Humans have been using yoga as a relaxation technique as well as an exercise for centuries. But did you know there’s also dog yoga or doga? It can be a fun and rewarding exercise for both you and your dog to do together. Here is a beginner’s guide to dog yoga:

What is Dog Yoga (or Doga)?

There are two kinds of dog yoga. The first type of dog yoga is where you and your dog both participate in a yoga class doing dog-friendly yoga poses. Your dog can either stretch alongside you or play with other dogs present.

Sometimes, the draw of the yoga class is that there are animals hanging out and wandering around. Puppy yoga is very popular and there are also classes available featuring cats, goats, and more.

The other kind of dog yoga is doing yoga while your dog hangs out with you. They don’t necessarily need to participate in similar stretches. This type is a lot less formal since you’re not in a class setting.

3 Benefits of Doga

Doga is just one of the ways to exercise with your dog. And like with any exercise, there are benefits for both you and your dog.

1. It Improves Physical Health

Yoga improves muscle strength and flexibility. This can help prevent injuries further down the road. This is beneficial to both you and your dog. In dogs, yoga can also be a great tool for helping keep joints healthy and increasing blood circulation.

It is also helpful in weight management for dogs who are overweight. Dogs with orthopedic injuries can also try yoga as a low-impact exercise. And since it’s a low-impact exercise, it’s a safe way to exercise flat-faced dogs.

2. Yoga Relaxes You and Your Dog

Yoga has been used as a relaxation technique for hundreds of years. Yoga teaches you how to focus and relax, which can be useful in managing stress and anxiety. While dogs do have emotions, your dog may not be able to feel these emotions like humans. However, they will still be able to relax while stretching in dog yoga.

When you can relax, your dog will pick up on your mood. If you’re giving off a relaxed mood, your dog will feel safe and secure. This can help with behavior and can help them manage their stress.

3. It Can Strengthen the Bond Between You and Your Dog

Doga is a great tool for strengthening the bond between you and your dog. There are a few different ways to build a bond with your dog and exercise is one of those things. And since yoga can relax both you and your dog, it builds feelings of trust and security.

4 Popular Doga Poses to Try With Your Dog

Some poses in yoga are similar to how dogs stretch. Here are a few of those poses to get started with doga for you and your dog:

1. Chair Pose

Chair pose is similar to a wall sit. Your dog can either sit calmly with you or they can try their own version. If they allow you, help them sit back on their hind legs. Support their torso and let them breathe deeply.

2. Chaturanga

This pose may also be known as low plank. It is a transition pose from a plank to an upward-facing dog. To make this work for your dog, let them lie on their belly and offer slow pets if they seem comfortable with it.

3. Downward Dog

One of the most popular poses, downward dog is a good stretch for humans and dogs alike. To do this with your dog, assume the post next to your dog or over your dog. If they seem uncomfortable with you above them, move next to them.

4. Savasana

This pose is a cooldown pose. To help your dog participate, have them lie on their back if they want. Just like in the Chaturanga pose, pet your dog in slow strokes. This will help them cool down from the stretching and will help you both relax.

This is just a beginner’s guide to dog yoga. Even if you are experienced at yoga, it might still take you and your dog some practice to master doga together. Just remember to follow your dog’s lead and match their pace. This will help them feel comfortable and will also further strengthen your bond!