Doga 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Canine Yoga

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For humans, yoga is an exercise that offers both physical and mental health benefits. But what better way to enjoy yoga than with your dog?

A recurring trend among dog parents and dog lovers these days is canine yoga, also known as Doga. It is a way for health conscious people hoomans to combine exercise with bonding with pets.

Whether you want to start doing yoga with your dog or are just curious about dog yoga methods, you’ve come to the right place.

Keep reading to learn more about this two-in-one activity here!

What is Dog Yoga or Doga?

Dog yoga has two types – one where you and your dog take part in a yoga class doing dog-friendly poses (or asanas) and another where you simply do yoga with your dog by your side.

During the activity, your dog can stretch or socialize with other furry friends and soak up the calming atmosphere of a yoga class.

Dog yoga or doga is a trend created by Jacksonville yoga teacher Suzi Teitelman in 2001. These days, the activity is once again becoming more and more popular among dog owners.

Benefits of Yoga for Dogs

Chutima Chaochaiya / Shutterstock.com

You may already know the many benefits of yoga for people. But did you know that Doga also offers many benefits, both for you and your furry friend?

Here are a few benefits that might just convince you to give yoga for dogs a try:

It improves physical health

For us hoomans, yoga is known to improve physical health. Among other things, it increases our flexibility and muscle strength which helps protect us from injury.

Doga offers the same benefit for dogs. It is an exercise that improves muscle mass and joints and helps increase heart rate and circulation.

Obese dogs and dogs that have suffered orthopedic injuries can benefit immensely from Doga.

It strengthens your bond with your dog

Doga is proof that your dog is the perfect partner to help you achieve your exercise goals. Plus, it’s a relaxing way to spend time together and forge a stronger bond between you and your pup.

It relaxes and reduces stress

Since yoga is all about focus and relaxation, the peaceful nature of the activity can also help calm your dog.

Plus, if you’re stressed, your dog can feel it too. So if you and your dog do yoga, you can relieve the stress, anxiety, and worry that you both feel.

It’s a great way to socialize

Group Doga is a great way to interact with other furry parents and their furry friends! You can do yoga with like-minded people and socialize your dog.

Remember that socialization is important for dogs. It helps them become more confident and teaches them how to react to the world around them without becoming unnecessarily anxious or aggressive.

How to do yoga safely with your dog

Young woman in yoga position balancing with her dog
Egrigorovich / Shutterstock.com

It’s never too late to start making Doga. And if you’ve decided to take the plunge, these safety tips will help start your journey:

  • ALWAYS consult a veterinarian. Its very important. Dog yoga involves many different poses and stretches for your dog. So to make sure they are healthy enough for yoga, consult your dog’s vet first. We want our dogs to enjoy the activity with us and avoid any injury.
  • Once your dog has been examined by the veterinarian, determine if you want to do Group Doga or if you want to do it at home.
  • If you prefer to take a class, check out local yoga studios that offer Doga classes.. And if they do, make sure you know their boundaries and/or dog rules.
  • Before and during the Doga, make sure your dog looks and feels comfortable. If you’re in a classroom, let your four-legged friend sniff and roam the room and get to know other people and dogs.
  • Always be gentle and careful when moving your dog through yoga poses. Be sure to only try poses that are easy and suitable for beginners to avoid injury.
  • Always have treats with you. Whether you’re doing a Doga class with other fur parents or doing it at home, it’s best to reward your pup while learning yoga poses.
  • Be patient and let your dog take the lead. Yoga sessions with your dog may not always go as planned, especially as a beginner. It is therefore best to take your time, be patient and go at the pace of your four-legged friend.

5 Doga poses for beginners

If you are familiar with yoga poses, you will notice that there are poses that resemble the way dogs stretch. So, to get started with Doga, here are five beginner poses you can try with your pup:

1. Down dog

Woman doing downward dog yoga pose with her pug
220 Homemade Studio / Shutterstock.com

It is one of the most famous yoga postures. This is where you stretch your whole body on all fours, the same way a dog stretches, hence the name.

To do this with your dog, let them lie down or stand up on a yoga mat and do downward facing dog pose on top of them.

2. Chaturanga

Dog lying on a rug
ilona.shorokhova / Shutterstock.com

Chaturanga, also known as Low Plank, is a transitional pose between a plank and an upward facing dog. To modify this pose for dog yoga, simply lay your dog on his stomach and stroke his back in long, slow strokes.

3. Heart to Dog Mudra

The Doga Heart Mudra is a great Doga pose to strengthen your bond with your dog. All you have to do is start sitting with your dog (also sitting) in front of you.

Place your left hand over your heart and the other over your dog’s heart. Focus on the breath and enjoy the serenity and growing connection between you and your pup.

Stylish Paws has a great example of this dog yoga pose on their blog which you can check out here!

4. Chair Pose

Woman and her dog doing dog yoga poses
220 Homemade Studio / Shutterstock.com

For this dog yoga pose, all you have to do is let your dog sit on his hind legs. Support their torso, if you must, then allow them to breathe deeply.

5.Savasana

Beagle dog lying on the yoga mat while the owner is doing yoga exercises
Liudmyla Soloviova / Shutterstock.com

Savasana is often done to relax at the end of a yoga session. To do this with your four-legged friend, have him lie on his back, then stroke his exposed belly with long, slow strokes.

You can also lie down next to your dog, close your eyes and relax.

Conclusion

As beginner yogis, you and your dog might not get Doga right the first time around, which is completely normal! After all, dog yoga isn’t just about improving dog health, it’s also about developing a stronger bond between you and your dog.

Also, always remember to go at your dog’s pace and make sure he’s comfortable. Let them lead and don’t force them to do what they don’t want to do.

With dog yoga, time spent with your furry friend is always time well spent. You’ll never know, with enough practice, Doga just might become your dog’s favorite bonding time AND exercise.

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