Dog Yoga. Does it sound crazy? Have you tried it? It’s an amazing experience!

The benefits of Yoga for people are well published and well known. Yoga is good for your whole being, for body, mind, and spirit. It increases flexibility, reduces stress, builds muscle, increases concentration, brings balance and stability, burns calories, and gives us an over all sense of peace and well being.  For your body, there are even more benefits that are going on with your nervous system, immune system, organs, and organ systems.

So what could be better than doing Yoga with your best friend, your furry best friend?

Dog Yoga classes are often level one practices, perfect for beginners. Small dogs are sometimes lifted, used as weights to add resistance. Larger dogs can be leaned on, as in partner Yoga. Your yogi puppies will love all the extra attention as you stretch and lean on them, some times nose to nose, experimenting with new breathing techniques. Little intermissions can be taken to show off a new trick or to hand out yummy treats. Your dog will feed off of your energy and the energy in the class. It’s all in good fun. And the point is to feel good, feel healthy, and connect.

Pay attention as your yogi companion tilts his head and listens to your chanting of “Om”. Massage his heart chakra and feel his tension melt away. Your dog will be a natural match for yoga’s emphasis on union and connection with other beings. It’s all in a dog’s nature.

Dog Yoga incorporates physical excerise for both you and your pup, breathing excercises, massages for your furry friend, stretching, and a full relaxation. A Dog Yoga class, or Doga, is a nurturing environment for your relationship with your pup. Classes are a great opportunity to socialize your dog with new people and other dogs. There’s a joyful, youthful energy in the air. Classes are often punctuated by laughter, good for you in and of itself. It’s likely to be the best part of your day, or week. It’s hard not to leave class with a huge smile and a happy tail wagging.