5 benefits of Doga for your dog

Surely these days of confinement you will have heard about the famous Doga for dogs, and you will have wondered, what is this Doga for dogs? You will have imagined your dog in multiple unattainable yoga poses and thought that it is completely impossible... well, no, canine doga is a way to enjoy yoga with your dog but adapted to their needs, without forcing poses. Read on and we'll explain how fun and stimulating it is.

 

Doga for dogs is inspired by the practice of yoga, including massages, breathing, and yoga poses (also called asanas), adapted for your dog and always keeping their well-being in mind.

Everything is adapted to their needs, time, or space, without forcing their natural movements....

 

Where and how did Doga originate?

It is said that Doga, 'dog yoga' or yoga for dogs originated in Florida in 2001.

Its creator, Suzi Teitelman, a yoga teacher, was giving classes when her puppy Coali, who never left her side for a second, decided to sit next to her on the mat and started to follow her... little by little, she incorporated her puppy into her poses, seeing that he also enjoyed it and ended up relaxed. In the end, in most of the houses where she taught classes, they had a dog... and they liked the idea, and that's how it all began.

By 2002, she had adapted all her classes so that our dogs could accompany us by doing dog yoga.

Here in Spain, we have Patricia Guerrero (PAT canine educator), who, with Teitelman's help, brought the discipline to our country.

Patricia indicates that the first thing to do is to study canine language, that is: speak "dog" language, because what determines the dog's behavior is the bond you have with him. To do this, you have to spend a lot of time with him, involving him in activities where strong connections are established, on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

                              

 

Doga is suitable for any dog

You might think that if your dog is very nervous, or scared, you won't be able to do doga with him, or you'll see it as an impossible mission... but you have to start with a lot of patience, it's something that takes time, and a lot of practice, but above all it depends on you.

It's an exchange of energies between you and your dog, so it depends on your mood and how much you want to try the activity. We recommend three essential virtues: patience, perseverance, and practice.

Yes, doga is suitable for all dogs; depending on their size, they can practice different poses. You don't have to do the same thing; sometimes, just being together, with your hand on their back, and feeling their breathing is doing doga.

 

The 5 Benefits of Doga with your dog

There are many benefits associated with doga; here are the main ones: 

•       Socialization: If you go to yoga classes with other dogs, your dog will learn to relax in the presence of unfamiliar animals and people, which is important if your dog is nervous or fearful.
•       Impulse control: Allows dogs to control their impulses.
•       Releases tension: Allows us to disconnect and relax from the daily routine, releasing tension.
•       Circulation: Improves their blood circulation and yours.
•       Obesity: Prevents obesity and is fantastic for elderly dogs to exercise without discomfort.

 

In addition to the main ones, there are many more...

The benefits of Doga are numerous, both for your dog and for you. Practicing this exercise will help you strengthen the emotional bonds with your pet. It can be the perfect game to spend more time with your dog.

In addition, they will learn to enjoy petting, strengthen their muscles, eliminate their stress, we will do stretches and massages, it is beneficial for injured dogs or those who have suffered abuse, to help them in their recovery...

            

 

What materials do I need for doga practice?

First, and although it seems obvious, you need to have a dog. Then, you'll need comfortable clothing, a mat or soft surface, and a leash to hold your dog at first and guide their steps. You can set the mood with relaxing music, dim lighting, candles, if you wish...

 

                                                      and practice!

 

 

We've given you all the information. Have fun doing doga with your pet.

You might even go to bed more relaxed after a long day.