Yoga itself is a centuries-old exercise routine\u2002and practice for mental peace, physical strength and spiritual equilibrium. In\u2002recent years, a fun take on this ancient practice has come about\u2014\u201cDoga,\u201d or yoga with your dog.<\/p>\n
What began\u2002as a fad is now an accepted way of bonding and staying well for the pet and its human. Dogs are naturally intuitive and can be\u2002calming creatures, which makes them great to practice yoga with.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re\u2002stretching, face planted on your mat in a child\u2019s pose, or sitting meditatively, your dog is right there with you, joining in with interest, affection and perhaps even a little bit of a comedic flair.<\/p>\n
Not only is Doga fun, it\u2019s good for your body and a\u2002mood booster too. It offers a special way to connect with\u2002your favorite furry friend with a little movement, stretching, and mindfulness in your day.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a look at five amazing reasons to practice yoga with your dog that have nothing to do with downward dog poses\u2002and belly scratches.<\/p>\n
One of the best parts of doing yoga with your dog is\u2002the special bond it fosters. Dogs are\u2002creatures of attention, love, and experience. When you include them who your yoga practice<\/a>, they start\u2002to relate to you with peace, entertainment and touch. This breeds trust and increases the bond you\u2002share.<\/p>\n While walking or playing fetch can be\u2002fun, it\u2019s really a joyous activity when you find that impossible stillness and connection between your dog and you in a down dog pose. Unlike other bonding activities like walking or playing fetch, you are able to have a serene and intimate setting where your dog can read your energy and feel your presence.<\/p>\n It\u2019s through\u2002touching, petting and gently moving them through poses that your relationship thrives. As he learns to follow your cues and movements, yoga becomes a shared activity\u2002of companionship and emotional bonding.<\/p>\n For both you and your\u2002dog, yoga is celebrated for its ability to decrease stress and soothe the nervous system. If you engage in slow breathing, mindful movement and meditation with your dog\u2002in the same space, they can inherit your relaxed energy. Dogs are attuned to the emotional states of their owners, and more often\u2002than not, a relaxed human leads to a relaxed pet.<\/p>\n It\u2019s especially useful for dogs with noise anxiety due to\u2002thunder or any other noise, separation, or for dogs that are in unfamiliar situations. Practicing yoga together puts you\u2002in a de-stressed zone together. Postures such as child\u2019s pose or corpse\u2002pose can be particularly relaxing for you, but your dog may snuggle up close to you, feeling the calmness of the moment.<\/p>\n Long-term programs of yoga have been proposed to contribute to decreased\u2002anxiety and better mood in both yourself and your pet Ultimately, with regular yoga practice, both you and your pet should experience some change.<\/p>\n Sure, yoga may not be as high-impact as running or\u2002bicycling, but it\u2019s a great way to stay active consistently, and your dog can benefit, too. Some poses and movements in Doga are modified to incorporate your\u2002pet, such as helping them stretch their legs, lifting them in a gentle and controlled manner or simply guiding them through playful poses.<\/p>\n Smaller dogs can be held against you during balancing poses, or extended during\u2002stretches, while larger dogs can love being under or around you while joining in with their own stretching, or be gently shaped into a simple position. These\u2002actions help you and your furry sidekick to stretch, flow, and tone muscles.<\/p>\n For senior dogs, the slow, calm movements of yoga are\u2002easier on the bones and joints than other physical exertions. It is a\u2002low-impact activity that can aid in mobility, particularly in older pets \u2014 and people, for that matter.<\/p>\n Yoga, most of all, is about being in the moment, and practicing it with your dog brings a lovely\u2002layer of mindfulness. Unlike people, dogs live\u2002in the moment \u2014 they\u2019re not fretting about tomorrow or regretting yesterday. By their very presence and focus on the\u2002\u201cnow,\u201d they can remind you to remain grounded and present.<\/p>\n With each yoga pose<\/a>, you\u2019ll pay closer attention to your dog\u2019s responses, positioning, and emotional\u2002state. This mindfulness also sharpens your mental focus and promotes a deeper connection, not just with\u2002your pet but also with your body and breath. Gradually over time this increased awareness can also trickle into your everyday life, allowing you to feel more grounded and balanced\u2002emotionally.<\/p>\n Developing your mindfulness practice with an animal helps you better detect and understand their non-verbal communication, which fosters more\u2002clear communication and less behavioral confusion.<\/p>\n2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety for Both<\/h3>\n
3. Encourages Physical Activity for You and Your Dog<\/h3>\n
4. Boosts Mental Focus and Mindfulness<\/h3>\n
5. Makes Exercise More Fun and Enjoyable<\/h3>\n