For those of you who run out of ideas to have a merry good time with your doggies, hooray you are in the right place now. If you ever imagine doing Yoga with your four-legged friends, imagine that no more, you can make it into a reality today with DOGA. Remember to prepare a set of lululemon suit for your doggies alright?
Credits: Itsaheartfullife, 123rf, Starcasm.net
So What Exactly is DOGA?
DOGA literally means the practice of doing Hatha yoga with your beloved pooches. This health regimen isn’t a new age fitness option in the dog-sphere. In fact, it originated in Florida in 2001 when yoga instructor Suzi Teitelman found her cocker spaniel, Coali would climb on to the mat with her whenever she was practising. She then slowly engaged him into her regular practices and this eventually gave birth to DOGA.
Types of Lessons
DOGA can be practised in 2 different ways, depending on the preference of the instructor or owner. The first way requires the dog owners to help their pooches to achieve the DOGA poses. This serves as a great bonding session for the two.
Credit: Dogmanhny
The second way allows the pooches to mill around while their humans perform the yoga poses. This provides the pooches a great socialising experience with their own kind.
Credit: Buzzfeed
Can My Dog Do Doga?
You can incorporate dogs of any sizes into your usual yoga regimen. With that being said, it may be easier for smaller dogs to rest on your lap and back. While for larger dogs, it may be wise (and less draining) to let them stay close to you, or mingle around with their furry friends while you perform the yoga poses.
Benefits of Doga
Credits: Freshpet, Time, Dogvacay, Huffington (from top left)
So How Do I Do Doga?
Before beginning DOGA, it is essential to note that DOGA isn’t about forcing your pooch into supernatural poses (warrior pose). In fact, it’s simply starting your yoga practice as you normally would, and then encourage your little ones to participate as they become more curious.
Here are some simple DOGA poses which you can do with your pooches at the comfort of your home.
Chaturanga
Credits: Huffington
Step 1: Lay your pooch on its stomach
Step 2: Gently pat the back of your pooch
Chair
Credits: Huffington
Step 1: Hold your pooch from behind, and let him or her sit on the hind legs
Step 2: Slowly raise your pooch’s front paws into the air
Inner Dog Mudra
Credits: Huffington
Step 1: Put your forehead against that of your little one
Step 2: Look into the eyes of your precious one
Savasana
Credits: Huffington
Step 1: Lay your pooch on its back
Step 2: Pat or tickle its exposed belly
Wheelbarrow
Credits: Huffington
Step 1: Lay your dog on its tummy on the yoga mat and stand behind your dog
Step 2: Gently pick up your dog’s back legs, supporting its hip joints with your hands
Step 3: Slowly encourage it to stretch and flex its torso
Try out more Doga poses with your dog at Dogadog.
This article first appeared in Huffington.com. It has been adapted for My Fat Pocket.