It is unlikely that the first thing you think about when it comes to yoga is dogs. But according to a new trend sweeping across the nation, sharing your yoga practice with your pet is what Doga is all about. Why not think outside of the box and give the name “partner yoga” a totally different meaning?
According to a New York Times article, “Doga combines massage and meditation with gentle stretching for dogs and their human partners.” Traditional yoga poses may be modified to be more beneficial to the pets (by relieving pressure on some part of their body or massaging them), or more beneficial to the humans (by placing the pet in a position to activate more muscles or get a deeper stretch). Some classes even concentrate on poses that aim to improve digestion and heart function in dogs or to reduce stress and improve the spirits of their human companions.
As Doga is such a new concept, no one can really argue what is or is not Doga. Many instructors learn informally by watching others teach or by learning the wisdom of other instructors. Some people think it is destroying a 2,500 year old practice with a silly fitness fad, while others see it as an opportunity to bond and give attention to their pets. Regardless of your viewpoint, Doga is taking the world by storm and classes are increasing in size rapidly.
Of course, the modifications needed for this type of class are endless seeing as which all dogs are different shapes, sizes, and have different temperaments. Some dogs may bark, others may not sit still, but it all comes with the uniqueness of the class. Who said that Doga has to be perfect? If anything, people leave with a smile on their face while their dogs are content after getting a few extra treats.
Whether you take your dog for a walk in the park or play fetch for a few minutes, the reality that both of you need exercise to live healthy lives is permanent. Why not try some other form of exercise while you’re at it? It may seem silly, but the results might surprise you!
