Tell me it ain’t so. Tell me that the next yoga craze does not have to do with people and their dogs on those little, squishy mats. And what if you owned a giant, chocolate lab? How would the two of you fit?
Apparently, it is a trend. Guess what it’s called? Wait for it…
DOGA! Yup. Not kidding. Doga.
In the article, “Bonding With Their Downward-Facing Humans,” New York Times reporter Bethany Lyttle writes:
“Call it a yogic twist: Downward-facing dog is no longer just for humans. Ludicrous? Possibly. Grist for anyone who thinks that dog-owners have taken yoga too far? Perhaps. But nationwide, classes of doga — yoga with dogs, as it is called — are increasing in number and popularity…Doga combines massage and meditation with gentle stretching for dogs and their human partners. In chaturanga, dogs sit with their front paws in the air while their human partners provide support. In an “upward-paw pose,” or sun salutation, owners lift dogs onto their hind legs. In a resting pose, the person reclines, with legs slightly bent over the dog’s torso, bolster-style, to relieve pressure on the spine. Doga instructors are not required to complete certification, though teacher training seminars do exist.”
This article is posted with a slide show of dogs doing yoga! (You really, really need to see the slide show.) Don’t miss it. It will crack you up.
Beliefnet
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posted April 9, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Okay, laugh if you will, but my golden retriever joins me every time I get on the floor with the yoga mat. It’s great fun and nurturing for both of us.
Lighten up, folks.
(BTW, she is a pet therapy dog with a very special ability to help folks heal body and spirit.)
posted April 10, 2009 at 10:24 am
Obviously dogs will generally want to participate in anything that their humans do. Also, most dogs seem to think that a human on the floor means the human is playing. Also, the massage portion of the program is probably much enjoyed by the dogs, because they’ll take petting any way they can get it.
But it does seem silly to drag the dogs into a human activity like yoga, in anything but the most playful way. Paying good money for it seems even sillier.
Boy, I feel sorry for little dogs like the ones in the video. Nobody tries to make Irish wolfhounds or Great Danes do yoga. They might do it, but only if they thought it was funny — or productive of significant numbers of dog treats. But certainly, nobody is hauling them around like pliable, helpless dollbabies instead of dignified dogs!
posted April 13, 2009 at 8:49 am
I don’t see a problem with it myself. The more opportunities people and dogs have to interact, the closer they become. My dogs love to be with me whatever I do. As the pastor of All Creatures ULC which is the only pets welcome church in metro Detroit, MI, I find people and dogs enjoy the time together and the people who attend my spiritual services find a deeper connection with both God and their pets. Better yoga (or church) with your pet than dog fighting and torture, IMHO
posted April 29, 2009 at 4:05 am
Are dogs really that stressed that we need a special class to rub their bellies? I can do that for free at home. It seems that Doga is becoming a trend everywhere, though, even in the small cities and towns of the mid-west.