Dog and yoga: relax and recharge your batteries together

Why yoga with dogs?

Yoga brings body and mind into harmony - not only for us humans, but also for our dogs! Practicing yoga together not only strengthens the bond, but also helps to reduce stress and recharge your batteries. Whether gentle stretching exercises, conscious breathing techniques or simply relaxing in the here and now - yoga with dogs can be a wonderful way to calm down together and promote well-being.

The "Doga" phenomenon

Dogs and yoga can be wonderfully combined, especially through joint relaxation, conscious movement and the close human-dog bond. This interaction is often referred to as "doga " - a combination of "dog" and "yoga".

In doga, the focus is not on athletic performance, but on mindful moments in which you and your dog come to rest together. Gentle yoga exercises, calm breathing techniques and relaxed stretches help you to reduce stress - and your dog senses this calmness. Many four-legged friends lie down and relax during the exercises or enjoy the calm atmosphere. Some can even be integrated into individual exercises, e.g. by gently massaging them or lying down together in the final relaxation.

What's particularly great is that regular yoga not only improves your well-being, but also strengthens the relationship between you and your dog. Of course, the prerequisite is that your dog participates voluntarily and without pressure - as always, pressure has no place in yoga (or with your dog).

What to look out for?

Safety is the top priority: make sure that your dog is not standing on slippery surfaces and that you don't accidentally kick or bump him during balancing exercises. Don't force your dog to do anything - yoga should be a voluntary and positive experience. Not every dog wants to join in from the start or allow physical contact in certain positions. Let him decide if and when he wants to participate. It is particularly important to recognize stress signals and be considerate accordingly. Many dogs simply enjoy being around you and experiencing the calm atmosphere - that alone can have a relaxing effect.

Everything you need to prepare

3 great introductory exercises

Sit cross-legged on your mat and take your dog in front of or next to you - depending on how comfortable it is for him. Gently place a hand on his back or chest (only if he likes it) and breathe in and out calmly. This creates a moment of connection and relaxation that promotes trust and calm.

When you go into the downward facing dog, your dog may lie curiously beneath you or watch you. Many dogs even imitate this position. You can motivate him with a treat to stretch out as well or to move under your posture - playfully and without forcing him.

At the end of the yoga session, lie on your back, close your eyes and relax completely in the Savasana position. Many dogs join you in this phase of their own accord and lie down next to or on top of you. This joint resting phase strengthens your bond and ensures a particularly peaceful conclusion.

Does yoga work with every dog?

Not every dog is the perfect yoga partner straight away - and that's perfectly fine. As a rule, balanced, people-oriented dogs that like to be close to their humans and already have a certain basic calmness are particularly suitable for yoga. Older or more relaxed dogs also often benefit particularly from moments of yoga together, as they can enjoy slow movements and closeness.

But even young or restless dogs can learn to stick with yoga sessions over time. The important thing here is: Patience and no pressure. A jittery dog should never be forced to join in. Instead, short sequences, clear signals and positive reinforcement can help him to slowly get used to the new situation. It often also helps to give the dog sufficient physical and mental exercise before the yoga session so that it can relax and calm down. Over time, even a restless dog can learn to enjoy the calm energy of yoga.

Mini-FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Doga

• What is doga? Doga is a combination of "dog" and "yoga" and refers to yoga practices in which dogs are included in the exercises. The focus is on joint relaxation and strengthening the bond between humans and dogs.
• Does my dog have to master certain commands to take part in doga? Basic obedience commands such as "sit" and "down" are helpful to make the yoga session calm and safe.
• Can any dog take part in doga? In principle, any healthy dog, regardless of breed or age, can take part in Doga. The important thing is that the dog has no health restrictions and enjoys the activity together.
• How long should a Doga session last? For beginners, it is advisable to start with short sessions of around 10 to 15 minutes. Depending on the dog's attention span and interest, the duration can be gradually increased.
• Where can I learn doga? There are special doga courses and workshops offered by certified trainers. Alternatively, there are numerous online resources and videos to help you get started.

Conclusion on yoga with dogs