Dogs + Yoga = Doga: Turn Your Pooch into a Barking Buddha

Posted by Michelle

Downward facing dog is no longer just for humans. Whether you’re an avid yoga practitioner or an amateur, self-proclaimed yogi, you may be compelled to try out a new trend in the world of exercising: Doga. Doga combines dogs and, well, yoga, to make for a relaxing health routine for humans and canines alike. Never done yoga with Spot before? No problem. There are multiple at-home workout DVD’s on the market that will teach you the ins and outs of doga, or, if you’re feeling really determined, enrolling your pup and yourself in a doga class may be in order.

The doga concept was originated by Suzi Teitelman and her dog Coali. During her at-home yoga sessions, Teitelman noted that Coali seemed to be very intrigued at the practice, prompting Teitelman to work on poses with none other than her four-legged best friend, Coali. The idea escalated from there. Teitelman began conducting doga classes and soon enough, the practice became popular among the poshest of pooches.

Known as ‘dogi’s,’ doga practitioners work with their doggy parents on a variety of poses such as “upward-paw pose,” triangle pose, and balancing stick pose; they also provide pooches with a light stretch and massage. Doga may also include other exercises such as meditation and eye-gazing to enhance the human-canine bond, and because dogs are pack animals, they make the perfect yoga partner for strengthening harmony and unity with others.

Want to try out some doga poses with your own pooch? Try these out!