Downward dog just got a lot more literal with the hottest new wellness trend: puppy yoga.
“Puppy yoga” is one of the hottest new wellness trends that has taken over the internet. It takes
the calm experience of a yoga class, often at a beginner’s level, and adds an exciting twist by
releasing puppies during the session to play with attendees and fellow fur balls.
Depending on the host organization, these yoga classes can consist of multiple types of canines,
from ten week old golden doodles, to a loveable group of adoptable rescue dogs.
But how is this wellness trend actually good for your health?
Here are the top three reasons:
1. Puppy Yoga can help reduce stress
The combination of the relaxing nature of yoga and the playful nature of a dog can help reduce
human stress levels. Despite the chaos associated with a litter of puppies, their comical antics
during class can help participants worry less about how well they are doing at yoga, and take
themselves less seriously. Scientifically, the act of even petting a dog is shown to reduce stress,
specifically the cortisol hormone, and increase oxycontin, the bonding hormone, according to
John Hopkins Medicine.
2. Classes encourages socialization, for humans and canines
A puppy yoga class can be the perfect place to find a fellow animal lover friend. Most likely,
the other attendees also have a soft spot for furry friends. The puppy’s friendly attitudes, and
chaotic running, can also help “break the ice” of an awkward introduction. This positive social
aspect of puppy yoga extends to the furry friends themselves. Socialization is crucial for dogs
around 3-14 weeks, it helps dogs develop into friendly adults.
Puppies need to socialize just like humans do, whether it is through horseplay or pets. During
most sessions, classes mark out time for participants to just play with the dogs, making it the
perfect time for attendees to socialize with both humans and puppies.
3. Puppy yoga is a unique way to practice mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness, or being completely in and aware of one’s present, can be a
challenging task. While practices like yoga are already a popular way to implement mindfulness,
adding some fluffy friends to a session is an entertaining and unique way to deepen one’s
mindfulness. It’s hard to not stay present when there is a hoard of puppies running loose!
Puppy yoga is more than a temporary trend.
Puppy yoga is a fun way to combine care for one’s physical and mental health through a fur ball
filled hour long class. Puppy yoga is spreading nationwide and cementing itself from trend to a
lighthearted activity for yoga lovers, dog lovers, and those looking for a paw-fect place to find
positivity.
