Yoga is a world-renowned form of health, relaxation and growth for your mind and body. It has been proven to reduce stress and improves strength and flexibility for all its participants.
Many people credit their dog’s for having a similar, if not an identical, positive effect on their overall mental wellbeing, health and self-worth.
Interestingly, aspiring yoga enthusiasts with a soft spot for pets and an eye for unique experiences, have rekindled this timeless health centre to coin a new term: "Doga"
This crossroads between yoga and dogs is a recent collaboration that has encouraged a new breed of pet exercise that incorporates dogs and yoga simultaneous.
We spend many hours allocated to proper dog care, dog grooming and feeding our dogs the right food, but what about their mental state?
An Introduction to Doga
First introduced by Suzi Teitelman, a yoga teacher, the "Doga" subscription has become more popular as pet owner seek new experiences with their beloved canine companions.
These doga classes happen all over the globe with more and more pet lovers trying the doga experience for themselves at their local fitness club, yoga studio or even in animal shelters themselves.
The main aim is to nurture inner peace and mindfulness that incorporates light exercise which they can get their dog involved with.
More advanced yoga teachers have started to experiment with energy-based healing as yoga centres around the transfer of energies. It is thought to be an all-inclusive refresh for both dog and participant.
Although Doga does involve your dog and their ability to get involved, it doesn’t require the dogs to participate with specific rules like poses or movements. Whilst some classes do encourage a wide array of stretching for both owner and dog, the emphasis for your dog is on support.
Moreover, “Doga” should be used as a gentle way to encourage your dog to exercise and release any tension. The emphasis should be placed on support and encouragement for a more holistic experience.
Practising “Doga”! 5 Advantages For All Dogs! (and dog owners)
- Bonding
First, Doga is a fantastic way to strengthen a bond between dog and owner. We all have time in our lives when we are too busy and cannot give our dog’s enough attention.
This activity should be used as a chance to spend some quality time with your canine friend but at the same time increase the pre-existing existing relationship you already have.
Moreover, it’s a great way to show calmness and tranquillity that are traits that will rub off on your dog.
By showing a commitment to your dog you can improve the potential to correct any negative or obstructive behavioural problems.
- Similar Interest
Doga is a great chance to bond with other people that have similar interests to you. Everyone in your class will love dogs, be passionate about health and are willing to give new experiences a try.
This support network can be a proactive way to share your experiences, get new insight and feel connected to something that you truly love.
Moreover, if you’ve recently moved to a new city and are looking for like-minded people then don’t hesitate to look up your local doga classes. You’ll be surprised how popular they are and they are a smart and informal way to find people who like what you do.
3. More Exercise
One of the most beneficial parts of trying out Doga for the first time is the influence it has on your dogs health and their ability to exercise. If your dog is older and needs an extra incentive to leave the house then this is a smart way to persuade him to do so.
All dogs need exercise, but sometimes it can be more tricker to get older dogs, injured dogs or those that have a predisposition to lethargy to get their daily exercise done.
Doga is a way great bargaining chip to use to get your dog out of the house as the exercise and enjoyment has a dual effect.
It's important to note that injured dogs can still benefit from these exercise routines, like stretching and light movement. This gentle exercise will increase blood flow in damaged body parts.
- Relaxation
Yoga has been proven to help with mind and body relaxation and help’s participate to feel more aware, calm and in the present moment. Doga encourages your dog to share in these practical health pillars by keeping their mind focused on one thing for long periods.
Moreover, this will help dogs that are very hyperactive or behave in frantic ways. The overall Doga treatment has two dynamic outcomes: A more peaceful mind and the ability to burn calories and using up any energy to keep your dog fit and in control.
- Entertainment
Anyone that has tried yoga in the past will tell you that the positives far outweigh any negatives. Sitting in one place, being still and feeling at ease with yourself can only harvest positivity and calmness if done proactively and without distraction.
This sentiment holds true for dogs to, as more owners want to include their dogs in a larger variety of activities. This entire experience should be seen as a social and non-stressful way to better understand your dog.
It certainly has an entertainment element to it and most dog owners who embrace this concept are open, fun-loving and want to try out new things.
All doga classes are in a structured place and are organised in a way to keep it light-hearted, warm and fun. This ensures that your dog is in a naturally calm a receptive mood to feel the full effects of the experience `
It’s important to note that having other dogs in the same class can sometimes be a little distracting as all dogs are different and this dynamic environment can sometimes bring up cheeky characters traits in your dog. (for example social barking)
However, if you want your dog to get the full effect of the doga experience then we would suggest you do these things:
- Don’t be quick to reprimand your dog for barking, acting out or being uninterested. Instead, encourage your dog to be naturally curious without trying to keep them on restraint.
- Smaller dogs can be held or carried throughout the routine
- Bigger dogs should participate by doing all the stretching with you (this will also help to teach them with obedience skills)
- Encourage your dog to rest by your side when you are quiet as this will help with their calmness and tranquillity as well.
To get involved get in contact with your local yoga studio, fitness centre or animal shelter to see what facilities they offer for dog yoga!
About the Author:
Hey, I’m Amy and I’m in love with my Pets! I have a diverse variety, including 2 cats, 1 dog, 3 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, a rat, and a beautiful macaw. I love writing about everything pet-related and spend as much time as I can sharing my personal experiences on my blog. UltimatePetHub.com
