We all know that exercise is really important to our health, especially since so many of us have been stuck at home during the pandemic. With the internet at our fingertips, unique ideas for getting our bodies moving spread like wildfire.

Despite its introduction to the U.S. in the 1800s and its origins thousands of years prior, yoga has recently attracted increasing attention as social media influencers have popularized the practice. Since people and their pets are practically inseparable, it was only a matter of time before man’s best friend was introduced to the yoga scene—giving way to the practice of dog yoga, or doga.

We’ve included a description of the practice, some key benefits to practicing and an engaging infographic summarizing the practice and illustrating some poses to try.

What is Doga?

While the concept of “dog yoga” might create a funny image in your head of a dog attempting to strike a tree pose while standing on their hind legs, the reality is that doga can be any form of yoga that involves your dog.

Sure, you can help your dog stretch and hold traditional yoga poses, as long as you’re respectful of your dog’s boundaries and are mindful of what makes them uncomfortable. This can be a great way to loosen your dog’s joints and relieve pain.

But many people practice doga by simply keeping their pup nearby when going through a yoga routine. Though it may seem surprising, just having your dog close during a yoga session can actually be a great bonding experience that offers legitimate health benefits to dog and owner alike.

Why Practice Doga?

While yoga’s health benefits have been thoroughly researched, with one study even suggesting that it can improve anxiety disorders, doga is a newer practice and the benefits have not been as thoroughly investigated. That said, based on our understanding of the benefits of yoga and relationships with pets, there are certain benefits that can be reasonably inferred about doga.

• Improves physical health. Dogs are workout buddies that hold you accountable. Dog owners are 54% more likely to get their recommended amount of exercise, and dogs with arthritis can relieve pain through stretching exercises.
• Stimulates your dog’s mind. The life of a dog can get boring, especially when owners are working or occupied with household tasks. Attempting to teach your dog something new, like doga, is a great way to engage their brains in a new way.
• Promotes human-canine bonding. By spending time with your pup and potentially guiding them through some poses, you’re forming a relationship of trust and comfort that will allow you to get closer to your animal long-term.

If your furry friend doesn’t seem comfortable practicing doga at first, that’s okay! Introducing a pet to anything new will require some patience and trust building. If time and practice doesn’t make things easier, it’s okay to shift gears and find another activity that can help you and your pet develop healthy bodies and minds.

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