Doga for Beginners: How to Do Yoga with Your Dogs

Yoga With Dogs: a new form of yoga that is trending.

Yoga has proven its importance in one’s daily routine – it improves circulation, regulates breathing, and brings your mind to rest. But, can you do yoga with your dog? The dog who’s been jumping on the couch, dropped his food bowl right out of your hands, and has been chasing birds in the backyard? Doing yoga with that dog? Bringing your mind to a rest with THAT dog?

The truth is – You Can!

And, the trend is really starting to catch on. ‘Doga’, as they call it, is becoming a legitimate form of yoga. This is because pet owners across the globe are tuning in to do yoga with dogs. And, for good reason. Doga offers a number of benefits, some of which even exceed the benefits derived from regular yoga.

Benefits of Yoga With Dogs

Primal Bonding

To state the obvious, it gives you a chance to bond with your dog at a very grass root level. Your dog can bond with you in his natural, primal habitat, and you can work with him through the routine to develop better understanding and a stronger connection. Your dog learns to trust you and accept your instructions as being good for him. This goes a long way in behaviour correction and training as your dog trusts that you will work in his best interests.

Health Benefits

Doga has been especially helpful for dogs who are overweight or have underlying health conditions – it encourages them to be active, improves blood circulation, builds muscle, and goes a long way in making them feel better. The breathing exercises and stretching provides pain relief for dogs who are recovering from injuries and accidents. It also helps dogs prevent age related health conditions such as arthritis, ACL injuries, hip dysplasia, etc.

How to Do Yoga With Dogs

Doga also provides a fun way for you to workout with your canine companion. It has two parts – breathing exercises and physical exercises. Breathing exercises allow you to relax and draw your mind to rest. They give you the chance to de-stress and relieve yourself from tension, while also allowing your dog to calm down. This works wonders for dogs who are prone to anxiety and hyperactivity. The exercise portion helps you burn some serious calories – you can get a quick, high intensity workout while your dog gets a chance to relieve himself of his canine energy in a fun and supportive manner.

Sarah Mitchell, RD, LDN

Sarah Mitchell is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (RD, LDN) based in Austin, Texas, with over 12 years of experience in women's health nutrition. She earned her B.S. in Dietetics from the University of Texas at Austin and completed her clinical dietetic internship at St. David's Medical Center. Sarah specializes in hormonal health, PCOS management, and weight-neutral approaches to nutrition for women in their 30s and 40s. She spent seven years as a clinical dietitian at a women's health clinic before transitioning to private practice and health writing, where she focuses on making evidence-based nutrition accessible to everyday women. Her work has been featured in Everyday Health, Women's Health Magazine, and Healthline. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Women's Health Dietetic Practice Group. All nutrition-related articles on Living Healthy Life are reviewed by Sarah to ensure accuracy and clinical integrity.