Can your dog do Yoga with dog coats on?

Dog Yoga has much more to it than it seems. Doga or Dog Yoga is not just a practice of physical postures to attain better fitness, but also an opportunity for a dog owner to interact harmoniously and develop a deeper rhythm and relationship with his or her pet dog. It consists of meditation, massage and limb stretching exercises which are usually done under the supervision of experts. It has been seen that dogs find it very exciting to participate in the process. As a result, an increasing number of dog owners are keen to practice Dog Yoga.

Benefits of Dog Yoga

Although the results of Yoga are not visible instantly, the innate benefits are innumerous. A continuous practice of Dog Yoga increases the stamina, strength and body flexibility of dogs. A Yoga practicing dog also develops a tendency to remain active and cheerful. Dog Yoga also helps in improving the circulatory and endocrine systems of dogs. It acts as a canopy, protecting your dog from infections and diseases just as dog coats protect it from the chill of winter. Here are a few ‘asanas’ or Yoga postures for dogs which are usually considered highly beneficial to a dog’s health.

1.    Chaturanga

It refers to the position in which the dog is lying on its stomach and you are stroking its head.

2.    Chair

It refers to the position in which the dog is sitting on its hind paws and you are supporting it by holding its fore paws from the back.

3.    Savasana

It refers to the position in which the dog is lying on its back and you are stroking its belly.

4.    Puppy Paw Mudra

It refers to the position in which the dog is lying on its stomach and you are kneeling over it stretching its fore paws outwards.

5.    Heart-to-hound Mudra

It refers to a unique act in which you hold your one hand on your heart and the other on your dog’s and breathe deeply with closed eyes.

Requirements for Dog Yoga

Dog Yoga should be practiced only when your dog is completely fit with a semi-full stomach. Also if your dog refuses to cooperate with you, you must stop. Apart from these, there are a few things you need to look into during a Yoga session.

1.    It is always better to get a perfectly sized Yoga mat for your dog. Its use helps dogs connect the practice with the dog mat and makes it easier for you to train your pet.

2.    You can make your dog wear special dog apparel for Yoga, as they facilitate better movement of limbs.

3.    It should also be remembered that dog sweaters must be avoided during exercising as your dog might feel excessively hot.