Doga: Why Is It The Best Fitness Activity To Keep You And Your Dog In Shape?
All yoga and dog enthusiasts, rejoice!
We all know how fun it is to try completing a yoga session when our dogs are around. They love getting themselves involved in the action!
Now, say goodbye to the days where your pooch sits idly by, with his head tilted in confusion as he watches you bend and twist your body. Now, you can let your dog join you on the mat!
Who says that only walking around the neighbourhood, hiking, and a quick frisbee session in the local park are the only physical activities you can enjoy with your four-legged best friend? Enjoy the benefits of yoga, a renowned indoor physical activity, and bonding with your dog all at once.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the growing trend of “doga,” which pertains to the practice of doing yoga with your dog. Make sure to read further!
What is Doga?
A combination of dog and yoga, the two beautiful things on Earth, doga is a relaxation exercise that adapts the essence of yoga. Doga is the practice that consists of light stretches, a lot of massaging, bonding, relaxing, and being one with nature.
When you think about it, many of us leave the house to run errands, including going to our weekly yoga classes, and worry about our pups being left at home. When you do a doga session, you have a choice to do it in the comfort of your home or to attend a class and be with other fur parents and their dogs. No matter your dog’s breed and size, you can enjoy the benefits of doga with him!
Fitness trainer Lisa Rancan of Rancan Sisters Fitness studio explained that doga is an all-inclusive activity. “You don’t need any previous yoga experience, and Doga is suitable for any breed and any size dog. Unlike running or jogging, Doga is not physically strenuous for the dog. As long as your dog is fit enough to walk and move about – even with some medical conditions – then he/she is able to participate in a Doga class.”
Misconceptions About Doga
With doga’s rising popularity comes numerous misconceptions surrounding it. The first and most common of all is that your pooch is doing all the work. More often than not, when thinking about doga, dog owners usually imagine themselves watching their dogs perform yoga poses.
If anything, doga is about connecting with your dog. It’s about performing usual yoga poses alongside or with your furry friend.
Another misconception is that doga is only beneficial for small dogs. Since dogs seem nimbler and more controllable, they look like they are the only ones fit for the activity. But the truth is, even big dogs can benefit from doga too! There are many poses and adjustments for big dogs, like a Wolfhound!
What Makes It The Best Activity To Perform With Your Dog?
There are many ways to bond with our dogs—through taking a morning stroll in the neighbourhood, going on fun road trips, or simply lounging at home while watching your favourite TV series.
But we believe there is nothing more worthwhile than spending a relaxing time with your dog, all the while you’re both getting in shape and deepening your connection.
Safe to say, doga is one of the best activities you can enjoy with your furry pal. To help you get motivated, we’ve rounded up a few benefits of Doga:
Relieves Anxiety
No one doesn’t get excited when they see a dog—the sight of a dog in itself can instantly boost your mood!
Spending time with your dog while doing an anxiety-relieving activity doubles the benefit. Since our four-legged friends react positively to physical touch, you can give him all the goodness during your doga session. Try touching the areas around his ears while you both help relax each other.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Did you know that spending time with our pet helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels? Little did we know that the dog-human interaction has a multitude of benefits for dogs and us humans. Our furry companions help strengthen our immune systems by simply fulfilling our natural need for touch and vice versa. You and your dog can reap all of these benefits when you combine them with the relaxing atmosphere of Doga.
Strengthens Your Bond
Bonding with your dog through doga will help him feel more loved, content, relaxed, and enthusiastic about life. Even though you can’t force your dog to perform certain poses, there are many poses wherein you can guide each other, which will further strengthen your bond together.
Provides Health Benefit
Whether you spend your doga sessions inside the house or in a class, doga remains a valid form of exercise for humans and dogs to enjoy together.
If your dog is overweight and you have been enjoying a sedentary life for months, doga is an excellent way for both of you to get much-needed exercise. Your dream body transformation may not happen quickly, but when you and your dog practise it regularly, doga can help you both lose excess fat and build muscles.
Depending on the severity of the injury, injured dogs can also enjoy the benefits of Doga. Perform gentle stretching with your dog to relieve muscle tension and help him speed up recovery. Don’t forget to ask for his veterinarian’s advice before performing any physical activity.
Keeps You Relaxed
Sure, watching your favourite TV series or enjoying a massage sounds relaxing, but Doga provides you and your furry friend an extraordinary luxury to pause, relax, and unwind from the stressful world we live in. Like yoga, the fundamentals of Doga are breathing and relaxation exercises. Sometimes, a pause from the hustle and bustle of life is all we need to be centered in life.
Doga is also perfect for anxious dogs because it allows them to enjoy your company. However, keep in mind that Doga must NOT be forced on your dog. Once your pup starts pulling away, whining, or squirming, stop and try encouraging him again on some other day.
Doga is an easy way to bond and get in shape with your dog in the comfort of your home. However, it can be tricky to get your dog to join the session. If you live in a town that offers doga classes, then make the most out of it!
Mike is a writer who talks about his passion for dogs on his website, Dog Embassy. He publishes relevant information about dog breeds, accessories, and tips for dog parents to enjoy.
