As if high-quality bonding time and a fun fitness routine weren't enough incentive for practicing yoga together with your dog, Doga master Amy Stevens of Arizona's Yoga 4 Dogs has a few more motivators that will have you saying "Na-mutt-ste" in no time flat.
Amy and Ginger, her year-old Lab-Queensland heeler mix, are the picture of health and graceful beauty, and doga is the reason why. "I'm taking time to make sure my body ages as well as possible," Amy says. "When we do yoga together, Ginger's muscles and joints can stay limber too."
About a month after Amy adopted Ginger from Arizona's Halo Pet Rescue, the pretty mutt proved to be a quick study. The exercise of "balancing and stretching" soon became one of Ginger's favorite things to do. "I stand up and tap my chest; she puts both paws on my upper stomach, and I hold her paws. She loves being stretched out!"
The constant contact that Doga affords makes it irresistible to dogs. Sure, they love running and walking by our side, not to mention playing fetch, but dogs adore hand-to-fur contact. And with Doga, Amy explains, "There's always an arm or hand on them," she says. "They're constantly being recognized. When Ginger sees the yoga mat, she gets really excited."
Any time the weather outside doesn't cooperate with a long, leisurely dog walk, whether it's a torrential downpour or blistering heat, Doga is a great indoor activity to enjoy in the dry, cool comfort of home. And when you're on the road with your dog, what could be better than doing yoga together? "It's the perfect travel workout," Amy says.
For triple-type-A people who have trouble sitting still long enough to do yoga, having a dog as a workout partner is the cure. "If you get bored easily, and your mind is always racing, with eight different thoughts going on at once, it can be hard to stay focused," Amy allows. "Having a dog by your side will really keep you entertained and laughing, which helps you stay in the moment."
