At Puppy Yoga, our mission is to promote mental health and overall wellbeing by bringing together playful puppies and participants for calming, stress-relieving, and mood-enhancing yoga sessions. These unique experiences offer the perfect balance of joy, connection, and mindfulness.
Our classes take place in stunning locations across the city, with new spots announced weekly. Whether you’re stopping by for a one-time session or on a journey to meet your potential furry companion, Puppy Yoga is here to enrich your life.
What Is Puppy Yoga?
Puppy yoga combines the benefits of traditional yoga with the uplifting presence of puppies. During each session, participants practice yoga poses while playful puppies roam freely, providing comfort, laughter, and companionship. It’s an innovative way to experience mindfulness, relieve stress, and enhance physical health—all while spending quality time with adorable pups.
However, this growing trend has sparked some discussions among animal welfare experts. Esme Wheeler, a dog welfare specialist from the RSPCA, expressed concerns about puppy yoga’s impact on young dogs. According to her, while these classes are often marketed as a way to socialize puppies, they can overwhelm young animals, particularly those under eight weeks old. Such experiences may negatively affect their development and overall welfare, raising important questions about the ethics of this trend.
The Roots of Yoga
Yoga, with its 5,000-year history, originates from India as a deeply spiritual and philosophical practice. While the modern adaptations of yoga have gained popularity worldwide, it’s essential to honor its cultural roots. The rise of trends like puppy yoga reflects the evolving landscape of wellness practices, but it also highlights the importance of mindful and ethical participation in these activities.
Why Choose Puppy Yoga?
Puppy Yoga isn’t just about the adorable factor—it’s about creating a holistic experience for participants. From reducing stress to promoting physical flexibility, these sessions help you reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit. At the same time, our focus remains on ensuring the welfare of the puppies, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
Puppy Yoga: Now in Melbourne!
Get ready, Melbourne! Puppy Yoga has arrived, bringing you a unique experience that blends the benefits of yoga with the pure joy of spending time with playful puppies.
Why Puppy Yoga?
Our classes are more than just yoga sessions—they’re a way to reconnect with yourself, nature, and the present moment. Puppy Yoga strengthens your body and mind while surrounding you with the boundless energy and cuteness of puppies. These furry companions bring a sense of joy and playfulness to your practice, creating an experience unlike any other.
Our Story
Puppy Yoga was founded by Lina, whose lifelong love for animals and dedication to wellness inspired this one-of-a-kind venture. Dogs have been a constant source of comfort and support for Lina, helping her navigate life’s challenges and celebrations.
Her journey began with a dog-sitting business in the UK, where she built strong relationships with breeders and pet owners worldwide. Over the past five years, Lina has cared for more than 40 breeds, ranging from Pomeranians to Great Danes. Her work has taken her across the globe, including the UK, South Africa, Australia, and even Bali, where she volunteered her time with animal-focused charities.
Lina’s passion for finding loving homes for puppies while promoting mindfulness and human connection is the heart of Puppy Yoga. For her, it’s not just a business—it’s a community and a second home for everyone who attends.
How Puppy Yoga Works?
Puppy Yoga classes are held in various yoga studios across Melbourne, with new locations announced a week before each session.
Our ethos is simple: to provide a safe, supportive space where attendees can enhance their mental health and wellbeing while ensuring the safety and comfort of the puppies. Scientific studies show that interacting with animals can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation—making our sessions the perfect blend of yoga and puppy cuddles.
But that’s not all! You may even meet your future furry family member during one of our classes.
Our Puppy Yoga Classes
Class Duration: Poses and Paws
Each Puppy Yoga session lasts one hour, typically divided into 45 minutes of yoga practice followed by 15 minutes of puppy playtime and cuddles. The duration of the puppy interaction may vary depending on the puppies’ energy levels and needs.
