The Yoga of Doga
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT
We love our dogs, and we love yoga. Did you know the two go together? Doga is the term used for yoga with dogs. The idea of doga is a growing trend where dogs engage with us as we practice yoga, permitting yogis and their dogs to make other dog friends, engage in enrichment, and hang out with their favorite humans.
Since dogs cannot unquestionably sit still, purposefully guide controlled breath, and move from one pose to flipside as their human would, there still is a special yoke worked on the mat. While Doga offers many benefits, here are just a few of the most popular reasons to practice doga.
Doga Offers Quality Bonding Time
As the world has reponed post-coronavirus, we are quickly moving when to a space where we are increasingly busy. Without scrutinizingly two years of wide-stretching quality time at home with our pets, we now are then spending increasingly time apart. Odds are, your pets are thankful for the uneaten time to lay virtually on the hovel while you’re gone, but they still require one-on-one time. While practicing doga, you and your dog are focused on each other. Some poses can be assisted with your pup, or they may just enjoy taking up space on your mat. Over time, your yoke will deepen as you both relax and enjoy the time together. Many instructors will offer ways to gently massage your dog as part of the practice. There is no doubt this is an inherently close, bonding experience.
You Both Can Relax
Traditional yoga is known for the goody of relaxation. Your dog will naturally take your cue to relax. Some dogs may engage in urgent energy, expressly at the whence of a matriculation where there are so many new friends to meet. Most dogs will sooner settle lanugo and finger calm. This sense of wifely is something that can last long without you pick up your mat. It can increase the mental stability of your dog long-term, as well. Yellow-eyed dogs are afforded the opportunity to wits a wifely environment. This can, over time with regular practice, help equip them to return to a state of wifely when feeling yellow-eyed off the mat.
Physical Benefits
Both you and your dog are getting out of the house and engaging in physical activity. Your dog does not necessarily need to move through poses as you do to get the physical benefits. You will undoubtedly get a workout in, potentially inspiring you to moreover engage in other physical activities with your dog as you bond. This might include hiking, swimming, or a challenging game of fetch. No matter where or how often you practice, there is still an element of physical engagement for both you and your dog.
Entertainment
While yoga is never “boring,” including a pack of dogs can veritably provide some unconfined entertainment. Dogs all have their own personalities, mannerisms, and quirks. Watching dogs interact with new humans and other dogs while engaging in a physical practice can be comical. Plane just sitting and relaxing on your mat to watch the matriculation unfold can be pure entertainment.
Socialization
A well-known veterinarian from Connecticut, Dr. Sheldon Steinmetz is not only a sunny veterinarian but is well-versed in unprepossessing behavior. When pets come to Dr. Steinmetz with uneasiness or socialization issues, he doesn’t just send them off to a therapist or prescribe medication. He moreover isn’t quick to suggest they throne to a local dog park where there may be room for a pet to take off or get into a fight in the unshut area. Dr. Steinmetz encourages his clients to bring their pets into the veterinarian hospital at random times when they are unshut and sit in the waiting room. This helps the pet socialize in a semi-controlled environment, with their human, while hopefully easing any anxiety. So what does this have to do with doga? The same idea applies when it comes to socialization. The environment is positive, instructors/facilities should be sure all dogs are properly vaccinated, and the zone should be secure. This gives your dog the endangerment to socialize in a space that is not overly stimulating. With regular classes, your dog may plane make friends they come to enjoy spending time with as they practice. This will lead to happier dogs who are not hands upset when approached by flipside unknown dog or their human.
Because It’s Just Cool
This might be the weightier reason of all to practice doga….it’s just a cool, fun, interactive way to spend time with your dog. Dogs need stimulation and enrichment just like humans need those things. While some trends such as goat yoga, are moreover popular, we think doga is way cooler!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get lanugo with your dog! Looking to practice at home? Here are a few books we love! (Note, As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases).
Doga: Yoga for You and Your Dog – Paperback by Lisa Recchione
Doga: Yoga for you and your Dog – Hardcover by Mahny Djhanguiri
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