Stretch and Snuggle: How Doga Is Helping Pet Parents and Pups Bond
A growing trend called ‘doga’ combines traditional yoga with gentle stretches, massage, and bonding exercises that include your dog.
Yoga’s well-known benefits — from improving flexibility to reducing stress — now extend to your furry friend, thanks to a growing trend called ‘doga’. This hybrid practice combines traditional yoga with gentle stretches, massage, and bonding exercises that include your dog.
First introduced by Jacksonville-based yoga instructor Suzi Teitelman, ‘doga’ is gaining traction among pet parents looking for low-impact movement and mindfulness — not just for themselves, but also for their dogs.
While pets can’t mimic traditional poses, they can participate in modified asanas that promote calm, improve circulation, and strengthen the human-canine bond. Here are four easy poses to try:
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- Chaturanga (Modified):
Have your dog lie on their stomach. As you move into a gentle push-up, stroke their back to help them relax and get used to the touch-based routine. - Heart-to-Hound Mudra:
Sit cross-legged, place one hand on your heart and the other on your dog’s chest. Breathe deeply. This position helps sync your breath and builds a calm emotional connection. - Puppy Paw Mudra:
With your dog lying down, kneel behind them and rest your hands on their paws. Lean your forehead gently onto their back and inhale. A comforting pose for both. - Chair Pose (Assisted):
Ask your dog to sit. Support their front paws and gently lift them as you inhale. This encourages torso stretching and trust.
Benefits of ‘doga’ include improved blood flow, behavioral regulation, stress relief, and bonding. It’s also ideal for injured or overweight pets needing low-intensity movement.
Experts say doga should never be forced — it’s about connection, not performance. If your dog isn’t in the mood, try again another time. With patience, this shared practice can deepen your bond — one paw and one pose at a time.
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