I was looking online at various services for dogs and came across yoga for dogs. Isn’t that an unusual concept? And I started to think, is it actually possible for dogs to do yoga? What are the benefits of yoga for dogs, often referred to as doga, and how can it be done?
You probably have the same questions so I found a few yoga poses for dogs that will help keep your dog fit and healthy. It also gives you special time to bond with your favorite pet. Gentle stretching for dogs, especially dogs with injuries or older dogs, improves the quality of the dog’s life and can speed up the healing process.
There are many different poses you can do with your dog that are based on the principles of yoga. In fact people actually do the yoga along with the dog. The important thing to remember is to be gentle and not to force your dog into positions. The dog must be relaxed in order to benefit from the stretches. Play relaxing music to help get your dog in the mood to participate in the poses.
Yoga Poses to Keep Your Dog Flexible and Fit
- Before starting a session, take the dog for a short walk. It will help work off extra energy. The best time to do yoga poses is when the dog is relaxed and calm. Begin with one or two poses so the dog gets used to the new activity.
- You can start the session with sun salutation. It is similar to what we do. Stand behind your dog. Pick up the front paws and lift them over the dog’s head and stretch the entire body. If the dog resists, try to hold the dog under the arms. Hold the dog for a few seconds and then bring the paws back to the ground.
- Next is moving the dog in an upward dog position on all four paws facing you. Gently keep your hands below the dog’s hips and lift the paws off the floor. Slowly stretch the lower side of the back. Hold the dog again for a few seconds, repeat the pose a few times.
- Another pose is the dog boat. Place the dog onto the side and hold the front paws. Gently start lifting the paws so that the belly is stretched. My dog especially loves this one.
- For the locust, roll the dog onto the tummy. Stretch the back and front paws. You can massage the back muscles once the dog is in this position.
To learn more about doga, here are a few dog yoga books and videos that might interest you.
Book – Doga: Yoga For Dogs
Book – Bow Wow Yoga
DVD – Yoga 4 Dogs
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