Do you like dogs and yoga? You’ll love doga! Take a look of the benefits of this trendy new practice.
Yoga is a tranquil mind-body practice that seems to become more and more popular every year. As people seek to find peace and decrease stress in their lives, they’re seeking new ways to get involved in this ancient healing art. At the same time, pet parents are striving to build deeper connections with their furry friends. They’re spending less money on “extras” like specialty dog grooming tools, and more money on experiences that have longer-lasting effects. What do you get when you combine these two trends? Doga!
Introduction to doga
The concept of doga (dog yoga) was made public by Suzi Teitelman, an expert yoga teacher who saw an opportunity to incorporate her beloved pets into the ancient yoga tradition. While you can’t exactly teach your canine companion to perform warrior pose, there are various ways that he can reap the benefits of your yoga practice. For example:
- Smaller dogs can be lifted during certain poses
- Larger pups can sit or lie down next to your mat
- You can rest together naturally during reclined poses
In short, doga involves training your pup to stay close by when you practice. But is this really that beneficial? It sure is! Let’s take a look at the top benefits of dog yoga.
4 benefits of doga
1. Bonding
Doga is a wonderful way to connect with your pup in a deeper way. As the stressors of everyday life pile up, it can lead to mental health issues (in you) and unwanted behaviour problems (in your dog).
Whether you choose to get out of the house and join a structured class, or stay home and practice in your living room, doga is a wonderful way to spend some quality one-on-one time with your pup!
2. Exercise
If you’re able to teach your dog some basic yoga poses (like downward dog), doga can be a great way to increase his physical activity. Dogs that are older or have mild injuries will actually benefit from this activity the most, as it’s very low-impact and can be modified according to ability. Dog yoga helps improve blood flow, strengthen muscles, and support mobility!
3. Relaxation
Doga stimulates higher levels of relaxation and mindfulness in dogs and is the perfect activity for canines that are hyperactive or prone to behavioral outbursts. Because dogs are so good at reading our energy, the calmness we cultivate when we practice yoga helps them calm down as well.
4. Meet new people
If you’re able to find a doga class in your area, it’s a fantastic way to meet new people! Most dog yoga enthusiasts share the same principles of calmness, connection and open-mindedness. Before trying a class, make sure your dog knows how to mind his manners in public places.
If you want to give doga a try, look for a local studio near you that offers dog yoga classes. Prefer to stay home? There are various virtual yoga classes available, and some will even show you how to incorporate your pup!
AUTHOR PROFILE
Amy is the proud “mom” of a dog, two cats, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, a rat, and a beautiful macaw. She loves writing about everything pet-related and spends as much time as she can sharing her personal experiences on her blog, Ultimate Pet Hub.
