Do you love dogs, have dogs, and try to include them in everything, or don’t have any but want to be around them? Well, look no further, this activity might be what you are looking for. Have you heard of Dog Yoga?
Dog yoga is just like normal yoga classes, but doggies get to roam free throughout the room to socialize, participate, spread joy and laughter, and have bonding moments. How fun does that sound?! Not surprisingly, this twist on yoga is becoming more popular with dog lovers around the world.
Dog yoga can be an at-yoga studio or at-home activity that is perfect for spending more quality time with your beloved companion, especially when the weather keeps you from going outside. Dog yoga lets you treat your doggie to some one-on-one attention that is infused with a range of movements that nurture mental connections, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve posture, promote better sleep, and boost bonding. As a perk, it helps to make the dog feel more important and may help to curb behavioral issues.
The concept of dog yoga was created by Suzi Teitelman in 2001. It is also known as Doga, and it is a practice that combines traditional yoga poses with your dog’s participation. It’s a way to create a shared experience and bond between humans and dogs while practicing yoga. Dog yoga can involve guiding your dog through poses, letting them relax on the mat, or even incorporating them into specific poses.
Key aspects of dog yoga
- Involvement of the dog: Dog yoga classes focus on incorporating your dog into the yoga practice, whether they are actively participating in poses or simply relaxing nearby.
- Bonding and connection: Dog yoga can help strengthen the bond between humans and their canine companions.
- Variety of approaches: Some dog yoga practices involve guiding the dog through poses, while others focus on letting the dog relax and enjoy the yoga atmosphere.
- Benefits for both: Dog yoga can offer physical and mental benefits for both humans and dogs, such as improved posture, reduced stress, and increased socialization.
Examples of poses
- Easy seated pose: Sit on the floor, cross-legged with your back straight, and let your pup come to you. In this pose, focus on long inhales and exhales, watching your dog get interested in your breathing. They may try to sit on your lap and match your breathing pattern. Or they might lie on the floor next to you, snuggling with your legs.
- Standing forward bend: A standing pose in which you’ll reach toward your toes and extend your hands to your dog, giving them a gentle rub. Stand upright, then fold again, making contact with your pet as you lower to the ground. After a few repetitions, your pet will understand the movement and come to enjoy the loving physical touch, which could be a gentle pet or a more active massaging movement, depending on what they’re most comfortable with.
- Heart-to-Hound Mudra: A seated pose where you place one hand on your heart and the other on your dog’s heart.
- Downward Dog: A classic yoga pose that can be modified for dogs with support.
- Chair Pose: You can lift your dog’s front paws up in a chair pose.
- Wheelbarrow: You can lift your dog’s back legs up in a wheelbarrow pose.
Summary
If you are looking for a way to get more interactive, hands-on time with your dog within a yoga framework, then Dog Yoga might just be for you. A simple Google search can provide you with a list of classes to attend in a studio or free dog yoga classes you can follow online.
Keep in mind that not all dogs are suited to dog yoga, like dogs with certain injuries, and those who can’t perform basic commands like sit, down, and stay, or very young and playful dogs who may interpret this as an invitation to play or nibble on your hair/yoga mat. But if interruptions won’t bother you, then feel free to attempt some relaxing yoga exercise with your fur baby.
If you approach yoga with your dog with a relaxed mindset and don’t present it with impossible tasks, this may be a great activity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, make an anxious dog feel more reassured, and help restless dogs learn to relax.
This article was written by TJ Webber at the WHN News Desk
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
