Namaste, Puppies: Practice Yoga For Dogs at a Doga Class

You hear soothing, ethereal music wafting from the open studio door. As you pass by, you expect to see people holding poses (called asanas) peacefully while breathing deeply. However, you notice something scampering across the floor, and what you see next is totally unexpected from all the other yoga classes you’ve attended. 

People erupt in fits of giggles when puppies pile on top of a participant trying to attempt a child's pose. Eight wriggling puppies are excitedly vying for the attention of anyone who will pet them. In the corner, an older dog dutifully holds the dog version of child’s pose waiting on its owner’s next move, unfazed by the hubbub the puppies are creating. 

Welcome to doga, the practice of yoga with dogs! 

The practice of yoga has exploded in popularity in the last 20 years with all walks of life. However, the art of infusing breathing exercises and meditation through physical postures and positions has connected people’s minds, bodies, and breathing for centuries. Thought to have begun in the northern regions of India 5,000 years ago, yogis have guided people through spiritual journeys to improve their well-being.

In 2002, actress Suzi Teitelman wanted to incorporate yoga into a solid bonding activity between humans and their dogs. The idea spread like wildfire, and just one year later, Jennifer Brilliant and William Berloni published their book, Doga: Yoga for Dogs, exploring how doga asanas can assist humans in their own yoga practice. Classes began appearing all over the nation, and today, you can find several studios and fundraising groups holding doga events and classes near you. 

Discover the benefits of doga and see how practicing doga for dogs can improve your and your puppy’s well-being. Whether you have a wild puppy or a well-trained older dog, humans and puppies alike can reap the rewards of doga asanas. 

Why You Should Practice Doga With Your Puppy

From increasing your exercise to boosting mental health, practicing doga with your dog offers several benefits to you and your puppy’s minds and bodies. 

Being present

Yoga is about being in the present, and dogs are always in the moment. They don’t have worries about the future like people experience, so humans can learn a thing or two about remaining focused in the moment. 

Fully vaccinated puppies should be given opportunities to socialize with other humans and dogs to grow into well-rounded canine companions. Practicing doga helps them interact with dogs of all ages, learning what behaviors are acceptable and which ones will get a gentle reprimand. Likewise, meeting new people can boost your mood, giving you an opportunity to form friendships with people who share the same interests in dogs and yoga as you do. 

Bonding with your puppy 

One of the most important benefits of doga classes for puppies is the time you spend together with your puppy. As one of many ways to bond with your puppy, practicing doga can create a deep connection and friendship with repeated efforts over time. Not only does doga help you form an emotional bond with your puppy, but it also has scientifically proven advantages for puppies and humans. 

The science behind bonding

Bonding with your puppy reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline which increase heart rate and the fight-or-flight response. Instead, the love you feel for your puppy is fueled by the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin, also called the “love drug” – and for a fitting reason. According to Harvard Medical School, oxytocin helps create relaxation, trust, and psychological stability and induces feelings of safety and social sensitivity. When you and your puppy stare into each other’s eyes, oxytocin is released for both humans and canines, inspiring future behavior for even more bonding opportunities. 

Boosting mental health

Yoga by itself can boost mental health, but doga with a puppy can make it exponentially more impactful. Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute shows that 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from pet ownership, helping people cope with depression and other long-term mental illnesses. Doga gives people an opportunity to increase their exercise while spending time with their puppies which has a direct positive correlation with better physical and mental health. You’ll notice the mental health benefits of owning a puppy when you practice doga together on a regular basis. 

Stretching and breathing 

We know that practicing yoga makes our bodies feel better, and dogs don’t want to be left out of all the physical benefits of yoga! Gentle stretching improves your puppy’s range of motion for limber, healthy joints and reduces tension. In a calm state, puppies’ breathing rate can slow down, creating an opportunity to settle and regulate their energy levels. Breathing exercises also reduce stress levels in humans and allow you to stay focused and present in the moment, calming any anxious thoughts. 

Practice training 

Doga classes are a great way to work on training skills and commands with your puppy. The environment should already be peaceful, and most puppies will be eager to please since they know all the attention is on them. Telling them which positions to place themselves in (like “sit,” “down,” or “stay”) increases your puppy’s confidence while working on creating an obedient, delightful adult dog in the future. 

Canine-Inspired Yoga Poses

Several yoga asanas take their inspiration from animal behavior, mimicking how animals stretch and move their bodies. Most people are familiar with the Downward Dog pose, but you may not be familiar with these other yoga poses for dogs and humans.  

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Also called downward dog, downward-facing dog asana is familiar to people who don’t practice yoga. Start on your hands and knees and lift your bottom, legs and elbows straight, making an upside-down V. Your puppy may think you’re making a little tunnel to run through, or they might follow along!

Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

Begin by lying on your stomach. Place your hands below your shoulders and lift up, keeping your legs straight out. Make sure your hips are off the ground as you stretch. 

Puppy Pose (Anahatasana)

For this asana, you’ll mimic the way your dog wakes up and stretches. Like down on your stomach with your hands in front of you. Raise your shoulders and head with your arms still outstretched. 

Happy Baby (Ananda Balasana)

Picture your puppy happily rolling around in the grass on its back. Start by lying on your back. Raise your legs in the air and bend them at a 90-degree angle, holding your feet. Rock back and forth. This pose is great for hip, thigh, hamstring, and pelvic floor stretches. 

Puppy Paw Mudra

Have your puppy lie down on its stomach with its paws outstretched. Kneeling behind them, lean over and rest your head on their back. Turn your head to the side and breathe deeply. 

Inner Dog Mudra

This asana is similar to Puppy Paw Mudra except in reverse. Have your puppy lie down and face you, paws out, while you face your dog in child’s pose. Place your hands over their paws, and rest your forehead on their foreheads to breathe together. Be prepared for puppy kisses!

Where to Find Doga Classes

If doga sounds like an amazing bonding opportunity for you and your puppy, you’ll want to find classes right away. But where can you find doga classes for yoga with your puppy near you? 

Begin by doing a local search to check out classes for yoga studios near you. If they don’t offer it, contact them via phone, email, or their social media accounts to see if they have recommendations. 

Some organizations use doga classes as a fundraiser for their programs. They usually announce these via their social media channels, so be sure to follow them to stay in the know about upcoming events. National chains or dog trainers may also offer classes. 

If you can’t find a doga class near you, don’t worry! You can always follow along with a YouTube video or tips from content creators on your preferred social media platform to practice at home. 

Practice Doga With a Pawrade Puppy

If you’ve got your mat, foam block, blanket, and lavender sachet but no puppy, you need Pawrade’s help for a successful doga session with a puppy! Choose the path to inner harmony as you work on your bond with your furry friend. Browse our puppies for sale to adopt the perfect doga buddy!