Introduction

The belief in omen has existed since ancient ages. An omen is a phenomenon that is believed to foretell the future. It is said that omens have a divine message from the Gods. Dogs are widely regarded as loyal companions and devoted protectors, often celebrated for their deep bond with humans. In various parts of India, they hold a sacred status and are even worshipped as guardians of ancestors. Within Hindu belief systems, dogs are considered spiritual beings that stand watch at the thresholds of heaven and hell, symbolizing protection and continuity between worlds. They are also thought to embody connections to past lives, reflecting karmic ties carried through reincarnation.

Beliefs Related to Dogs

In some traditions, deities are believed to appear before humans in the form of dogs, reinforcing their divine association. Folk practices further elevate their significance, with the God Mallanna revered in canine form. Beyond India, numerous cultures across the world similarly honor dogs, recognizing them as sacred beings and integral elements of cultural and spiritual life.

Different Omens Related to Dogs

The omens related to a dog also go back to thousand years. These omens are both auspicious and inauspicious. According to Vastu Shastra, there are several omens that are associated with a dog, either pet or stray, that impact the well-being of individuals or even the entire household.

Auspicious Omens related to a Dog

·       If there is a piece of wet meat or a bone in the mouth of the dog, it is a good omen.

·       When a dog sniffs the shoes or footwear of a person, it will lead to a successful journey.

·       When a dog lifts itself towards the legs of a person or lingers near the leg, it works as a good omen of success for that person.

·       Sneezing of a pet dog, especially when a person is leaving home, is considered a good omen.

·       If a person is followed by a stray dog till home, especially if the dog is in the left side, it is considered to bring good luck but it becomes misfortune on a rainy day.

·       In Hinduism, feeding a black dog is believed to bring good luck.

·       While traveling, seeing a dog carrying food in mouth, is considered a signal for financial gains.

·       If a dog digs a pit in front of the house, it is considered a sign of wealth gain in the near future.

·       A dog rubbing its head on the ground is considered a good omen, such as finding lost or hidden wealth.

·       A dog sniffing the left knee is believed to be an indication of monetary gains.

·       If a dog licks its right side, then it is a sign of accomplishment at work, and if it licks its stomach, it is a sign of financial gain.

·       Dogs are kept as pets in home as they are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

·       Many tribes view dogs as spiritual guides, assisting in hunting and providing protection.

·       Entry of a dog in a new home is considered a blessing.

Inauspicious Omens related to a Dog

·       When a dog approaches somebody with a shoe or chappal in his mouth, the day is predicted as unfavorable for the individual.

·       When a piece of cloth is found in the dog`s mouth, it is an indication for trouble.

·       It is considered an ill omen if the dog carries a dry bone in its mouth.

·       When a dog stretches his legs or swaps his ears, it indicates that the work will remain unfinished and one will come across hindrances while traveling.

·       When a dog scratches the walls, it suggests that there can be danger of theft.

·       When the dog faces the sun in the South-West direction and barks at afternoon, it indicates an upcoming danger from fire or thieves. It also stands as a pre-intimation for clashes within the family.

·       People in a house can fall sick when the dog keeps his body on one step and the head on another and looks towards the woman in the house.

·       When a dog goes to the highest roof of a house and weeps, it is an omen for a calamity.
When a dog barks at a person from behind, there is danger looming over the individual.

·       It is a bad omen when a dog eats less than his regular diet or tears come out from its eyes.

·       The howling of a dog is considered an omen for death.

·       If a person is chased by a dog on the right side, it is considered a bad omen.

·       A dog sniffing the right knee is an indication for unhappiness like quarrel with the spouse.

·       A dog niffing its right thigh is an indication of a probable fight with a good friend.

·       Crying of a black dog at midnight is considered an indication of financial loss or illness in the near future.

·       Seeing a black dog while travelling is a bad omen and is believed to bring financial stress.

·       Seeing a black dog carrying a shoe, or stealing the shoe of anyone in the family, is considered bad luck and can bring financial loss.

·       If a group of dogs gathers at a place and starts barking or howling, it is an inauspicious sign for the people living there.