Location: Surprise Spots
For the safety and well-being of our puppies, the exact location of each class will be announced one week prior to the session. You’ll also receive an email with all the details at least 72 hours before class. Our venues are always within 10km of Sydney’s CBD and are selected to be easily accessible by public transport.
Level: Everyone is Welcome!
Puppy Yoga is suitable for individuals of all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, our sessions incorporate a combination of yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques designed for everyone. It’s the perfect opportunity for some much-needed me-time, complete with puppy cuddles to enhance your practice.
Puppy Care and Safety
We collaborate with trusted, reputable breeders to provide puppies that will participate in our classes. These puppies gain valuable socialization experiences while they await their forever homes. During the class, the puppies will roam freely, exploring their surroundings and interacting with participants. Please allow them to explore without interruption and respect their nap times, as they need plenty of rest.
For safety reasons, all yoga poses are performed on the ground. Our puppies typically range in age from 8 weeks old, depending on breed and the recommendations of our breeders. The breed of puppies attending each class will not be disclosed in advance, as their safety and comfort are our top priority. We work with various breeds, big and small, wrinkly and fluffy—because we love all puppies!
The Importance of Puppy Yoga for Your Mental and Physical Wellbeing
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and maintain good mental health. Yoga has long been recognized as an effective way to improve physical fitness, reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and boost energy levels. This ancient practice, dating back over 5,000 years, continues to support holistic wellbeing in modern life.
When combined with the unconditional love and joy of puppies, the benefits of yoga reach even greater heights. Puppies naturally help reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone), improving mood, and even helping to lower blood pressure. Puppy Yoga brings these powerful health benefits together, creating a refreshing and rejuvenating experience that helps participants unleash their inner zen.
Puppy Yoga: A Unique Experience for Humans and Puppies Alike
At Puppy Yoga, we’ve designed a space where both humans and puppies can thrive. Our sessions allow participants to experience the therapeutic effects of yoga while enjoying the playful presence of adorable puppies. The connection made during these classes is special, and if you feel drawn to one of the puppies, we encourage you to reach out to us via email. We’ll gladly connect you with a trusted breeder to help facilitate the adoption process.
We love seeing our puppies find their forever homes and are committed to creating opportunities for them to bond with people who care.
Support Rescue Puppies Through Puppy Yoga
You can also make a meaningful impact by supporting rescue puppies. Your generous donations help provide food, shelter, and medical care for these pups, ensuring they receive the attention they need before finding their new homes.
By participating in Puppy Yoga, you’re not only improving your own health and wellbeing but also contributing to a worthy cause that helps support rescue dogs. Together, we can spread compassion, joy, and positivity through the healing practice of yoga.
Puppy Yoga and International Dog Day
Celebrate International Dog Day by learning more about the incredible benefits of Puppy Yoga. Whether you’re looking to relax, reduce stress, or improve your mental clarity, Puppy Yoga offers a one-of-a-kind experience for both pets and people. Join us in creating positive change for rescue pups and yourself!
Puppy Yoga: A Joyful Way to Bond with Your Furry Companion
Pet parents often feel guilty about leaving their beloved pups behind for work, workouts, or leisure activities. What if your yoga practice could be a time to include your furry friends, allowing you to share health benefits and create lasting bonds? Puppy Yoga, or “doga,” has become a popular trend, where people invite their pets to join them on the yoga mat, creating a joyful and mindful experience for both humans and their pups.
The Heartwarming Trend of Puppy Yoga
Picture this: a room filled with wagging tails, happy barks, and humans and dogs alike practicing downward dog poses. This delightful scene is exactly what Puppy Yoga offers—an uplifting combination of yoga and playful puppy interaction. It’s more than just exercise; it’s a bonding experience that brings both people and pets closer together.
Puppy Yoga creates the perfect environment to relax, stretch, and enjoy the company of your pet. As you practice your poses, your pup might lovingly lick your face or curiously sniff your mat, bringing a burst of joy and laughter to your session. The energy of puppies enhances the mindfulness of yoga, making each stretch feel more rewarding and fun.
