What is it?
Whilst it’s in the name, there are varying definitions andapproaches. Puppy yoga generally includes having puppies galivanting, playing, cuddling, often bounding from one person to person and interacting with attendees.
Puppy Yoga and our Puppy Playtime sessions are also seen as an opportunity to connect and socialise with puppies in a safe and welcoming environment.
So, what are the benefits?
- Destresses, relaxes and improves mood
- Benefits to pups
- Fun!
Destresses, relaxes and improves mood
Puppies are popular for a bunch of reason; they’re adorable, have boundless energy, and are always(almost) up for a cuddle. But, did you know that playing with puppies can also have some great benefits for your health?
Research has shown that spending time with puppies can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even boost your immune system.
Puppies can increase our dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels. These are the “feel good” chemicals our brains release that improve mood and affect happiness. According to Veterinarian, Dr. Marta Vieira (Petable.Care), petting a dog releases serotonin and dopamine. So, just imagine what it’s like to do 20 minutes of yoga (which is also well known for its benefits for improving mood) followed by puppy cuddles and playtime with up to 12 of our best friends!
Benefits to pups
The American Kennel club notes that “Proper socialization can prevent the development of anxiety. Introducing your dog to new people, dogs, animals, places, and experiences can help avoid an exaggerated response down the road, and helps your dog become a well-adjusted canine citizen”.
Puppy yoga classes are a fantastic way to help young puppies that new situations and experiences are part of life. We’re lucky that our customers share the desire to give pups the best start in life which leads to a gentle introduction to socialisation in safe and inclusive environments.
Puppy yoga also helps promote healthy dog lives. In a 2019 study by the Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Dietz et all found
“Pups socialised at 2 weeks and control pups scored significantly lower than pups socialised at 5, 7, or 9 weeks. Again, the pups socialised to humans at 5, 7 and 9 weeks scored significantly higher than the other groups. In the reactivity test behavioural and physiological (heart rate, depth of respiration and muscle tension) responses to aversive stimuli were scored. Pups socialised to humans at 7 weeks scored significantly better than the controls.”
It’s safe to say that both those on four legs and two can reap the benefits of puppy yoga sessions.
Fun!
Lastly, fun is a huge component of what Puppy Yoga sets out to achieve. I mean, what’s not fun about practicing a downward dog, next to a downward facing dog? Finding a sense of fun is also shown to have significant benefits on stress pain and mood and is shown to increase “flow”. If you’re not familiar with flow, it’s the cerebral state a person and find which results on feeling of energised and focused and where you can find and enjoyment in the undertaking of activities. When actively engage if and choose fun with activities like Puppy Yoga, you’re likely to see benefits for longer than the activity itself.
Puppy Yoga Considerations
There can be a few considerations for in puppy yoga classes. Namely, puppies can often chew and pee on things, so leaving any prized possessions outside the room is a sensible plan. Organisers may insist that no outside mats can use used and mandating use of antibacterial wipes or gel to protect the pups’ young immunity. In a similar way, adult dogs are not permitted, meaning attendees can’t bring their own pet dogs to sessions. Bringing a mobile phone whilst usually a taboo in yoga classes is usually encouraged, so that you can grab some snaps of cuddle time with the pups.
At Puply
At Puply we specialise in Puppy Yoga and Puppy-Based events. Come and try a class for yourself and see experience the benefits first hand.
Happier People, Happier Pups
