How to Meditate With Dogs— 9 Simple Tips

The benefits of meditation are well-documented in the scientific literature. Research has shown it can help reduce the perception of pain and improve coping with chronic pain conditions.¹ It may also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.² Regular meditation may even increase your brain’s gray matter.³ You may not have considered including your dog in your practice. However, there are many reasons to try.

Spending time together can strengthen your bond. The quiet time can have a calming effect on your pup, which may help reduce stress for both of you. Psychologists have found that animal-assisted interactions, including the presence of dogs during therapeutic activities, can improve patient engagement and emotional well-being.⁴ It was especially helpful when treating mental health issues caused by the pandemic.

We must start by saying that meditation doesn’t always work with all animals. Puppies and kittens are unlikely to sit still, making it a better activity for adult pets. You must all be patient. The setting and atmosphere are probably a lot different from what your dog is used to. However, they are intelligent and may learn to associate the routine over time, particularly with consistent practice and positive experiences.

Research has shown that dogs⁵ can respond to and interpret certain human emotional cues, such as facial expressions, vocal tone, and body language, and they will pick up on your calm state, which may help promote a more relaxed environment. It’s essential to meditate when your dog isn't racing around the house or backyard. Also, refrain from meditating with your pet before feeding time when their attention is elsewhere.

The 9 Tips on How to Meditate With Pets

1. Find a Quiet Place to Meditate

Minimizing distractions is vital for your solo practice and your sessions with your pet. Pick a quiet room away from the hustle and bustle of your household. If possible, close the door to ensure it stays that way.

2. Make It Comfy

Make your place comfy for you and your dog. Pile up some soft cushions or pillows. If your dog has a favorite blanket, bring it to the area. We also suggest having treats with you to help reinforce calm behavior and create a positive association with the activity. Make sure you’re comfortable, too.

3. Play Some Ambient Music (Optional)

This step is up to you. If you usually play ambient music when you meditate, stick with your routine and use it. You may find it has a soothing effect on your pet. We suggest playing music without unusual sounds, which could distract your dog.

4. Invite Your Pet to Join You

When you’re ready to start, invite your pup to join you. You probably won’t have to do much persuading to get them into the room. Have your dog sit and gently pet them.

5. Give Your Practice a Signal Word

Pets are quick to pick up on new words. Why not give your practice a name? “Namaste” is a good choice and appropriate under the circumstances. Use the same word so that your dog associates it with this special time.

6. Focus on Your Breath

Focusing on your breath is an excellent way to clear your mind and slow down your thoughts. A dog’s normal breathing rate is about 10-28 breaths per minute, and in this calm setting, it’ll likely be toward the lower end of this range. If possible, try to sync your breathing with theirs to create a stronger bond between you.

7. Engage in Your Practice

Start with your regular practice, gently stroking your pet as you go through your routine. Be patient since your dog likely won’t understand the routine or expectations initially and will learn gradually through repetition and positive associations.

8. Limit the Length of Your Session

If your dog isn’t cooperating, it’s okay to end the session early. Even if they enjoy the experience, we recommend limiting the session to no more than 30 minutes. You may find your companion leaves your side or falls asleep. It’s essential to understand there are no rules. Your meditation is bonding time, whatever form that takes. We suggest giving your dog a treat to reinforce calm behavior and create a positive association with the experience.

9. Go Forest Bathing

If you have an energetic dog, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy meditating with them. Instead of a quiet room, you can take your practice to the woods. The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku or forest bathing. The practice involves connecting with nature and being mindful of your surroundings. Your pup will likely be on a different mission, but you can still enjoy the time outdoors.

Conclusion

Meditating with your pet can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to focus on your best furry friend and share the mental and physical health benefits of this practice. While your dog may not understand what’s happening, they'll appreciate your attention and calm presence. You may even find that your dog volunteers to join you during your sessions for more quality time with you.

• Related Read: Benefits of Dog Yoga For Pets & Their Humans

Featured Image Credit: antoniodiaz, Shutterstock