Doga, the yoga with dogs, has gained popularity in the last few years. You must have seen doga classes being held in your vicinity. Doga is meditative in effect that benefits both you and your dog.
Remember that dogs cannot follow your yoga posses exactly, but they have fun stretching with you, having a pet massage, and relaxing with the soft music. If your pooch isn’t much interested; forcing it wouldn’t help. It will take some time to make a routine.
Doga has several positive effects on your mind and body as well as on your pooch. Let’s explore the benefits of doga here:
- Bonding with Your Dog:
Dr. Danni Shemanski from Hilton Veterinary Hospital says that doga helps dogs feel important and happy. All the attention-seeking behaviors are resolved with the time spent together– of the owner and dog.
Doga benefits the owner and the pooch by strengthening their bond. I felt amazing doing yoga with my pooch and felt more connected to the little soul. Leo, my dog has always made my yoga classes’ all the more fun with his perfect imitation of my poses.
The mindfulness exercise enhanced my dog’s focus, but the mat would always be soaking in sweat, drool and pet hair. But, what are pet hair vacuums for!
- Relaxed Mind and Body:
Breathing and mindful relaxing exercises are the foundation of Doga. It helps dog owners and hyperactive dogs to relax their mind and body muscles and feel connected to each other. It helps to tone down anxiety problems of the owner and the dog.
Doga will help obese dogs to lose weight and burn some extra calories. On the other hand, if you have been complaining about your dog’s unwanted behaviors, you will see them diminishing from then onwards and a calm behavior will overcome you when dealing with the pooch.
Doga is basically based on the strategy of doing meditation with a partner because it helps us overcome the sense of loneliness. You will start seeing your pooch as a real best friend who loves to be a ‘partner in crime.’
- Improved Social Skills:
If you have taken membership of doga classes, it’s a great opportunity for you to meet new people and socialize more. If you are an anti-social person who doesn’t like loud people commonly found at the dog parks, you can meet some calm, mindful and self-aware people at the doga class.
Your pooch will benefit from the social environment of complete strangers and other dogs. If he is a shy or anxious one, he can find some good friends in the yoga class to overcome his fears.
- Fun-filled Activity of the Day:
When your pooch imitates you, it’s fun to watch him and you may get a good laugh. Dogs are just curious and their mischievousness is a good distraction.
The joy is equal for the pooch as other dogs are involved in imitations too. They meet their dog friends at doga classes every day. Thus, they will always be enthusiastic to visit doga classes with you daily. Moreover, that cute face will convince you to follow them.
- Physical Strength:
Doga can help you and your pooch stay physically and mentally healthy and stable. Doga can help obese dogs and overweight owners lose weight without doing an extra effort on long walks.
When the dog performs the stretches, the circulation of blood to the entire body increases and helps the dog overcome destructive or inappropriate behaviors. With a stronger bond with the pooch, his obedience level will increase and you can easily train him to achieve desired behaviors.
Doga helps in calming the whole body and makes you feel relaxed. The feeling of connectedness helps both the partners feel whole and satisfied. Moreover, daily massage of the Fido can prevent arthritis and injuries. It helps dogs suffering from hip dysplasia.
If your dog has suffered from a major trauma or injury, doga stretches can help in pain relief of the pooch. He will regain strength within no time.
About the Author:
James is a part-time dog-trainer and dog behavior consultant with years of experience in dog training and the man behind LabradorTrainingHQ.com. He is interested in finding out fun ways to handle dog behaviors, specifically, Labradors to help dog-owners enjoy their companions at all times.