21 Oct How to Do Dog Yoga with Your Pooch

It is likely that as a dog parent, you are always on the lookout for ways to spend time with your beloved pet. Nevertheless, because of your busy schedule, spending time with your dog has become quite difficult.

But what if there is a way through which you can spend more quality time with your pup while enjoying each other’s company and even doing something beneficial to you and your dog’s health. This incredible way to spend more time together that we are referring to is nothing else but dog yoga.

Introduction to Dog Yoga (Doga)

If you are a dog parent or lover, you might already know what dog yoga refers to. Dog yoga or popularly known as “doga,” is exactly what you are picturing in your mind. It is doing yoga with your dog. Since the past couple of years, doga has become quite popular worldwide as it is fun, easy, and even healthy.

Several studies have already proved that yoga is beneficial for our health. It clears our minds, calms our senses, relieves our heartbeat, and improves our health. However, there are no proven studies that yoga benefits dogs, but many dog parents have surely noticed that it improves their dogs’ physical and mental wellness.

Dog yoga allows you to spend more time with your dog and boosts your bond with them. It can even calm hyperactive dogs and give a sense of steadiness to their actions. If you are wondering how to do dog yoga with your beloved pup, then this article is for you.

Practicing with Your Pooch

Dog yoga is very simple, and most importantly, it is a fun activity that both of you can enjoy. If you are ready to explore dog yoga, then the first thing you should do is consult with a vet.

It is possible that your dog might have some physical condition, because of which dog yoga could be harmful to them. If you get a green signal from the vet, then you can explore the following options to try dog yoga with your four-legged buddy.

Dog Yoga Class

If there is a dog yoga class nearby from where you live, then you can surely give it a go. Such classes are full of humans and dogs, where humans do yoga while dogs interact with each other. Although, in several places, dogs will participate in yoga with their human and strike a few poses (until they get hungry or bored).

The primary benefit of such a class is that it gives your dog a sense of calmness because of the surroundings. Additionally, your dog might even make some new friends while roaming around in the room, and so can you. It is a win-win situation for both of you.

However, you must keep certain things in mind while taking your dog to a yoga class. Firstly, you need to understand and keep in mind the rules and regulations in that space. Also, allow your dog to get comfortable around the room, as it is unfamiliar territory for them.

Dog Yoga at Home

This is an alternative to a dog yoga class. If your dog prefers staying indoors, then this might be the best option to try dog yoga with them. As the surroundings are known to them, they might even feel more comfortable and energetic. Lay down mats for both of you in your backyard or in your room, and try specific yoga poses with them.

Dog yoga at home is also a good option if you’ve recently brought a dog home because the dog needs to be off leash while performing the Asanas. The new dog must go under a lot of obedience training first.

In case you have adopted a rescued dog, you may need to focus more on training. Start on your own, and your dog might try to join you. Try easy positions that are comfortable for them. Give them a treat for doing yoga for a while.

That might work as a motivation for them to do yoga. You can even hold your dog and do some poses with them. If such sessions get turned into cuddling sessions, then even it is fine, as you two will bond a lot during that time.

Benefits of Doing Yoga with Your Dog

Yoga is popular for its ability to provide calmness, strengthen your body, and give a sense of inner peace. In comparison, dog yoga offers some different kinds of benefits. Some of the benefits of doing yoga with your dog are as follows:

• Practicing dog yoga with your pup will strengthen your bond and eventually lead to them trusting you even more.
• Your dog will learn to be steady and calm as an effect of practicing yoga.
• You can socialize with fellow dog parents and strike any conversation related to dogs.
• Dogs can socialize too with each other while visiting yoga classes and might even become friends.
• Dog yoga is an incredible way to spend some quality time with your dog. Both of you will enjoy each other’s companionship even more while practicing yoga together.

Things to Avoid

You will enjoy almost everything when you have your dog’s company. That applies to doing yoga with them too. However, there are certain things that you should try to avoid while enjoying doga with your pooch.

• Don’t force them to try yoga, as that might lead to some injury or aggressive behavior.
• Avoid going to dog yoga classes if your dog isn’t feeling comfortable there. Instead, give it a try at home.
• Avoid any such yoga positions that could be difficult for your dog.

If you keep these things in mind, then you will surely enjoy your time spent doing yoga with your dog. Try to have lots of fun; and enjoy the moment as much as you can.