What Is Dog Yoga?
You may have heard of ‘Doga,’ an obvious portmanteau, or fun combination, of the words ‘dog’ and ‘yoga’. It’s a great way to bond with your dog while you’re both doing something good for you. Dog yoga combines traditional yoga practices with playtime and interaction with your dog. Practicing yoga with your dog has tons of benefits for their mind and body.
Benefits of Dog Yoga
When it comes to mobility and general well-being, yoga is great for dogs! Just like it does for humans, it can help improve their flexibility, strengthen their muscles, and help their joint health stay strong. This is super important when it comes to dog breeds that are prone to joint issues or older dogs who may struggle some. The calming nature of yoga is good for reducing stress and anxiety, and it can promote a peaceful place in your dog’s and your mind. What can yoga practice for dogs specifically lend itself to? The following, just for starters:
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Yoga’s calming effects help to reduce stress and anxiety in both of you. It can trigger the release of both oxytocin and endorphins that will make your dog feel loved and secure.
- Improved Muscle Strength: Gentle stretching exercises can improve muscle strength and joint flexibility in dogs. This keeps things moving and limber, and for those with mobility issues, it can be a low-impact way to continue conditioning joints.
- Better Bonding: There’s really nothing better than spending time with your best furry friend, right? Incorporating yoga to help their mobility can make them feel better and allow you to do something really great for their health and mental well-being.
- Mental Well-Being: Yoga can help dogs relax in ways that are similar to those of humans.
The Science Behind Yoga for Dogs
Studies have shown that low-impact exercises like yoga can significantly benefit dogs with mobility issues. Yoga incorporates controlled breathing and stretching. This can reduce cortisol levels and help both you and your dog stress less.
Getting Started with Dog Yoga Practice
So you’re ready to start Doga! The first thing you’ll want to do is find a quiet space where you can practice without distractions. It’s hard enough sometimes to get your dog to be present and focus; squirrels outside the door or the Amazon delivery person may make it hard to concentrate.
Think about starting with short sessions. Make them about 5-10 minutes, and then gradually make them a bit longer as your dog gets more comfortable and used to them. Remember, your dog has no idea what you’re trying to get at when you first start dog yoga, so be patient.
Most importantly, reward them with treats and praise for every participation! That’ll make them all about wanting to hit the next yoga class!
Basic Yoga Poses for Dogs
Here are a few beginner-friendly yoga poses to incorporate into your dog’s routine:
- Downward Dog: This classic pose is great for stretching the spine and improving flexibility. Even though your dog is probably already rockstar at it (hence the name), encourage your dog to stretch forward with its front legs while keeping its back legs straight.
- Puppy Pose: Similar to a child’s pose in human yoga, this pose helps stretch the back and hips. Gently guide your dog into a position where their chest is on the ground and their hindquarters are in the air. This may be a tougher one for them to get used to, and that’s okay—they’ll get there. It’s weird for them to not have stability when they’re not sure of what they’re doing, so be sure to encourage and reward them.
- Leg Stretches: While your dog is lying on its side, gently stretch its front and back legs. This helps improve circulation and flexibility. It probably feels pretty great for them, too!
- Neck Stretch: Help your dog turn its head from side to side. Just like it loosens things up for you, it can help your dog release tension in its shoulders and neck.
Holistic Benefits of A Dog Yoga Class
Incorporating yoga into your dog’s routine is a holistic way to help and strengthen their joint health and mobility. But it’s not just about the physical benefits. It also helps their mental stimulation and emotional balance. Remember, your dog thrives from making you happy and routines that include lots of different ways to make you happy and enjoy the day. Yoga can be a peaceful and enjoyable addition to their day.
Yoga can also improve your dog’s body awareness and coordination. For senior dogs or dogs who are recovering from injuries, this is so important! It can help them become more confident in their movement and it can help you and your dog bond in really special and present ways.
And, adding yoga into your dog’s mobility routine can be so much fun for you and your dog! So, grab your mats, find a peaceful spot, and start your yoga journey with your furry friend today. Your dog will thank you for the extra care and attention, and you’ll both enjoy time together and better health! If you’re looking for some good places to get more dog yoga tips, try this photo-filled pose guide, and watch videos like Marisa Walsh’s Quick Yoga With Your Dog on YouTube, You can even check in your local area to see if there are dog yoga classes near that your dog can attend.
