What is Doga?

Today, yoga is one of the most popular forms of low-intensity exercise. Over time, numerous different styles have been developed so that there is something to suit yogis of all sorts. One of the newest styles to come about is Doga, which is best described as yoga with your dog. Using many of the traditional Hatha poses, Doga allows you to reap the benefits of yoga whilst spending time with your furry friend. All you need to get started is a soft yoga mat and some comfortable clothes. In this article, we explore Doga in more detail.

What is Doga?

Doga is the newest yoga trend that allows you to practice alongside your dog. The only style of yoga for dogs was created a few years ago by a yoga teacher named Suzi Teitelman. Combining traditional yoga poses with meditation and massage, Doga is beneficial for both you and your pooch.

Although dogs can’t practice most of the regular yoga poses, they can join in with the stretching and enjoy a soothing pet massage. Additionally, the relaxing nature of Doga will calm your four-legged friend before they head to bed. Whilst Doga can be great, it’s important to listen to your dog’s body language to ensure they are enjoying the session. If they seem unhappy, don’t force your dog to participate; instead, stop and try again another day.

Benefits of Doga

Allows You to Bond With Your Dog

Doga is a great way to bond with your pup whilst reaping the benefits of yoga, too. You and your dog will work together to perform the assisted poses, which can really bring you closer together. Doga can help your pooch learn to trust you and strengthen your special bond even further. Strengthening the bond between yourself and your dog can improve your pet’s behaviour and make training easier.

Improves Physical Health

Like any form of exercise, Doga boasts a range of health benefits for both you and your pooch. If your dog is overweight, Doga can provide additional exercise to the usual walk in the park. When practised regularly, it can help them to lose fat and build muscle. Additionally, the practice can improve your pet’s blood circulation to leave them feeling healthy and full of energy.

As Doga involves an element of stretching, it can improve your dog’s flexibility and range of motion. The practice can also prevent age-related issues such as arthritis and ACL injuries. With this in mind, Doga can also be beneficial to dogs suffering from joint problems such as hip dysplasia – a common condition in older canines.

If your dog has suffered an injury, Doga may aid their recovery. The practice can provide significant pain relief through gentle stretches and can help your pup to regain their strength and stamina.

Encourages You to Relax

Doga uses simple breathing exercises to help your dog to feel happy, healthy, and relaxed. This can be particularly helpful for hyperactive pooches. The exercise and stretching element of Doga can also help to relax your dog. The exercise will allow your pet to burn off some energy and the gentle stretches will leave them feeling calmer.

Whilst Doga is great for relaxing your dog, it can help you to relieve stress and anxiety, too. While all varie-ties of yoga promote a calmer mind, Doga is the only style that benefits your four-legged-friend, as well. Doga is also beneficial for pups with behavioural issues. Many dogs exhibit bad behaviour because they are feeling stressed or anxious. When practised regularly, Doga teaches dogs how to be calm and relaxed; however, this can take time to achieve so don’t expect results straight away.

Provides Great Fun

Any form of yoga can be fun, but adding your pooch to the mix brings it to a whole new level. Most dog lovers will agree that everything is better when your four-legged-friend can join in. Better still, the practice is enjoyable for your dog, too. Doga classes combine fun stretching exercises with gentle massage to leave both you and your best friend feeling on top of the world.

Gets Your Dog Used to Strangers

As there are other dogs at a Doga class, your dog can make some new furry friends. Additionally, Doga classes are a great way for you to meet like-minded individuals who love their pet just as much as you love yours! While it is possible to meet other owners at your local dog park, the crowded nature of the park can make conversion tricky. At a Doga session, owners can converse with ease in the relaxed environment.

Doga classes are also a great way to socialise new pups. Being surrounded by other dogs is a great way to get your pooch used to other pets and their owners. While some dogs learn to socialise at puppy classes, busy classes can be hard on anxious pups. Doga classes, on the other hand, provide a relaxing environment for your dog to build up social skills.

In Summary

Whether you already practice yoga or you’re a complete beginner, Doga is suitable for practitioners of all sorts! Combining traditional asanas with stretching, meditation, and massage, the style is sure to leave you and your pooch feeling relaxed, healthy, and care-free. Before your first Doga class, it’s worth picking up a spacious yoga bag to carry your gear. Be sure to pack a fresh bottle of water and a dog bowl to keep both you and your pup hydrated throughout the session. It’s also worth bringing a comfortable yoga mat to practice on and a few treats to reward your furry-friend when he does a good job.