Carl Jung’s exploration of the human psyche extends beyond the realm of human interactions and delves into the symbolic significance of animals, including dogs. While not a central theme in his work, dogs appear in Jung’s discussions, offering glimpses into their potential roles as reflections of human psychology, symbols within myths and dreams, and even as figures associated with the shadow or inferior function.
Dogs as Reflections of Human Psychology
Jung acknowledged the unique position dogs hold in human lives, particularly their close relationship with humans. He posits that under certain conditions, “animals behave as if they were parts of human psychology” (Vision Sem.). Miss Hannah’s comment, “Dogs do,” prompted Jung to elaborate on why dogs might be particularly susceptible to reflecting human psychology: “Ah yes, because they are always in the atmosphere of man, so it is more possible that they should be affected by them, particularly when they have a good rapport with the master or with a situation” (Vision Sem.). This suggests that the close proximity and emotional connection between dogs and humans can lead to a mirroring effect, where dogs, to some extent, embody or reflect the psychological states of their human companions. The bond allows for a possible mirroring of the psychological condition of those they interact with. It’s more possible they would be affected by being immersed in an atmosphere of man.
However, Jung cautioned against limiting this phenomenon solely to domesticated animals. He states “But I do know other cases where dogs have behaved in a very inexplicable way, that is true; also creatures that are not domesticated, a beetle or a bird or a fox, for example” (Vision Sem.). Implying that such behavior can be found in nondomesticated creatures. This broader perspective suggests that while the close relationship with humans might amplify the mirroring effect in dogs, the potential for animals to reflect aspects of the human psyche is not exclusive to them.
Dogs in Mythology and Symbolism
While not directly discussing dogs in the provided excerpts, Jung’s analysis of fairytales and mythology offers insights into how animals, in general, function as symbols within the unconscious. Animals can represent various aspects of the human psyche, including instincts, emotions, and even spiritual forces. For example, he discusses a fairytale where animals correspond to unconscious functions related to both the animal and spiritual realms: “The three sisters represent an unconscious triad of functions related to both the animal and spiritual realms. The bird-men are a species of angel and emphasize the auxiliary nature of the unconscious functions.” This highlights the potential for animals to embody complex psychological and spiritual concepts within the symbolic language of myths and dreams.
Furthermore, Jung’s exploration of the “spirit archetype” and its theriomorphic expression underscores the multifaceted nature of animal symbolism (CW9 ¶433). The “evil spirit” in one fairytale is represented as a raven, a “celebrated theriomorphic figure of the devil” (CW9 ¶434). This demonstrates how animals can be associated with both positive and negative aspects of the psyche, representing both spiritual forces and darker, more destructive impulses.
While dogs are not explicitly mentioned in these specific examples, the broader framework of Jungian symbolism suggests that they, too, can carry diverse symbolic meanings depending on the context of the dream, myth, or fairytale. A dog might represent loyalty, protection, or instinct, but it could also symbolize the shadow, the inferior function, or even a spiritual guide, depending on the specific imagery and narrative.
The Dog as a Metaphor for the “Devil” or Inferior Function
In one striking analogy, Jung compares the devil to a “bad dog” roaming freely in the world (Dream Sem.). He recounts an argument with his father, a clergyman, about the existence of evil in a world supposedly governed by a perfect Trinity. Jung argued that if a person has a “bad dog,” the police intervene to prevent harm, implying the Trinity should restrict the freedom of the Devil (Dream Sem.). This analogy suggests that the “bad dog,” like the devil, represents a destructive force that needs to be controlled (Dream Sem.).
This “bad dog” metaphor can be interpreted in the context of Jung’s concept of the shadow or the inferior function (Dream Sem.). The inferior function is the least developed and often the most problematic aspect of the personality, prone to impulsive and irrational behavior. Jung describes the inferior function as “a teasing and distracting imp” that “comes and goes of its own volition” (CW9 ¶431). In this sense, the “bad dog” could symbolize the unintegrated aspects of the personality that can cause trouble and disrupt conscious intentions (Dream Sem.).
Jung notes that the inferior function often acts as the “arch-enemy” of the main function (CW9 ¶434). This conflict within the psyche can manifest as inner turmoil and destructive behavior. Just as a “bad dog” can cause chaos and harm if left unchecked, the unintegrated inferior function can sabotage conscious goals and lead to negative consequences (Dream Sem.).
Dogs and the Animus/Anima
The provided excerpts do not directly link dogs to the animus or anima, but Jung’s exploration of these archetypes offers a framework for understanding how dogs might relate to these concepts. The animus is the unconscious masculine side of a woman’s psyche, while the anima is the unconscious feminine side of a man’s psyche. Both archetypes can be projected onto others, influencing relationships and perceptions.
In the context of the animus, Jung discusses the importance of integrating the shadow to understand its influence. He states, “You can never arrive at the animus unless you see the shadow, unless you see your own inferior sides. When you see your shadow, you can detach from the anima or the animus, but as long as you dont see it you have not a ghost of a chance.” If a dog is perceived as embodying aspects of the shadow, it might serve as a catalyst for recognizing and integrating these unconscious elements, ultimately leading to a more conscious relationship with the animus.
Similarly, if a dog is associated with qualities typically attributed to the anima, such as intuition, emotion, or connection to nature, it might represent a pathway to understanding and integrating this aspect of the psyche. The anima can also be associated with the “three-legged horse,” and Jung said, “Three-leggedness, as the attribute of some animal, denotes the unconscious masculinity immanent in a female creature (CW9 ¶439). In a real woman it would correspond to the animus who, like the magic horse, represents ‘spirit.’” This symbol can be interpreted as a part of the shadow.
Caution Against Naive Interpretation
Jung repeatedly cautions against simplistic or naive interpretations of psychological symbols. He warns against trying to be too primitive and trying to be like a harmless Canadian and speaking the truth for twenty-four hours, and in no time you will feel what the spears and the boiling water mean." This highlights the potential dangers of uncritically embracing primitive or unconscious impulses, as they can lead to conflict and negative consequences.
Similarly, Jung emphasizes that “inevitability does not diminish the guilt of what is evil any more than the merit of what is good.” This underscores the importance of conscious responsibility and ethical discernment, even when confronted with seemingly unavoidable aspects of the unconscious. It is important to realize that “minus remains minus, and guilt, as ever, has to be avenged.”
Conclusion
While dogs do not occupy a central position in Jung’s writings, their presence in his discussions offers valuable insights into the complexities of the human psyche and the symbolic language of the unconscious. Dogs can serve as reflections of human psychology, embodying both positive and negative qualities. They can also function as symbols within myths and dreams, representing instincts, emotions, and even spiritual forces. By exploring the symbolism associated with dogs, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the hidden dimensions of our inner world. They can also represent different archetypes and can be used to see ourselves and others better.