5 Benefits of Dog Yoga for Pets & Their Humans

Yoga can be positively life-changing for people. So can dogs. So why not combine the two for ultimate physical and mental health? Surely, seeing these five benefits of inviting your dog to yoga will sway you to try it.

So, if you are in the mind-body-soul phase of your life, invite your dog to join to provide optimal relaxation. Your dog will absolutely love spending the extra time with you, and whether you know it or not, you probably really need it, too.

What Is Yoga for Dogs?

You might have heard the concept of yoga for dogs, and you're questioning what that even means. Like all the other good ideas in life, this is simply a combination of two enjoyable things that somebody thought to pull together.

Dog yoga, also known as "doga", was created by Suzi Teitelman in 2001 and has grown substantially since then. Many participants find that it is a wonderful, refreshing combination of exercise and companionship.

Here are the top five benefits we found.

The 5 Greatest Benefits of Dog Yoga for Dogs and Humans

1. Yoga Helps Bonding

Any time spent with your dog is a chance to bond. The reality is you can never be bonded enough. You and your dog will have a growing relationship, and the two of you will become closer and closer as the years pass.

If you two share activities like this, it will likely be similar to other exercises you partake in. After all, you likely walk your dog and take them on plenty of other adventures, too. This is simply another exciting journey you both can embark on.

Not only will this bring the two of you together in closeness due to physical proximity, it will also create a level of patience and understanding between the two of you. Yoga is a very soothing, relaxing exercise, and your dog might very much like the energy that it brings.

2. Yoga Keeps You Both Fit

Yoga is a form of exercise; some people might need to understand just how physically demanding it is. Yoga requires strict bodily control, being able to hold yourself in positions using flexibility and balance.

Your dog might not be able to master the tree pose, but they can cat and cow with you all day long if they want to. Moving around will help the two of you burn off some steam and burn a few extra calories while you're at it.

3. Yoga Creates Routine

You're likely set up for doga sessions on a strict schedule. This gives your dog and you something to look forward to during the week. Whether you go once, twice, or perform these actions at home every night, your dog will slowly start to look forward to this.

Your dog's excitement may even help motivate you on days when you really don't feel like doing anything. It's always best to have a partner in crime when you're trying to commit to your health.

4. Yoga Sparks New Training

If you have a breed that can't wait to always learn something new, yoga might be an exciting new concept for them to master. You will likely be doing your fair share of learning as well! You two can share it together, even if you do it for a short time.

5. Yoga Is Fun for Everyone!

You already know this. Yoga is just a fun activity virtually anyone can enjoy. It teaches patience, endurance, and stamina. Calming the nerves and creating strength, yoga is way more fun with your dog involved.

How to Get Started With Doga

You might wonder how to even get started with doga. It can be an easy concept. You can take your dog to doga classes near you, or create your own routines at home. Either one that you feel comfortable with.

And, if you find that neither option works for you, you could round up a group of friends who would love to try it and create your own group permitting you find a proper instructor.

Finding a Doga Instructor in Your Area

Doga is more common in large cities with a solid customer base for yoga classes. So it's always best to check in your local area to see what, if anything, is offered.

Try Online Doga

If you take to the web, you can likely find yoga tutorials and classes on YouTube and similar sites. It's a good way to get your feet wet without totally committing to the process. After all, it is best to see how your dog behaves before taking them in public to perform this action.

You have to think that when you face other clients, your dog will have to play nice and be obedient, not wanting to run around and goof around with their newfound friends.

Make Up Your Own Routine

If you don't really want to go to classes or use the same tutorials over and over, you can always create a routine for you both.

You could get a list of poses that you want to work on that week and perform your own step-by-step classes. This is best for people who are experienced in yoga, so you have a foundational background on the general concepts.

Is Dog Yoga Suitable for All Dogs and Owners?

Just like anything else, doga will only work for some dogs and owners. Some dogs are simply too young, not trained enough, or otherwise disinterested in such events. And that's okay! It will not work in all cases.

Often, even people sign up for yoga classes and other exercise regimens and stop somewhere along the line because they lose interest. All of that is okay, but it's worth the experience.

If you find that your dog is a little bit too rambunctious or flat-out not into it, you don't have to take them along. But it is something fun to try out to see if they enjoy it as much as you do.

See also: 

• How to Meditate With Your Dog

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