You know how group fitness classes are so much more fun when you take them with a friend? What if you took one with your BEST FRIEND (dog-friend, that is)?! DOGA (dog Yoga) is all about building that special connection with your dog while getting in a calming stretch sesh of your own. Read on for more info on how this unique class helps your bond grow!
You’ll Need:
- A 6ft or shorter leash (NO Flexi leads please! You need to keep that connection rock solid for this to work!)
- A Yoga mat and comfy clothes
- Yourself
- Your Dog (so long as he or she is not aggressive with other dogs…we are in close community here so we’ve gotta keep the peace!)
That’s it!
Special Note:
No treats please. It will NOT help the other dogs bond with their people. You’ll be surprised by how well your dog bonds with you because you are into it!
How it works:
We start with a pack walk (and remember to keep to yourselves, give all the other dogs space with their humans. Unlike many dog centric events, we aren’t here to connect with other pups but with our own dog! Let your dog lean into a potentially untapped introverted side!) This will not only get some wiggles out, and allow for potty time but it also indicates to our dogs the start of our dog “neutral” event. Neutrality around dogs and distractions is the part of dog socialization that’s never talked about enough! We will show the pups that you can be around dogs with out interacting with them.
Next, you’ll enter the space and allow your dog to sniff it out (but again, not engaging with the other dogs. You are an island unto yourselves). Next up, roll out your mat and sit down together as you wait for class to begin. You are going to LOVE this! Lisa, our instructor, will help you to engage with your dog through touch and movement. Many people are surprised by how well their dogs do, and what a fabulous way to cement the bond between you and your dog! Making you ultimately more important to your dog than their environment. If you check out our Instagram video you can see how a lot of dogs were just melty sploots of calm by the end. Very calm, cool, and collected.
