But, my dear pet parents, what if you get to do your regular yoga with your canine companion? It sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Yoga with Dog, aka Doga. Doga is a new and emerging fad that blends yoga and canines. It is a terrific way for you and your dog to get some exercise, and it may be a lot more fun than doing yoga alone. Suzi Teitelman, a yoga instructor in Jacksonville, developed the Doga idea.
Shupriya Bhandari, a yoga instructor and dog lover herself, says, “Even though dogs cannot perform the bulk of traditional yoga postures, they will enjoy the stretching, some aspects of pet massage, and calming energy that yoga sessions are known for. Doga, on the other hand, should not be imposed on a dog. Owners should instead be alert and try to read their dog’s body language. If your dog doesn’t appear to be interested, or if he tries to pull away or begins squirming, it’s time to stop.”
Otherwise, there are various advantages to enrolling yourself and your dog in Doga:
Connecting with your dog
While scientific studies have shown yoga’s benefits for humans, there hasn’t been much research on ‘doga’s’ benefits for dogs. With the exception of this one.
Doga is an excellent way to bond with your dog, especially when you practice assisted poses in which you and your canine pair up. This will help your dog learn to trust you and enhance your bond. When you strengthen your bond with your dog, you increase their ability for behaviour correction and training.
Physical health benefits
Even though the health advantages of doga have not been proven by study, it is still a form of exercise for both you and your pooch. If your dog is out of shape or overweight, Doga can provide some much-needed exercise. If done regularly, it can help them gain muscle and decrease weight. Any sort of physical activity, including doga, aids in blood circulation. Doga often appeals to a dog’s natural urge to stretch, which can aid in flexibility and range of motion improvement. Regular exercise and massage can also aid in the prevention of arthritis and ACL problems in your dog as he ages. Doga can also help dogs with hip dysplasia or other pain difficulties associated with ageing.
Doga can also help injured dogs (depending on the type of damage). Gentle stretching, which releases muscle tension, can provide significant pain relief for dogs healing from an injury or accident. It can also assist them in regaining strength lost due to ageing or an injury.
Comfortableness
Doga is based mostly on breathing and relaxation techniques, which constitute a significant portion of the programme. It has the ability to soothe and relax hyperactive dogs, making it a great treatment for them. Doga’s workout section can help your dog release some of its energy, and its stretching and massage sections can help them become more mentally tranquil.
Of course, Doga’s ability to assist with stress and anxiety management is its greatest mutual advantage. In fact, one of the main advantages of yoga is definitely mental stability. There are many other hobbies that are definitely better for your physical health, but yoga (or doga) is the best when you factor in the mental health benefits of massage and meditation.
For dogs with behavioural problems, Doga is also excellent. Doga will teach agitated and fearful dogs how to calm down and remain motionless, but immediate results are not guaranteed. Try incorporating Doga into your and your dog’s daily routine for at least a month, as it will take some time for them to accomplish this.
Fun and entertainment
Incorporating dogs into yoga poses is an excellent way to enhance their already pleasurable experience. The majority of dog owners agree that everything is better with their dog by their side, and yoga is no different. Dogs may occasionally interrupt people from their yoga practice, but that’s just because they’re inquisitive and don’t want to join in on the fun — exactly what Doga provides for them. Dogs, on the other hand, are sure to enjoy themselves. Your furry best friend will be more willing to attend courses with you if they know that other dogs participate in Doga lessons.
Socialisation
Being surrounded by other dogs and humans in such a controlled and relaxing setting may be the best way for your pet to become accustomed to strangers. Some dogs are shy and apprehensive, and they do poorly in social situations. Doga can do wonders for such dogs in terms of social skills, which means they will be easier to handle. Given the scarcity of places for dog owners to socialise outside of dog parks, Doga really provides a one-of-a-kind and novel experience for you and your dog. And, let’s be honest, the next time you see your dog become happy when you say, “You ready to go to Doga?” it will motivate you to get off the sofa and attend the class instead of skipping it! Are you ready to give it a shot? Check with your local yoga studios to see if they have doggie-and-me classes (some may even have virtual options to limit the number of people and dogs in the same room at the same time). Before you arrive, check out if there are any dog size restrictions or guidelines about dog behaviour. If the lesson is in person, allow your dog to sniff the room and become acquainted with other people and dogs, and bring treats if you believe they will aid in her acclimatisation.
“Once the classes have begun, it is critical to be aware of any indicators that your dog is not at ease. To avoid injury, use caution when moving her into positions. While dogs are naturals in the downward dog posture, many yoga poses are simply not doable for our four-legged pals. Make sure to only try postures that have been modified for a dog’s body. Before bringing your dog to class, as with any new setting, exercise your best judgement. If your dog isn’t comfortable around other dogs or humans, bringing her to the class might not be a good idea,” shares Anupam Bedi, another yoga instructor and also an animal rights activist himself.
But that doesn’t mean you should rule out a yoga practice with your furry pal. Even if an in-person or live virtual session isn’t possible for the two of you, try searching YouTube for videos of dog yoga poses to practice at home. You and your dog can practice in the comfort of your own home or backyard, where you can both become acclimated to the motions and the mat at your own speed. If your local yoga studio does not offer doga courses, here is a terrific way to try them out.
Remember that your dog may require a few rewards and careful prodding before she masters her new moves. But don’t be astonished if you don’t win a gold medal on your first few attempts. Even if you wind up in a snuggly puddle on the floor, it’s still quality time spent together. And with a little practice, it may become a completely new method to bond while also growing muscle!
