When becoming a Doga teacher and getting a sequence together, it is important to consider the beginning, the end, and everything in between. One of the most important yoga and doga poses to start with is an easy posture, such as a seated position. This provides a comfortable and stable base for both you and your dog. Sit cross-legged or on a bolster, and encourage your dog to sit close to you. This posture allows for easy communication and connection between you and your dog, setting the foundation for a successful doga practice.

Another key pose in doga is Savasana, also known as the corpse pose. This is the final pose that is done lying on your back. Savasana is a deeply relaxing and restorative posture that allows you and your dog to fully unwind and let go. When someone is taking doga and they have no prior yoga experience, lying on their back in Savasana is the safest pose for them. Your dog can be almost anywhere at this time, either lying alongside you or even on top of you. As long as both you and your dog are comfortable, you can embrace the closeness and connection in this pose, allowing your dog to feel your stillness and follow your lead.

It's important to let your dog lie on you and touch you during your doga practice. This physical contact helps to strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend, and it also adds an extra dimension to your yoga practice. When your dog lies on you, it provides a gentle pressure that can help you to relax even further and release any tension or stress. The touch of your dog's fur against your skin can bring a sense of comfort and grounding, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. So don't be afraid to embrace the closeness and connection that doga offers, and let your dog be an active participant in your practice.

Have you ever noticed how natural the downward dog pose is for your furry friend? Dogs seem to effortlessly stretch and move their bodies in ways that make them feel good. But did you know that animals have inspired the practice of yoga itself? It's true! Yoga originated from people observing animals and learning from their natural movements and postures.

Imagine a dog waking up from a nap and stretching its front paws forward while pushing its hips up into the air. That's the iconic downward dog pose! It's a great stretch for the entire body, elongating the spine, stretching the hamstrings, and even relieving tension in the upper back. Dogs do this stretch instinctively to wake up their muscles and get ready for action.

When humans noticed how beneficial this stretch was for dogs, they incorporated it into their own practice of yoga. And just like dogs, yoga allows us to stretch and move our bodies in ways that make us feel our best. Through yoga, we can tap into our innate animal instincts to find strength, flexibility, and balance.

When you are performing a downward dog, it is important to allow the dog to be underneath you. This may seem counterintuitive at first, as we often think of the dog being on top of us. However, when you rest down over the dog, the dog is used as a bolster for support. This provides stability and grounding, allowing you to fully relax into the pose.

Imagine yourself in downward dog position, with your hands firmly planted on the mat and your hips lifted towards the ceiling. As you breathe deeply and settle into the pose, you can bring your attention to the gentle pressure of the dog underneath you. This can create a sense of connection and grounding, almost like being hugged by your furry friend.

Not only does using the dog as a bolster enhance the physical benefits of downward dog, but it can also deepen the emotional and spiritual aspects of the practice. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and support, and by allowing them to be underneath us in this pose, we can tap into those qualities within ourselves. In this way, downward dog becomes a symbol of surrender and trust, both in ourselves and in the support of those around us.

Once you are a trained yoga teacher, adding a canine to your classes can be a rewarding and unique experience. It's important to approach teaching doga with the same level of preparation and consideration as you would when teaching a partner yoga class or caring for a baby. While it may seem unusual at first, incorporating dogs into your yoga classes can provide numerous benefits for both you and your students.

Firstly, when including dogs in your yoga classes, it's crucial to create a safe and comfortable environment for both the animals and the humans. This means ensuring that the space is spacious enough to accommodate everyone, including the dogs, and that all props and equipment are dog-friendly. Additionally, it's important to take into account the individual needs and personalities of the dogs, as well as any specific health or behavioral considerations. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that both the dogs and their human companions feel welcome and at ease in your class.

Secondly, incorporating dogs into your yoga classes can enhance the overall experience and provide unique opportunities for bonding and connection. Dogs have a natural inclination to be present in the moment and to express love and affection. This can create a positive and joyful energy in the class, which can be contagious and uplifting for everyone involved. Furthermore, the presence of dogs can also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, as they often exhibit qualities such as flexibility, strength, and balance that align with the principles of yoga. By observing and interacting with the dogs during the practice, both you and your students can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the mind-body connection.

