Can You Do Yoga with Dogs?

One of the many great gifts from India to the world – Yoga, has been seen to cure the deadliest of illnesses like cancers in humans. The word ‘Yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Yug, ' meaning to join or unite. Yoga, hence, means the unification of human beings' physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual aspects – a practice from over 5000 years ago.

But is it limited to human beings, or can our canines also try to unify their souls with the universe? Or more than that – can your dog become that friend of yours that motivates you to do Yoga every day? Let’s find out! 

Dogs are actually natural Yogis. They can effortlessly stretch into poses that take humans years to master (how do you think the upward and downward-facing dog got their names?) There’s even a term for dog yoga these days – ‘Doga’. 

How Do I Teach my Dog to do Yoga with Me?

There are two ways you could go about this – you do yoga, and your dog enjoys the show and goofing around, or you guide your dog and make them do the poses along with you. We are guessing you’re in for the second option. 

Here are some simple steps for teaching your dog do yoga (or as they say, doga) – ⁽¹⁾

Start with picking a place that’s calm and comfortable for your dog, with minimum distractions. You could pick your house or a dog-friendly yoga class. 

Get a yoga mat for your dog. Keep the treats ready for your dog. Teaching your dog yoga is going to be like training your dog for anything else. Treats and your praises will keep them motivated. You may even need treats to get your dog seated on the mat.

As a warm-up, start with simple commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. You can again use treats here. This will get your dog’s obedience mode on. 

You can start with the pose that dogs are most natural at – downward dog. Get yourself in the downward dog position and encourage your dog to stretch alongside you. (we have a list of 5 best dog poses for you to practice after that) 

Initially, keep the sessions short so that your dog doesn’t feel exhausted. You can increase the duration and number of poses gradually, Do not forget to keep rewarding your dog with treats and praises.

Don’t start with your day already after the session. Encourage relaxation after the session. Lie down on your back with your dog lying beside you. Use a calming voice to reassure your dog. 

Some dogs may get it on the first day and others may take time. Be consistent and patient. Make sure your dog loves the experience. The goal is to spend some quality time. The correct form will come gradually. 

Best Yoga Poses for Dogs

Once your dog gets used to the basic ones, you can go for the below poses. ⁽²⁾

This is a form of push-up with a focus on strengthening the back, arms and core. While your dog may not be able to do it the human way, start by getting your dog to lay on their stomach while you pet their back. 

This one is a relaxing pose that will help develop a deeper bond between you and your dog. Sit cross-legged in front of your dog with an erect spine. Place your left hand on your heart and the right one on your dog’s heart. Take deep breaths and feel the positive energy flowing. 

Be seated in front of your dog again. Bend forward with your hands towards the floor and your head low. Keep deep breathing as you go down. Reach for your pup or lift your pup for an extra stretch. 

Get behind your dog and lean forward. Lift your dog’s hind legs gently. Increase the stretch slowly for your dog by flexing the torso to reap the full benefits of this pose. 

Have your dog lay down on the stomach with the front legs extended outwards. Kneel behind your dog and place your head on your dog’s back. Hold your dog’s front legs and gently stretch them forward.

Remember to be gentle at all times. Look for signs of nausea or fatigue. Keep fresh water handy at all times for your dog. And the most important of all – keep praising and affirming your dog. 

Is Puppy Yoga a Thing?

Just search for ‘Yoga with puppies’ on reels or shorts and you’ll know that it’s not just a thing but a trend so big that it has got its own term – ‘Doga’. But it’s not just for the likes and shares, it is actually a very blissful experience for you and your dog. Plus, it comes with multiple benefits for both. 

Benefits of Yoga for Dogs

Turns out, it’s not just for your company or to spend quality time with your pup, yoga can actually offer plenty of benefits to your dog as well. These include – ⁽¹⁾

Having said that, do take your dog for those daily runs and walks. Do not replace them with yoga. Look at yoga as an additional activity for bonding with your pup that comes with multiple benefits for them. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Doga can not only be an amazing experience but a great motivator for you to get on the mat every day. It surely will have a positive impact on your dog’s physical and mental health. Despite that, your dog may get sick at times or run into an accident. You may not be able to prevent these things, but you can definitely prevent your savings from being depleted in their treatments. 

Pet health insurance helps you save up to 90% of the vet bills and much more. Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!