Dogs
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start this or any other workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.
- Doga Variations: Side Angle Yoga Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB Are you tagging along on this Doga journey with us? Earlier we posted a series of short instructional doga videos, created especially for All Things Dog Blog Readers. Now we're circling back to share some variations on ways...
- Doga Pose 14: Reclining Queen Relaxes With Rover
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferCooling Down with the DogsWorking my way into a deeper cool down, I find myself talking softly to the dogs as they come close. Tanner leaned in listening carefully, his ears not quite as astute as Oliver's. The dogs seemed...
- Doga Pose 13: Legs Up The Wall
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferWho Knew this Pose Would Be So Amazing?!!You've got to look closely to see what I see. While Oliver is offering me a Play Bow, assuming I've come down to the floor to play with him, Tanner snuggles in for some serious...
- Woofing Warrior Ii: Doga Pose 8
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferTotal Engagement; Love It!I'll be the first to admit that the day of this workout we had a breakthrough. This was the first time that both dogs were actively participating in some way. Woohoo! Thankfully the camera was...
- Doga Pose 5: Downward Facing Dog
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferPeekaboo!I have to wonder what Nikki B. is thinking as she watches Jess upside down. Any ideas? Getting into the mind of a dog would be so much fun. Oliver often looks at me as if to say "Why are you doing all these funny things?"...
Dogs
Doga Pose 10: Airplane Balancing Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Photo Update!
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| The Professional Version: Not for Beginners! |
Don't worry; I don't intend to suggest that you try the photo above until you can comfortably call yourself a yogi like Jess. Even the version below would be a challenge for most of us, not to mention our dogs. If your dog is totally trusting and comfortable, you'll know when he is ready. Until then, take your time and work on your own version of this balancing pose by using a chair or the wall to steady yourself. I'm using Tanner, my Golden Retriever, and we're progressing well. Photos to come....
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| A Little Easier but Still Not for Us |
This week I'm off duty with a health treatment, so no Airplane posing is happening. I'll post our pic of this pose when I get back up and running. Funny thing, I'm really missing my Doga practice while I'm hooked up to an IV in my arm. I think Tanner is too. I've caught him laying in the area that we practice, looking almost as if he is wondering when we'll get back to work. He's loving his new role as my Doga assistant!
PHOTO UPDATE: We're back in the saddle, err, perhaps I should say on the mat. Here's Tanner and I performing the Airplane Pose, with Tanner providing valuable balancing services. His collar is a great way to hold onto him without pulling his fur, and clearly he enjoys taking part:
Now let's get to this video. Keep in mind that yoga and Doga are journeys, not destinations. Take your time. Do only what you and your dog are comfortable with. Keep it fun, while challenging yourself when you feel ready.
PHOTO UPDATE: We're back in the saddle, err, perhaps I should say on the mat. Here's Tanner and I performing the Airplane Pose, with Tanner providing valuable balancing services. His collar is a great way to hold onto him without pulling his fur, and clearly he enjoys taking part:
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| Tanner and I are Flying :) |
To share another quote from Yoga Journal, I have selected one that speaks to this pose:
Regularly practicing yoga increases proprioception (the ability to feel what your body is doing and where it is in space) and improves balance.
Our first 9 poses, published earlier, are at the following links, as well as at our dedicated Doga page. We hope you enjoy following along and that you'll offer your comments and ideas for incorporating your dogs easily and safely into your practice, either here or at our Facebook page where we can all support one another. The comment link is always open at the bottom of my posts.
- Easy Seated Pose to Enjoy Dog Massage
- Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold with Fido
- Yoga Push Ups with Your Dog Companion
- Cobra Pose and Upward Facing Dog
- Downward Facing Dog
- Forward Fold with Fido
- Woofing Warrior I, Sun Salutation
- Woofing Warrior II, Sun Salutation
- Side Angle Pose with Fido
Namaste,
- Doga Variations: Side Angle Yoga Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB Are you tagging along on this Doga journey with us? Earlier we posted a series of short instructional doga videos, created especially for All Things Dog Blog Readers. Now we're circling back to share some variations on ways...
- Doga Pose 14: Reclining Queen Relaxes With Rover
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferCooling Down with the DogsWorking my way into a deeper cool down, I find myself talking softly to the dogs as they come close. Tanner leaned in listening carefully, his ears not quite as astute as Oliver's. The dogs seemed...
- Doga Pose 13: Legs Up The Wall
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferWho Knew this Pose Would Be So Amazing?!!You've got to look closely to see what I see. While Oliver is offering me a Play Bow, assuming I've come down to the floor to play with him, Tanner snuggles in for some serious...
- Woofing Warrior Ii: Doga Pose 8
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferTotal Engagement; Love It!I'll be the first to admit that the day of this workout we had a breakthrough. This was the first time that both dogs were actively participating in some way. Woohoo! Thankfully the camera was...
- Doga Pose 5: Downward Facing Dog
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferPeekaboo!I have to wonder what Nikki B. is thinking as she watches Jess upside down. Any ideas? Getting into the mind of a dog would be so much fun. Oliver often looks at me as if to say "Why are you doing all these funny things?"...