Puppy yoga is a relatively new type of bodily and spiritual practice. And the main focus here is not on the exercise style but on real puppies (less than 14 weeks old) that roam around and interact with participants. It’s a fun and playful way for dog lovers to combine companionship with adorable animals and a healthy lifestyle. Children and adults will surely enjoy such a practice, plus, it’s completely suitable for beginners.
In addition to improving the physical and psychological condition of the body, as a result of communicating with pups, you will get a lot of positive emotions.
What Is Puppy Yoga?
Puppy yoga combines traditional yoga postures that maximize the physical and psychological development of the body and the positive emotions of interacting with baby dogs.
You might be wondering where puppies that take part in such yoga classes come from:
- Most often, they come from breeders or shelters that need socialization;
- This can also be dog owners who bring their pets to such yoga classes for a few hours, as a way of replacing daycare.
During such yoga sessions, pups wander around, climb on people, cuddle, and even participate in doing some poses. Participants will benefit from stress alleviation and a sensation of serenity and relaxation. Plus, those considering bringing a new pet home can also get to know dogs better.
Compared to other yoga styles, a possible downside of puppy yoga is the increased cost. Also, there may simply be no available classes in your city, which means that you may need to travel to another city.
Before you sign up for your first class, make sure to familiarize yourself with the attendance policy. You can also shoot pictures/videos of your interaction with pups (if not prohibited by the policy, of course).
Puppy Yoga Rules
Since puppy yoga, obviously, involves dogs, you should read the rules before you sign up for your first session. There are few but mandatory guidelines to follow, as only then will both people and puppies feel comfortable during the class.
Basic rules for participating in puppy yoga classes:
- Many yoga studios do not allow participants to bring their own dogs with them, as these classes involve puppies under 14 weeks of age who have weak immune systems;
- Typically it’s also not allowed to bring any other animals to the gym;
- It’s forbidden to bring your own mats or any other equipment for yoga classes, as this can also harm the health of dogs, who are not yet immune to dangerous diseases. The studio will most likely provide you with everything you need for the class;
- It’s not recommended to bring any valuables. This is due to the fact that puppies can chew on them or stain them with saliva or urine;
- Keep in mind that playful little dogs can also bite your fingers or toes during yoga classes.
If the rules of the studio you choose allow your dog to be in the room during class, it must meet the following requirements:
- Have a Pet ID (a microchip, tattoo, or collar with a tag) and all necessary vaccinations by age;
- Be non-aggressive and socialized;
- Be friendly to adults and children;
- Must be litter-box-trained.
Only strict adherence to these rules will ensure that yoga classes will bring maximum benefit and enjoyment. Also, while puppy owners are aware of possible risks to their pets, strict adherence to the rules by everyone involved reduces the likelihood of health problems in puppies.
Additional Limitations
Virtually anyone can practice puppy yoga, regardless of their initial fitness level. Since this style is gentle, it’s great for beginners. However, there are certain limitations to consider as follows:
- Such classes are not suitable for people who have reduced immunity for various medical reasons, for example as a result of chemotherapy for cancer;
- People with prior criminal convictions, including animal cruelty or violent tendencies, are not allowed.
Also, if you need a companion dog for any medical reason, you may not attend if other dogs are not allowed.
Benefits of Puppy Yoga
Although puppy yoga is primarily a traditional style of yoga, cute pups make such sessions doubly rewarding and enjoyable. If you’re just starting your practice and want it to become an integral part of your lifestyle, puppy yoga has some benefits for you:
- Great motivation for regular exercise. If you love dogs and yoga, these classes will provide you with double pleasure and turn every session into an entertaining routine, which has a positive effect on your progress;
- Improved physical well-being. Since you are not only interacting with puppies but also mastering yoga poses, you will get a strong body, excellent posture, increased flexibility, and stamina. Puppy yoga is based on restorative poses, with maximum emphasis on stretching and proper breathing. It does not require a large amount of physical strength, endurance, or balance. This makes puppy yoga ideal for beginners. As a result, stress levels are reduced and heart rate is normalized;
- Puppies participate in performing certain poses, such as Lotus Pose (Padmasana) with a fluffy “ball” on their lap;
- Improved psychological health. Even if you’re an introvert who loves dogs, such yoga sessions can still be comfortable for you. After all, chances are you will be training with like-minded people. Plus, you can increase concentration and improve your brain’s cognitive functions;
- The opportunity to get a puppy that will become a member of your family. If pups are provided by a breeder or animal shelter, you might want to take one home with you.
Importantly, this style of yoga is no less beneficial to the dogs, in terms of:
- Good socialization, as pups familiarize themselves with their environment, get used to being around people, discover new sounds and smells;
- The likelihood of finding new owners. People actively communicate with puppies, which often results in a psychological “bonding” between the person and the dog. As a result of this regular contact, puppies grow up healthy, sociable, and non-aggressive, which increases their chances to get a new home.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Do Puppy Yoga?
As mentioned earlier, puppy yoga sessions can be attended by children of a certain age. The basic rules in this case imply:
- Children under the age of 6 are not allowed;
- Children from 6 to 12 years old can only attend puppy yoga sessions if accompanied by an adult.
Accompanying parents as well as legal guardians can be both parents and legal guardians of the child.
Bottom Line
Puppy yoga is a real godsend for people who love dogs and lead an active lifestyle. With it, you can enhance your physical strength, flexibility, and endurance, as well as build a perfect posture. Additionally, your cognitive functions of the brain, attention span, and overall psychological well-being will be improved. Communicating with puppies also reduces stress levels and boosts mood.
The benefits of puppy yoga also include the opportunity to socialize with puppies from a breeder or an animal shelter. Thus, if you think you’re ready to take care of a puppy, you have a great opportunity to socialize and make contact with your future pet.
Not only people but puppies benefit from such yoga. They can play, socialize, and explore the environment. Thanks to regular interaction with people, puppies become sociable and not prone to aggression, which increases their chances to find a new loving owner.