There are two things that are great for both your mind and body: yoga and furry friends. More people are starting to realize the benefits of eastern practices and a zen focus on holistic health.
Dogs are therapeutic for humans, and yoga takes us away from worldly boundaries. This physical flow lets us explore ourselves through meditation, breathing exercises, and posing.
This ancient concept has improved the quality of life for many individuals around the world. Now it’s adapted for your canine friends. Groups of pets and pet owners now frequently gather to practice dog yoga, otherwise known as doga.
It could be impossible to get your dog to meditate, but many aspects of yoga can be shared with dogs. In this article, we’ll go over a few reasons why you should practice alongside your pet!
Mental Focus and Clarity
You probably already know this, but your dog knows how you feel. Empaths who take on a lot of emotions throughout the day will benefit significantly from some dog-snuggles. Both dogs and people benefit from stress release.
While you’re practicing yoga, the two of you will be in-tune. This is beneficial for mental health and for creating a more productive lifestyle. Your dog will be focused on your movements, reinforcing pack-leadership, which will make it easier to train your dog.
Relaxation and breathing exercises are central to Doga. If you want to practice with your dog, work together on these calming practices. This will calm down and mellow out hyperactive dogs. Yoga also provides an opportunity for us to exercise and get out worked-up energy. This will exhaust your pup and leave you both calm and relaxed.
Mental stability for you and your pup is the most significant benefits of yoga. Doga is also great for dogs with behavior problems. Like for you, yoga will make your pup less anxious and happy. They will learn how to stay still. It may take time, and you shouldn’t expect any results overnight, but it’s an enjoyable process and a useful element of a training program.
Socialization
Doga is a great way for you and your dog to make new friends! Check out your local community pages or set up your own class! Dog owners love to hand out with their own.
Setting a meet-up in a park is a great excuse to get outside and to get in touch with nature. Your dog will love being surrounded by friends in a soothing, controlled environment. According to Paw’s Playgrounds, dog daycare Toronto, dogs benefit greatly from playing, frolicking around, and chatting with new friends.
This is the best way to get your new pup used to people. If they’re shy, this is a great way to help them develop social skills! After regular practice, you’ll notice that they’re easier to handle on walks and other public spaces.
Bonding
It’s a fact that Doga is a great way to bond with your dog. If you can do poses in which you and your pup are working together as partners, they will learn how to trust you, and it’ll strengthen your relationship. As your authentic bond continues to grow, you’ll find that it’s easier to train your dog and teach them new tricks.
Yoga Poses Are Natural for Dogs
If you practice yoga at home, you’re probably away from your dog’s natural curiosity. When your pup gets lazy and decides to lay on your mat, this is the ideal time to welcome them to your mindfulness practice.
Your furry best friend isn’t going to be physically able to perform all of the yoga poses that you do. The joy in this practice is that they are going to share in your energy and quiet meditation.
Just as with humans, dogs benefit greatly from stretching. The stretches help improve flexibility in both of you. The slow massage and the constant flow will expel tension from the body. This will improve respiration and metabolism for both of you!
Injury Prevention
It may not be surprising that there’s not much scientific research that supports the health benefits of Dogs, but there is widespread belief in its power. If you or your dog are out of shape, stretching can help you detox, build muscle, and lose fat.
Doga is excellent for dogs that have hip dyspepsia and other aging-related pain issues. It can also help prevent ACL injuries and arthritis. However, if you want your pet to stay healthy in the long term, consider setting up pet insurance.
There are, on the other hand, many studies on the health benefits of yoga for the human body. Your circulatory system will thank you. Yoga is great for chronic pain relief, arthritis, and lowering blood pressure.
Gentle stretching and massage will relieve muscle tension in both of your bodies. This will soothe pain and rebuild any lost strength.
The Verdict
Whether you practice at home or start a community class, take some time during your busy week to do yoga with your canine companion. While you might not notice any changes right away, after regular practice, your mental and physical health will be radiating.
Your pup will love spending some quality time with you, and you’ll love this opportunity to unwind and enhance your bond.
