Yoga with animals is the latest trend and is incredibly fun! It's a great way to spend more time with "man's best friend." Who knows those funny video clips of yoga with little goats? However, the animals tend to use humans for some playful climbing. Doga, on the other hand, directly involves the beloved four-legged friends. Through the special exercises and gentle touches, the dogs calm down and enjoy being close to humans. The relaxation is mutual, and after yoga, dog and human are one and the same.
What is Doga?
Doga, also known as dog yoga, is simply yoga with your dog. "How is that supposed to work?" some people ask. After all, animals have a completely different anatomy and aren't able to do asanas like Trikonasana or Sun Salutation . But behind it lies a gentle yoga practice that engages the dog with gentle touch and plenty of closeness. It has long been scientifically proven that furry friends have a calming effect on humans. And when practicing Doga together, both humans and animals benefit equally.
Origin of Doga
It all started in Japan and the USA. This special form of yoga is very popular there. People in Japan, in particular, love spending time with their dogs, as time is often scarce and many apartments are very cramped. Dogs and owners alike appreciate the variety in their daily lives and the closeness they get.
In Japan, however, dogs are often lifted and actively involved in stretching during doga. This is precisely what often draws criticism. For many four-legged friends, the frequent lifting poses in yoga are more stressful than relaxing. In this country, dog yoga therefore usually avoids the stressful lifting of the animal.
This is what your dog should bring
Not every dog is as excited about yoga as their owner. It's all about the right personality. Is your dog a restless soul? He might have trouble sitting still with you for long periods. Is your four-legged friend still very young? Be prepared for him to have a strong need for exercise and find yoga boring.
For very active dogs, a round of play before the doga session is a good idea. This allows the animals to really let off steam and relax during yoga. If you're unsure whether dog yoga is right for you, it's best to try a short trial session first. Ask your local provider if they offer trial classes for newcomers.
Yoga with dogs: How Doga works
The owner's relaxation is transferred to the dog. Four-legged friends are very sensitive and quickly sense human emotions. Through loving touches and caresses during yoga, the animal calms down and relaxes. In doing so, it also senses the owner's inner peace. A win-win situation for both, one that further bonds the two. Trust and bonding are further strengthened through the shared yoga poses.
Positive effects of Doga:
• Strengthening mutual bonds
• the dog learns to relax
• Strengthening trust
• can have a long-term impact on general calmness
A brief insight into Doga Yoga: 3 exercises
To give you a better idea of how Doga works, we'll introduce you to various yoga exercises. Incidentally, many yoga asanas are even named after animals, such as the crocodile , the butterfly , the cat, or downward dog . We'll show you how you can actively involve your dog in Doga with three yoga exercises that you can easily try at home.
Exercise 1: The Cobra
Lie flat on your stomach with your forehead resting on the yoga mat . Stretch your arms and legs down. Now bring your hands to stomach level and support yourself, lifting your upper body. Tilt your head slightly back. Hold this position for 5 deep breaths and then lower your body back.
Place your dog next to or in front of your mat. Use a treat to encourage him to stretch and lift his head. He should remain lying on the floor.
By the way, this exercise also works perfectly with a cat if it feels like it.
Exercise 2: Downward-Facing Dog
Your dog can easily participate in this exercise! With a treat near the ground, you can try getting him to place his front legs, upper body, and head on the ground while sticking his rear end up in the air.
For humans: Get into a quadruped position, knees hip-width apart, and place your hands below your shoulders. Point your toes and push your bottom up and back simultaneously. If possible, straighten your legs and bring your heels to the mat . Stay calm here for five deep breaths.
Exercise 3: Pranayama with Dog
Last but not least, there's a breathing exercise (pranayama), which is a fundamental part of yoga. Your four-legged friend can also be perfectly integrated into this. Which exercise you choose is entirely up to you. As a yoga beginner, you can start by trying alternate nostril breathing . During the breathing exercise, gently stroke the left and right sides of your dog's chest with your free hand. You'll feel your four-legged friend's breathing. Try to focus on this and relax your dog through your touch.
You can also try this exercise with a cat. If it starts purring, this will have an additional calming effect on you.
So, are you interested in trying Dog Yoga? There's sure to be a class near you. You can also try Doga online or via the app. Or are you already practicing diligently? Feel free to leave us a comment with your yoga experiences!
