Taking the lead from their owners: The ruff guide to yoga classes for dogs

By Daily Mail Reporter


Finding their 'inner' peace: This dachshund has clearly found his happy place and below poses in the familiar 'Lotus' position with a helping hand


After a hard day guarding the house and generally being kept on a tight leash, a dog deserves some relaxation.

And now it can, thanks to the latest canine craze... dog yoga.

Known as 'doga', it is the latest trend from the Far East, which now has a cult following in the U.S.

Puppy love! Suzette Ackermann (right) leads her students through a number of exercises in Hong Kong


The classes led by renowned yoga instructor and dog lover, Suzette Ackermann, in Hong Kong aim to help dogs find their 'inner' peace.

The doga sessions allow pups to work through poses including a series of stretches and massages that are believed to help improve the heart and digestion.

And it also fosters a greater camaraderie between canine and owner.

Core strengthening? Try paw strengthening... The dogs seem to enjoy their stretching routine


Dog lovers have American Suzi Teitelman to thank, as the idea for the classes first came to fruition after she discovered that her own spaniel enjoyed taking part in the exercise routine alongside her at her home in New Jersey.

And now owners in Hong Kong are getting the chance to bring new meaning to the downward facing dog manoeuvre with their pet alongside them.

Fans of the classes are taken through a number of positions including 'The Tree,' and other standing and seated stretches geared at stopping their tails from wagging.

Highs and lows: The pooches are held aloft before giving new meaning to the 'downward facing dog' as they are put on the floor

Taking a bow wow wow: Owners and their pets share the mat


While it has often been acknowledged that many dogs look like their owners, these classes might just have them mirroring their masters' mood too.

The real thing is believed to be an ancient Indian Hindu practice dating back to 2500BC.

It is a combination of relaxation, breathing techniques and exercises which help to combat stress, help circulation and the movement of joints.

Knee-sy does it: Ackermann balances her pooch who almost certainly deserves a treat or two after class

Up, pup and away: These dogs get a lift out of the classes, while their owners get some arm exercise in


source:dailymail