• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Yoga with your dog: Get the canine and human health benefits of doga

Posted August 22, 2016

By Kathy Lively

Dog rests on yoga mat for doga class.The 5,000-year-old art of yoga currently has more than 11 million practitioners in the U.S., according to WebMD. Yoga serves different functions for different people, including reducing stress, increasing flexibility, improving stamina and more. Pet ownership, especially dog ownership, has been associated with decreased health risks. One growing method of combining the benefits of yoga and dog companionship is doga, the practice of incorporating dogs into yoga classes and exercises.

The Benefits of Doga

Yoga often involves an intense mind-body awareness expressed through breathing techniques and meditative exercises. Some forms of yoga are more focused on physical exercises, while others are more focused on the meditative aspects. Doga is focused on creating a deeper connection between human and dog, says Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

 

Some practitioners say yoga is only stretching if it doesn’t involve focus on the mind-body connection. However, stretching is what some people are looking for, and doga does involve a focus on connection — connection is between dog and human. Doga can be a way to deepen the emotional bond between pet and owner while at the same time accomplishing goals involving flexibility or rehabilitation for one or both. Spine exercises that are very similar to those found in yoga are used in post-surgical rehabilitation programs, for example.

Who Should Do Doga?

Most people who are attracted to doga are the type who want to take their dogs everywhere. However, people who want to focus on their inner experience and their own mind-body connection might be better served by taking a human-only yoga class and spending some time playing with their dog. Similarly, while most dogs enjoy going to doga classes — even hyper canines often calm down fairly quickly — not all dogs enjoy actually enjoy doing doga.

 

Hyper dogs are usually welcome, but dogs with serious dog aggression problems are often not. Dogs usually need to have up-to-date vaccinations and some instructors are leery about involving puppies, whose bodies are still developing. Older dogs are usually very welcome, however, and can benefit greatly from the gentle stretching to help with joint pain and muscle stiffness. It is also easier for smaller breeds — like corgis, dachschunds and toy poodles — to get into yoga poses as opposed to larger breeds such as Kuvasz or St. Bernards, according to the NY Daily News.

Getting Started with Doga

Doga is much more popular in some areas of the country than others. California, New York and Florida are some of the states where it is most popular, but classes are offered in many big cities. Luckily, there are other resources for people who don’t live near a doga studio. The Lightfoot Way offers an e-book with full-color pictures of 23 doga poses, and this playlist of Animal Planet videos shows doga being performed by human Kari and dog Charlie.

 

It is generally recommended that people start out in yoga by taking classes with an experienced instructor so they can learn how to do the poses safely. Because human yoga classes are much more encompassing than doga classes, the aspiring doga practitioner with might want to learn in a human-only setting first so they can become comfortable with the practice. Once you’re ready to incorporate your pooch, make sure safety for canine participants always comes first, and no pose is ever be forced.

Kathy Lively is a film teacher and critic. She loves weird B films, silly romance flicks and pugs.

Related Posts

  • dog swim
    Channel your dog's energy with healthy canine exercise

    Channel your dog's energy with healthy canine exercise like fetch,…

  • Think of your leash as a telephone line to your dog. When you are walking your dog properly, you should both be relaxed. Your hands should be at waist level. Your dog should be at your left side...not in front of you...not behind you. Ideally, the leash should be relaxed enough so there is a U in the leash, between you and your dog.
    Dogs get more than just exercise from walking

    Dog walking benefits: Great exercise for both of you, bonding…

  • get fit with dog
    Forced exercise can seriously injure your dog

    Forced exercise for an extended period of time can cause…

  • canine fitness agility is a great outdoor exercise for your dog
    Try new outdoor exercise activities with your dog

    Get your dog moving with outdoor exercise activities like agility…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Fun, Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Canine exercise, Canine fitness

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

WaterSmall dogsPandemicPoodlePet parentsRescue dogValentine's DayRottweilerWorking dogsPet sitterSocializationPuppy kindergartenOld dogsTwo dogsPawTicksVeterinarianPomeranianPetfinder.comPotty trainingSeparation anxietyPuppy-proofPit bullYorkshire terrierOutdoor activitiesService dogsSheddingVacation dog caretraining tipsThanksgiving

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]
  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.