Why Puppy Yoga is Stealing Hearts
According to Devanshi Shah, Founder and CEO of Petkonnect, “Puppy Yoga is a heartwarming trend that’s taking the world by storm. It’s an experience that unites both dogs and humans, making yoga not only a physical practice but an emotional one as well.”
Whether it’s the companionship of a dog cuddling beside you or the playful interruptions of a puppy’s curiosity, Puppy Yoga fosters a positive and uplifting environment. The happiness of your furry friend will undoubtedly make your yoga experience more enjoyable and even help reduce stress.
The Benefits of Puppy Yoga for Dogs and Humans
Puppy Yoga isn’t just fun; it also brings numerous benefits to both pets and people. For humans, it helps reduce stress, improves flexibility, and encourages mindfulness. For dogs, it offers socialization opportunities and strengthens their bond with their owners. Through gentle interactions and shared experiences, both humans and their puppies grow closer while improving their mental and physical wellbeing.
Experience Puppy Yoga Today
Join the Puppy Yoga movement and enjoy the best of both worlds: a relaxing yoga practice alongside the unconditional love of your furry companion. Whether you’re looking to de-stress or spend more quality time with your dog, Puppy Yoga provides a unique and joyful experience.
Why Puppy Yoga is Gaining Popularity
Puppy Yoga is more than just a trend—it’s a wonderful way to enhance the bond between you and your dog. While the puppies’ cuteness is undeniable, the true magic of Puppy Yoga lies in its ability to bring you and your furry friend closer together. Spending quality time with your pup feels like a warm embrace for both your heart and theirs. As you practice yoga, surrounded by playful puppies, you’ll experience a sense of relaxation and connection that words can’t fully capture.
Puppy Yoga: A Bonding Experience for Both Humans and Dogs
Puppy Yoga offers a unique and enjoyable experience that benefits both you and your dog. By combining the mindfulness of yoga with the playful energy of puppies, it fosters a deeper bond and promotes overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility, or simply share a joyful moment with your pup, Puppy Yoga provides the perfect balance of relaxation and fun.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Puppy Yoga
Puppy Yoga isn’t just a fun and playful way to practice yoga—it can also have therapeutic effects, particularly when it comes to reducing anxiety. Interacting with puppies has been shown to improve mood, alleviate stress, and bring a sense of calm to both dogs and humans.
The adorable puppy snuggles you receive during a session trigger the release of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which creates feelings of comfort and emotional well-being. This shared experience is beneficial for both you and your pup, making Puppy Yoga a win-win for emotional health.
As you stretch your body in yoga, you also stretch your heart, creating a deeper connection with your furry companion. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a beginner, Puppy Yoga offers a heartwarming experience that celebrates the bond between humans and dogs. So, roll out your mat, invite your pup, and enjoy a session of relaxation and joy.
The Ethical Concerns of Puppy Yoga
While Puppy Yoga has gained significant popularity as a fun and engaging activity, there are important ethical considerations to be aware of. Exercise classes involving animals, including puppy yoga, are becoming more common, but they raise questions about the well-being of the animals involved.
At home, pets may join in your exercise routine, but group puppy yoga classes—especially those involving young, unfamiliar dogs—can pose risks to the animals. In 2023, an ITV News investigation revealed that some puppies were being put at risk in classes, including sleep deprivation and lack of access to water.
As a result, many animal welfare organizations, including The Kennel Club and the RSPCA, have voiced concerns about the ethical implications of puppy yoga. These groups are calling for greater attention to the welfare of puppies in such settings and encouraging people to consider alternative activities that are more suitable for pets’ well-being.
Ethical Alternatives to Puppy Yoga
While Puppy Yoga can offer joy and relaxation for both humans and dogs, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications before participating. If you’re looking for ways to engage with animals responsibly, consider alternatives that prioritize the welfare of puppies and dogs. Participating in activities that support animal rescue efforts, volunteering at local shelters, or adopting a pet are all great ways to help animals without compromising their health or happiness.
