Thanks to Instagram and Snapchat, we see every other celebrity doing Yoga in our feed. Yoga can transform you into a better version of yourself but when people see how much motivation and dedication are needed, most lose hope and don’t even dare to try it. Well! We are here to motivate you again. When you read dog yoga benefits, you will want to try it as soon as now!
The whole point of yoga is exercising in peace and channelling all your auras towards positive energy. Dog yoga, aka “Doga” can change your entire perspective towards exercise. In easy words, it’s doing yoga with your pet which can be fun, engaging and very relaxing for some people. Especially, if they are pet lovers.
Let’s see how doing yoga with your dog can benefit you
Dog Yoga Benefits
- It strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner. Even if you are not a direct owner, doing yoga in some classes with dogs, allows you to connect with animals. This creates a sense of calmness, empathy and kindness within you.
- In a busy routine, one can have quality time with their pet while doing dog yoga. This way you will have a direct physical and emotional connection with your dog. What’s a better deal for pup parents than that?
- Dog yoga doesn’t only benefit you, but it also calms your dog and helps them unwind. You will see visible changes in your pet’s mood and health.
- This will motivate you to exercise daily with your pet.
- Dog yoga helps you to connect with your dog on another level. Your pet will understand your cues and non-verbal communication. Both of you can get into one energy flow and understand each other better.
- Dog yoga helps you get attuned with your dog. You understand each other’s emotions and body language.
Physical Health Benefits Of Dog Yoga
- Dog yoga benefits you in a double way. It is good for both you and your dog. Apart from emotional connection, it offers lots of physical benefits too
- It increases your dog’s flexibility and strengthens its joints. We know most dogs get physically weak when they grow older. Practicing dog yoga maintains their health.
- Dog yoga also increases flexibility in humans. When you exercise with your pet, you forget limits and for the time being, you tend to do things that you might not do alone. Try it to see it!
- Light physical activity is good for a dog’s health. It keeps them active.
- Yoga improves your flexibility, and balance and doing it with your dog helps you in maintaining posture.
- Interacting with your pet while doing yoga, strengthens your core muscles.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
- Doing yoga with pets calms your nerves and soothes both pet and owner.
- It reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Doing yoga with your pet transports you to another world for the time being.
- The calming effect lowers your blood pressure.
- It helps you focus on your breathing and improves your focus.
- Unconditional support and love from your pet is priceless. When you do yoga with your dog, it helps you cope with emotional challenges.
- If you are doing group yoga, it can help you make better connections, teach you empathy and kindness, and teach you how to regulate your emotions.
- It provides mental stimulation to both dogs and owners.
- Dog yoga teaches patience. You have to attune yourself to get along with your pet. This requires a kind of “sacrifice”. So you learn to be patient in your daily life. This is very beneficial for elderly people because with time they get hyper-focused and stuck to one thing.
- Dog Yoga is beginner-friendly. It suits all ages and all pets. No matter what is your age, try it now.
- You can always customize dog yoga according to your individual needs. Dog yoga poses are for everyone.
How to Get Started with Dog Yoga
As dog yoga is for all ages, it is never too late to start it. Just look at your pet and then yourself. You want a good life for both of you. So in your mind, repeat all dog yoga benefits and prepare yourself and your dog for a session.
- Pick a calm place for yoga. Make sure the space is airy, quiet and where you can focus on the exercise.
- Use a comfortable yoga mat where you can do exercise with ease. Rough edges and surfaces can hurt you. Also, they make your exercise difficult.
- Gather dog toys and other dog-friendly props.
- Keep water and treats near you.
Basic Dog Yoga Poses to Try
Here are some dog yoga poses to try with your pup.
- Heart-to hound pose. Sit cross-legged and hold your dog in your lap. Take deep breaths together. How amazing it sounds. This pose will enhance your emotional bonding with your dog.
- Downward dog pose where you perform traditional downward-facing dog pose while your dog lies underneath or beside you. Encourage your dog to stretch along with you. This pose helps stretch your hamstrings and spine while engaging your dog in a playful stretch.
- Puppy pose where you kneel on the floor and stretch your arms forward. Lower your chest while doing it. Also, encourage your dog to pose in the same way you do. This pose benefits your back and shoulders.
- Savasana is a pose where you lie flat on the floor and let your dog, lie beside or on top of you. This pose is good for breathing and relaxing both you and your dog.
Tips for a Successful Dog Yoga
To keep yourself motivated,
- Keep your sessions short. In the beginning, doing tough exercises for a long time, makes you lose your motivation. So start small and increase gradually till you are comfortable.
- Stop as soon as you feel like it. Never elongate or indulge in exercise if you or your pup are not happy with it.
- If your dog is getting bored, give him treats or use other positive reinforcements like if they perform well, give them rewards.
- Don’t rush. Stay calm—transitioning from one pose to another in a gentle way.
Potential Challenges
Well, dog yoga is fun. There is no practical harm in doing it. However, every coin has two sides and you can face some challenges while doing dog yoga
- It can be hard to make your dog copy you. Be patient with it. The main goal of dog yoga is to get fit and relaxed and be happy. Don’t force yourself or your dog. To help it, choose a quiet space where your dog can listen to your commands attentively.
- Not all dogs like yoga. If they don’t, try to do it yourself in front of your dog. This may encourage your dog to engage with you in playful activity.
- If you are doing dog yoga in public or yoga classes, safety must be your priority.
- Also, don’t strain yourself or your dog. Just do what you can do easily.