Let's talk about downward facing dog, one of the most popular and foundational poses in doga. In this posture, you start on all fours, with your hands slightly forward of your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Then you lift your hips up towards the ceiling, straightening your legs and lengthening your spine. Imagine yourself as an upside-down V shape, with your head and neck relaxed and your heels reaching towards the ground. Downward facing dog is a great pose for stretching and strengthening the entire body. It helps to lengthen the spine, release tension in the shoulders, hamstrings, and calves, and also energizes the body. So, whether you are a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, downward facing dog is a pose that you can always come back to and find a sense of grounding and rejuvenation.

Some postures in doga are more for the person to get into and let the dog relax and join in how they want to. Downward facing dog is one of those postures. While you can encourage your dog to join you by placing a treat on your mat or letting them sniff your hands, it's important to let them feel comfortable in their own movement. Your dog might choose to lie down next to you, walk underneath your raised hands, or simply observe you from a safe distance. The key is to create a calm and inviting environment for both you and your furry friend. Remember, doga is not about forcing your dog into poses, but rather about creating a shared experience of relaxation and connection.

Once you lower down to child's pose, a resting pose in which you sit on your heels and gently bring your forehead to the ground, your dog might naturally choose to rest on top of you or allow you to rest over them. This can be a beautiful moment of bonding and trust between you and your dog. While in this pose, you can gently stroke your dog's back or simply enjoy the peacefulness of the moment together. Child's pose is a calming posture that helps to release tension in the back, shoulders, and neck, making it a perfect opportunity for both you and your dog to unwind and relax.

"As a Doga teacher or someone who just does doga at home, it is important to prioritize the spiritual and yogic connection with your dog on a daily basis. Doga is not just about physical exercise for your furry friend, but also a way to bond and connect with them on a deeper level. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your doga practice, you can create a serene and peaceful environment that benefits both you and your dog. Take a moment each day to set aside time for doga, and make it a priority to be fully present and connected with your dog."

One way to incorporate spirituality into doga is by starting each session with a short meditation. Find a comfortable position with your dog, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Focus on your breath and let go of any distractions or thoughts that may arise. This moment of stillness will not only help you relax, but also create a calm atmosphere for your dog. Dogs are incredibly perceptive to their owner's energy, so by cultivating a sense of peace within yourself, you can help your dog feel more at ease and open to the practice of doga."

A key aspect of doga is the physical postures and stretches that you can do together with your dog. Start with simple poses such as the downward-facing or upward-facing dog, where you and your dog align your bodies in a similar shape. You can also incorporate partner poses, where you intertwine your limbs with your dog's limbs. These poses not only provide physical benefits, such as increased flexibility and strength, but also foster a sense of connection and trust between you and your dog. Practice these postures mindfully, paying attention to your breath and body sensations, and encourage your dog to do the same. Remember, it's not about achieving the perfect pose, but rather about enjoying the experience together."

Savasana, also known as the Corpse Pose, is the final pose of a doga class. It is a crucial part of the practice that allows both you and your dog to acclimate to a balanced place in body and mental alignment. During Savasana, you will be lying flat on your back, and your dog can choose to lay their full body weight onto you or snuggle in next to you. The key is to find a comfortable and relaxed position where both you and your dog can unwind and let go.

Savasana is a moment of stillness and surrender. It is a time when you let go of any thoughts about what is happening around you or any worries about what you should be doing. Instead, you focus on being present in the moment, allowing yourself and your dog to experience a complete sense of calm and tranquility. In this pose, you can find a deeper connection with your dog as you both let go of external distractions and simply enjoy the quietude of the present moment.

During Savasana, take a few minutes to observe the sensations in your body and notice any areas of tension or discomfort. Use this time to consciously release any lingering stress or tension. Feel the weight of your dog's body on you, grounding you and providing a sense of security. As you focus on your breath, allow the physical and mental tension to melt away, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and at peace. This final pose of the class is an essential part of doga, as it helps to integrate all the benefits of the previous poses and leave you and your dog in a state of deep relaxation and harmony. #doga #yogafordogs #dogadog #dogafordummies #dogaforsmarties #dogyoga

When it comes to practicing doga with larger dogs, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. Unlike smaller dogs, where lifting and controlling their movements may be easier, larger dogs require a different approach. With a dog that weighs over 50 pounds, the emphasis shifts from lifting to grounding. Rather than trying to physically manipulate the dog's body, doga with a big dog focuses on creating a stable and supportive foundation for both the dog and the human practitioner. This may involve using props or adjusting your positioning to accommodate the size and weight of the dog. Remember, doga is about finding harmony and balance between you and your furry friend, regardless of their size.