If you choose to participate in Puppy Yoga, ensure that the studio or organizer is committed to the safety and well-being of the puppies involved. Always inquire about how the puppies are cared for and ensure the practices align with ethical standards for animal welfare.
Puppy Yoga: A Mindful Practice for Humans and Dogs
Ultimately, Puppy Yoga offers a unique opportunity for humans and dogs to bond and experience joy together. It can bring a sense of calm, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall well-being, but it’s important to approach it with care and awareness. By choosing ethical practices and ensuring the welfare of the puppies, Puppy Yoga can continue to be a beneficial and heartwarming experience for all involved.
Is Puppy Yoga Ethical?
Puppy Yoga, despite its growing popularity, raises significant ethical concerns regarding the welfare of the puppies involved. While some organizers may have welfare policies in place, these are often difficult to monitor and enforce effectively.
An investigation by ITV News uncovered several troubling issues with puppy yoga classes. These included puppies being made to participate in multiple sessions per day, being disturbed during their sleep, and not having access to water—basic care requirements deemed necessary by animal welfare experts.
Bill Lambert, the Health, Welfare, and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, expressed serious concerns about the practice, stating: “We worry about young puppies being placed in environments without clear standards regarding their care before, during, and after sessions. Puppies should always have access to water, a safe area to rest, and plenty of quiet time. They also need to be supervised by someone who is knowledgeable about their care.”
Puppies under eight weeks old, in particular, should not be removed from their mothers or breeding environments for extended periods, as they need to undergo essential health checks, vaccinations, and microchipping before leaving the breeder’s care. These concerns highlight the risks posed to puppies in the puppy yoga environment.
Where Do the Puppies in Puppy Yoga Come From?
The origins of the puppies used in Puppy Yoga classes are often unclear. While organizers claim to source puppies from local breeders, verifying the source can be challenging.
Esme Wheeler, a dog welfare expert, shared her concerns about the lack of traceability with puppy yoga: “One of the key issues is that we don’t know where the puppies are coming from. This lack of transparency is alarming, as it raises fears that puppy yoga could be used as a marketing tool for irresponsible puppy sales.”
As puppy yoga continues to rise in popularity, it’s important for potential participants to carefully consider the ethical implications. If you choose to participate, make sure the event is organized with the puppies’ welfare as a top priority. Consider alternative activities that better support animal welfare while still providing a joyful and relaxing experience.
Is Puppy Yoga Good for Dogs?
In short, puppy yoga is not ideal for dogs. Although many organizers claim that puppy yoga classes provide socialization opportunities for puppies, experts disagree, stating that yoga classes are not suitable environments for proper puppy socialization.
Puppy yoga does not provide the controlled, quiet environment puppies need,” explains Esme Wheeler, a dog welfare expert.
In April 2024, a parliamentary committee raised concerns about the practice, highlighting the potential harm to underage or unvaccinated puppies in yoga classes. The welfare of these puppies could be compromised, leading to health and behavioral issues.
What Are the Alternatives to Puppy Yoga?
Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy time with dogs without causing them stress or harm. Esme advises avoiding puppy yoga altogether, recommending a puppy-free yoga class as a more relaxing and beneficial alternative. “If you’re keen to interact with puppies, consider volunteering at your local RSPCA. They may need volunteers to help care for their animals.”
Bill Lambert of The Kennel Club suggests that dog lovers visit events like Crufts, held in March, which features the “Discover Dogs” area, where you can meet over 200 dog breeds and even interact with rescue dogs. Additionally, if you’re a dog owner, there are several ways to bond with your dog while staying active. Activities like agility courses or heelwork to music can help strengthen your relationship while providing both physical exercise and fun.
