I enjoy practicing Yoga at home. Most of the time one of the dogs will join me and lay on the mat by my side. Doga is a form of yoga that pairs people and their canine companions. It is a great way to de-stress while building a connection with your dog. Both humans and dogs benefit from the stretching, massage, and personal attention Doga provides. It is a great way to exercise and strengthen the bond with your dog.
There are different styles of Doga classes. Some Doga instructors will teach how to do Doga poses with your dog. Other Doga classes allow humans to perform yoga poses alongside their dog.
Practicing Doga provides benefits for you and your dog.
🐾 Health benefits. If you practice yoga regularly, it can help you build muscle, improve circulation and also increase your flexibility and relaxation. Doga incorporates massages and stretches that can help Fido with flexibility and range of motion. If your dog suffers from arthritis or an injury, please talk to your veterinarian before engaging in stretches that can harm your dog.
🐾 Bonding with your pup. Doga is a fantastic way to strenghten your bond with your dog and build trust. Because it incorporates massages and poses, it will require that both you and your dog communicate and engage with each other. It will naturally help your dog trust you and strengthen your bond.
🐾 De-stress and relaxation. Doga can calm your dog. The stretching exercises, poses, and massage will make your dog mentally calmer.
Are you inspired to start practicing Doga? You can start practicing in the comfort of your home!
🐾 First, invite your dog to your yoga mat or simply start practicing yoga in the same room with your dog. Avoid forcing your dog into it. If your dog becomes interested, this is your opportunity to encourage him/her to participate.
If your dog is large like my dogs, start by stretching alongside your dog. With smaller dogs, you may be able to do other poses.
To learn more about how to practice yoga with your dog, below I share some Doga books. These books provide tips for practicing this fun way of yoga.
🐾 Doga: Yoga for You and Your Dog by Lisa Recchione
🐾 Barking Buddha: Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi by Brenda Bryan
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