specifically the Year of the EarthDog
2018 will be the initially Year of the Earth Dog because1958 Other kinds of dogs acknowledged in the Chinese zodiac consist of: Water Dog, Metal Dog, Fire Dog and WoodDog According to Your Chinese Astrology, the Earth Dog is “broad-minded, faithful, considerate, well-disciplined and [sticking] to principles. Also, they are grateful, chivalrous, brave and have the courage to take the blame for what they do, thus it’s easy for them to offend somebody. Earth Dogs always have clear goals and they are self-poised toward success and failure, never compromising their conscience to do things.” Sounds a lot like the pets I share my life with!
5. So, How Will the Year of the Dog Affect You?
Recent dog years consist of 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and2006 “People born in these years are considered by some to have the “best traits of human nature,” notes Your ChineseAstrology “They are honest, friendly, faithful, loyal, smart, straightforward, venerable and have a strong sense of responsibility. On the negative side, they are likely to be self-righteous, cold, terribly stubborn, slippery, critical of others and not good at social activities.”Find out exactly what zodiac animal is related to the year of your birth on chinesezodiac.org and how the year of the dog may affect you.
6. Aptly, The Year of the Dog Is Time to Train
Accordingto The Chinese Zodiac, “2018 is the ideal time to start eating healthy, doing sports and getting rid of bad habits.” For dog moms and dads, it seems like a terrific year to concentrate on training your dog! Thinking about using up a brand-new dog sport, like musical freestyle, dexterity or rally? It seems like this would be an excellent year for you and your puppy to attempt brand-new things together!
7 And, Of Course There Are Some Dog-CentricEvents to Celebrate the Year of the Dog
See some dog-friendly Year of the Dog occasions on our Dug Up at Dogster blog site.
HappyYear of the Dog!
Thumbnail: Photography © yanjf|iStock Editorial/ Getty Images Plus.
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SassafrasLowrey is an acclaimed author. Her books have actually been honored by companies varying from the Lambda Literary Foundation to the American LibraryAssociation Sassafras is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and helps with dog dexterity classes. Sassafras lives and composes in Brooklyn with her partner, a senior Chihuahua mix, a saved Shepherd mix and a Newfoundland pup, together with 2 bossy felines and a semi-feral kitty. Learn more at sassafraslowrey.com
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