Despite the differences in physicality, one aspect remains constant in doga practice: aumming. Aumming refers to the conscious focus on the breath and the sound of the breath. It is the foundation of both yoga and doga, serving as a means of connecting the mind, body, and spirit. When practicing doga with your larger dog, paying attention to your breath becomes even more important. It helps to keep you grounded and centered, allowing you to maintain your balance and stability while supporting the weight of your dog. So, as you engage in different poses with your big dog, remember to remain mindful of your breath and let the sound of it guide you through the practice.

To illustrate the significance of breath and aumming in doga, imagine this scenario: You and your big dog are attempting a partner pose where the dog's front paws rest on your shoulders while you perform a forward fold. As you inhale deeply, feeling the expansion of your lungs and chest, you encourage your dog to do the same. The synchronized rhythm of your breath creates a powerful connection between you and your dog, deepening the bond and trust between you both. The sound of your breath resonates with your dog, soothing them and helping them relax in the pose. This shared breath becomes a tangible manifestation of the unity and harmony that doga aims to cultivate. So, always remember that the breath is the bridge that connects you and your big dog in the practice of doga.

In Doga, the practice of yoga with your dog, it is important to create a strong connection with your furry companion. When you have a big dog on the yoga mat, it can be challenging to work around them with your postures. However, this is a great opportunity to deepen your bond and enhance the experience for both of you. One way to do this is by connecting together with sound. Aum and hum, the universal sounds of creation and harmony, can be a powerful way to synchronize your energies and create a sense of unity. When you harmonize your breath with your dog's presence, you are not just doing yoga, you are creating a beautiful symphony of love and connection.

Singing to your dogs and making up songs can also be a delightful way to enhance the experience of Doga. The internal sound that emanates from our vocal cords when we sing or hum is pure love and harmony. Dogs have a keen sense of hearing and can pick up on the vibration and intention behind our sound. They may respond by wagging their tails or even joining in with their own "purring" sounds. This creates a magical atmosphere of mutual understanding and joy. So, don't be shy to serenade your dog during your Doga practice. Your songs may be simple or silly, but what matters is the intention behind them – to express your love and appreciation for your furry friend.

Incorporating sound into your Doga practice not only strengthens the bond between you and your dog, but it also helps to create a calming and meditative atmosphere. The vibrations of Aum and hum have a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping both you and your dog to relax and find a deeper sense of peace. As you move through your yoga postures, allow the sound to flow effortlessly from your throat, filling the space with positive energy. Notice how your dog responds to the sound and observe any changes in their behavior or body language. You may find that they become more relaxed, attentive, or even more playful. By consciously incorporating sound into your Doga practice, you are creating a space of pure love and harmony, where you and your dog can connect on a deeper level and experience the transformative power of yoga together.

Doga is the perfect blend of traditional yoga and aligning with your dog. In a Doga class you share the practice of hatha yoga poses with your furry partner. Any and all yoga pose can be combined with Doga. And the great thing is there is no set or perfect pose. Each person and each dog will have to design what is right for them. The teacher is there to guide the human to help them align in their posture correctly and also to help them not hurt themselves or their dog. The dog many times if large is doing their own thing on the floor. You don't have to be able to lift up your dog to practice Doga.

Imagine yourself starting your sun salutation with your dog sitting beside you, both of you stretching and breathing in harmony. As you move into a downward dog pose, your dog can join in by stretching their front and back legs, creating a beautiful synchrony. Doga not only benefits you physically but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. The shared experience of practicing yoga together brings you closer and helps you understand and connect with your dog on a deeper level.

Doga poses are specially adapted to include your canine partner. For example, in the 'Warrior I' pose, you stand tall with one leg bent and your arms stretched out. Your dog can stand beside you, imitating your posture by stretching one of their front legs forward, creating a beautiful warrior duo. This pose not only stretches your leg muscles but also gives your dog a good stretch while reinforcing their balance and coordination.