What is Puppy Yoga? The Benefits for Puppies and Humans
Puppy yoga combines traditional yoga with the joy of puppies freely roaming the room. While instructors may sometimes incorporate puppies into basic yoga poses, their primary role is to bring happiness through cuddles and playful interactions. Although puppy yoga is a fun way to engage with puppies, it’s important to consider the wellbeing of the dogs involved and look for ethical alternatives if you’re eager to spend time with animals.
In conclusion, while puppy yoga may seem like a delightful activity, it’s essential to weigh the potential negative effects on the puppies. If you’re passionate about spending quality time with dogs, consider exploring other options that prioritize animal welfare while still allowing for enjoyable interactions.
The Ultimate Feel-Good Experience: Puppy Yoga
It’s no secret that spending time with dogs can lower stress and boost mood. Registered yoga instructor Marissa Soto, co-owner of Arlington Yoga Center in Texas, explains, “Interacting with a dog helps reduce stress and anxiety, and the practice of yoga achieves similar benefits. By moving, stretching, breathing, and allowing the mind to take a break, yoga helps lower stress and anxiety.”
At Soto’s studio, they partner with local nonprofits to host special puppy yoga events. These events are sometimes opportunities for puppies to find new homes, while other times they serve as fundraisers. Soto shares, “It’s wonderful to collaborate with nonprofits that do meaningful work for the canine community.”
Regardless of the specific purpose, Soto finds these events rewarding. “The participants are thrilled when they interact with the puppies, and the puppies enjoy all the attention they receive,” she says.
Puppy Socialization and Benefits
Puppy yoga isn’t just enjoyable—it also plays an essential role in the socialization process for puppies. The love and care they receive during classes help them grow more comfortable around people, which is beneficial for their development. Soto adds, “Puppies also get the opportunity for exercise, which contributes to their overall well-being.”
Kristin Tarnowski, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of PuppYoga, started her business to benefit the puppies.Tarnowski uses Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs from her own breeding program, and occasionally, she features puppies from Lancaster Four Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization. “I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of puppy yoga on the puppies’ socialization and behavior,” she says. While her puppies are often reserved before birth, Tarnowski adds participants to her waitlist for future litters.
Final Remarks
Puppy Yoga is an exciting and unique way to combine mindfulness, physical exercise, and the unconditional love of puppies. While it can offer many benefits for humans, it’s essential to be aware of the ethical considerations surrounding puppy welfare. Before attending a class, it’s crucial to ensure that the puppies involved are being cared for properly and are not being overexerted or stressed during the sessions. If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, boost your mood, and connect with your furry friends, Puppy Yoga may offer a fun and uplifting experience. Just remember to always prioritize the health and happiness of the puppies involved, and be mindful of the impact your participation may have on their well-being.
FAQs About Puppy Yoga
1. What is Puppy Yoga?
The experience provides both physical exercise and emotional benefits, as the puppies add a playful and calming presence to the practice.
2. Is Puppy Yoga good for the puppies?
While many people believe that puppy yoga helps with puppy socialization, experts caution that it may not be ideal for their welfare. Puppies, especially those under eight weeks, can become overwhelmed and stressed in such environments. Socialization should be gradual and controlled to ensure it benefits the puppies in the long term.
3. What are the benefits of Puppy Yoga for humans?
Puppy Yoga can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and create a joyful and relaxed atmosphere. Spending time with puppies while practicing yoga helps foster a deeper sense of connection and mindfulness, promoting emotional well-being. The presence of puppies encourages relaxation, and their playful antics add an element of fun to the experience.
4. Can I participate in Puppy Yoga if I’m a beginner?
Yes! Puppy Yoga classes are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level. The sessions combine simple yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, making it perfect for beginners or seasoned practitioners alike. Plus, the puppies make it a fun and engaging experience for all.
5. Are the puppies safe during the class?
Puppy welfare is a priority in Puppy Yoga classes. Only trusted breeders who provide safe and healthy environments for their puppies are involved. The puppies are allowed to roam freely during the class, and rest times are respected. Additionally, all yoga poses are performed on the ground to ensure the puppies’ safety.
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