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What is Doga?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning union. Traditionally, it meant union of mind and body and now with the introduction of doga, it means in union with dogs. Practicing yoga with your dog deepens your relationship while exemplifying the principles of yoga. Dogs are innate yogis. They live in the moment, something we humans strive to achieve.
Did you ever notice that when you are stressed, your dog seems stressed or anxious as well? Or when something exciting is happening, they have an excited energy? In yoga where the focus is on slowing your breath and calming the mind, dogs pick up on the gentle energy and in turn, relax.
How do dogs do yoga? They don’t. People do the yoga and the dogs are incorporated into a few poses or are simply by their side the entire time. Dogs don’t need yoga. People need yoga. In doga, dogs and humans work together on yoga poses. Postures and stretches are adapted to accommodate the flexibility of the human and the size and
willingness of the dog.
Dogs love doga because the dog gets quality one-on-one time and owners like having an opportunity to exercise and spend time with their dog. The hands-on bonding through doga will help you relax and enjoy each others company, which is good for both you and your dog’s health.
Doga is about fun, it is not a training class. If dog is not interested, they are not forced to do anything. As such each class is loosely structured & filled with humor. But that’s OK laughing is spiritual!
In summary, keep an open mind, let go of expectations, have a sense of humor, allow the practice to evolve, relax, smile and have fun. May the dog be with you. Na-Mutt-Stay!
Instructor: Janice Wenig
Janice Wenig is a certified yoga teacher, a licensed massage therapist, a Reiki practitioner for humans and animals and the proud owner of a Siberian husky. Whenever she attempted to practice yoga at home or at a client’s home, if there was a dog in the house they invariably ended up on the mat with them. So instead of resisting, a very un-yoga like thing to do, she let them join in. Amidst lots of giggles, they did get a yoga practice in and both dog and human were relaxed and happy which is the whole point of yoga. And thus began a doga practice.
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