You might have seen viral videos of dogs doing yoga with their humans and thought, I wish I could do that. Or perhaps you’ve seen the puppy yoga & bubbly shorts on TikTok. Thanks to the relatively new exercise class popping up across the country, you can join the fun. Whatever the reason you’re here, I tell you all about it.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or have never tried it, puppy yoga is super fun and full of health benefits. I’m struggling to think of any reason not to try it! I explore what puppy yoga is, its benefits, and tips on what to do (and not do) at puppy yoga classes. I also share how to find a class near you and some popular classes. So, get ready for your serotonin levels to spike, and let’s learn all there is to know about puppy yoga.
What Is Puppy Yoga?
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Yoga is a mind-body meditation practice that can build strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall wellness. It’s fantastic for your health and a great way to manage pain and reduce stress. Yoga can be traced back to India over 5,000 years ago. But what is puppy yoga? It’s essentially a yoga class with the best thing in the world – puppies! Puppy yoga is where people take a yoga class with puppies running loose in the studio.
Some classes split the session into two parts, with a traditional yoga class at the beginning, followed by a play session with the pups. Other classes combine both aspects. Watch this short video of a puppy yoga class and why participants love it.
6 Benefits Of Puppy Yoga
Puppy yoga is incredibly fun, and scientific research shows that it has many health benefits. Let’s look at some of the main ones.
- Puppies Stop You From Missing Class. If I can think of an excuse to skip gym class, I usually do. But if I knew I was going to a class full of puppies, I’d be the first in line every time. If you love puppies more than yoga, they can be a huge motivator.
- Improves Your Physical Health. Like any exercise, yoga is a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy. Over time, yoga helps to improve your cardiac health and lower blood pressure, among many other physical benefits.
- Boosts Your Mental Health. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and studies show that yoga is incredibly effective in boosting a person’s mood. Studies also show that, over time, yoga can improve cognitive function, attention, and focus. When you combine that with the positive effect dogs have on our mental health, this is sure to boost your serotonin levels. Check out our guide on all the health benefits of having a dog.
- Reduces Loneliness. If you’re like me and are anxious about new social situations, puppies are a brilliant icebreaker, and you already know you have something in common with everyone there. Going to puppy yoga classes can help you socialize and make friends with like-minded puppy lovers.
- Allows Puppies To Socialize. Puppy yoga classes don’t just help you socialize. They also help with puppy socialization, which is an incredibly important part of puppy training. Not only do they get to meet new humans, but they also get to experience new settings and play with other pups. It’s a win-win for everyone.
- Increases Chances Of Adoption. Many puppy yoga classes welcome pups that are available for adoption. This is great news for anyone looking to meet and play with a bunch of pups before choosing their potential match. Learn more about how to bond with your rescue dog or new puppy.
It’s important to think carefully before adopting a sweet pup, as dog ownership is a huge responsibility. If you’re thinking about adoption, take some time to read my honest experience about adoption regret and how I worked through it.
6 Tips For Puppy Yoga
If you’re heading to a puppy yoga class for the first time and unsure what to expect, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your class.
1. Ask Questions Before You Arrive
Not all puppy yoga classes are the same. So whether you’re trying puppy yoga for the first time or trying a new class out at a different location, it’s essential to ask the right questions. If you’re looking to adopt a pup, ask about the puppies and how old they are, and check that they’re available for adoption. You might want to know about the structure of the class and whether the session combines the yoga and puppy aspects or if they split the session into separate parts.
You also need to know whether you should bring your yoga mat or whether they supply the equipment. Some classes require you to use their equipment to protect the puppies’ immune systems. Most puppy yoga classes do not allow you to bring your adult dog. Some studios request that you don’t take your camera to the class, although some places allow you to.
2. Arrive To Class Early
Arriving with spare time to prepare is essential. It allows you to acclimatize to the space and speak with the instructor about what to expect. It also means you can socialize with the other participants and meet the pups beforehand. Spending time with the dogs can help you feel more relaxed, allowing you to get into the yoga spirit. Scientific studies show that dogs pick up on our emotions, so it’s important to be relaxed.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothes
Wearing comfy clothes is crucial for yoga lessons so you can focus on the movements rather than feel uncomfortable. You shouldn’t wear your best gym gear, either, because you will get puppy hair and drool over your clothes, and they might also chew them. And for the same reason, don’t leave any valuable items on the side of your mat, such as keys or your cell.
4. Be Aware Of The Puppies
Although you’re meant to be fully focused during your yoga session, there’s little chance of that with puppies roaming from one mat to the next. You must be aware of the pups and your surroundings for your safety and theirs. Allow the puppies to approach you. Never force them onto the mat with you or into a pose. Just let them do their thing. It’s important to understand how to handle puppies by supporting their entire body, not startling them. You should also research how to read dog body language and respect their uncomfortable cues, such as whining or pricked ears.
5. Be Calm
Although the pups will be full of energy, sudden and loud noises might scare them. Thankfully, yoga is a place for calm, smoother movements. Remember to stay relaxed throughout your class. Speak softly and move slowly to create the best atmosphere.
6. Have Fun
There aren’t many rules of puppy yoga, but one of the most important is to have fun. No matter whether you’re there to lie around with the pups or to try yoga with other like-minded canine lovers, allow yourself to relax in the company of the dogs and share their playfulness. Let the stress and tension of your week melt away as the pups encourage you to smile and laugh. You could always try the playful puppy yoga pose and see how they respond to you.
Find A Puppy Yoga Class Near You
The best way to find a puppy yoga class near you is to search for one in your area online. Alternatively, your local dog shelter might partner with yoga instructors, so contact the shelter and local yoga instructors. If they don’t, ask if they have contact details for puppy yoga classes nearby. If you haven’t had any luck, Yelp is a great option to find local studios. Here are a few popular puppy yoga classes to explore:
- Puppysphere – Chicago, Miami, New York City, Toronto
- Laughing Frog Yoga – Los Angeles
- Water & Rock Studio – Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, California and Vermont
- Spirit Yoga Studios – California
- Pawsitive Stretch – Michigan
- Puppy Yoga – Los Angeles, New York City, Toronto, Ottowa, Montreal and Halifax
- Rescue Puppy Yoga – Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas
- Puppy Yoga Club – Miami and New York
Your location probably dictates the best puppy yoga class for you, but it should also meet your expectations. If you’re looking for a structured class with separate yoga and puppy time, look for a class that does that. Some only work with shelters and puppies that need adoption, and others use their dogs to run around. Some classes offer puppy yoga with bubbly or mimosas, and others focus solely on yoga and puppies.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that many of our readers have questions about puppy yoga. If you can’t find your question below, let us know in the comments below, and we’ll find the answer for you.
Is Puppy Yoga Bad?
No, puppy yoga is not bad when led by a professional who runs the class with the puppy’s best interests at heart. Puppy yoga has lots of benefits for the participants, both human and canine. It’s essential to look for a studio with a positive reputation and do your bit to ensure the puppies are taken care of. Report any concerns to the class teacher or studio manager if you have any worries about the dog’s safety.
Can You Do Puppy Yoga While Pregnant?
Yes, you can do puppy yoga while pregnant, but there are precautions to take. Firstly, you must speak with the class leaders to ensure that their class is safe for pregnant women. Not all yoga classes are, and not all yoga instructors are trained in pregnancy-safe yoga. Many events state that their class is safe during pregnancy but that you should consult with your healthcare provider beforehand.
Can Kids Do Puppy Yoga?
This depends on the studio or event you are attending. Some are strictly for teenagers and adults only, whereas some welcome kids of all ages as long as an adult supervises them. Your kid must be dog-savvy to ensure everyone’s safety. It’s a good idea to check with the event leader before promising your child they can definitely see the pups.
How Much Is Puppy Yoga?
The average price of puppy yoga classes starts from approximately $30 and ranges to $80 for a one-hour session. Some can cost slightly less than this, whereas other events can cost a lot more. Those who work with adoption shelters often donate a portion of their profits to their local shelters.
Other Fun Activities For You And Your Dog
If you’re looking for activities with your pooch, check out our guide on the best summer activities for dogs for fun and refreshing activities. We have also reviewed the best interactive dog toys to help keep them stimulated throughout the year, no matter the weather. Alternatively, learn how to get started in dog agility training and build a DIY dog agility course in your home or yard.
Do you run a puppy yoga class? Or perhaps you’ve been to puppy yoga, or are you thinking about it? We’d love to hear your stories in our comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom of two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips, and she has over two decades of experience with dogs. Although she has never been to puppy yoga, she knows how important keeping herself and her pups fit is. And doing it together makes it all the more fun, so she’s on the lookout for a puppy yoga class. Emma enjoys sharing her canine knowledge and stories with her readers from her time as a professional dog walker and sitter. She works with an experienced team to bring their readers the most up-to-date and best canine content.