Doga vs. Puppy Yoga What’s the Difference?
Have you heard about Doga and puppy yoga? While both activities involve practicing yoga with dogs, the experiences can be vastly different. Understanding these differences is essential, especially given recent concerns about puppy yoga in England. Let’s explore the nuances of these practices and why ethical considerations are crucial.
What is Doga?
Bonding Through Yoga
Doga combines traditional yoga practices with the companionship of your dog. It’s not just about physical exercise—it’s about deepening the bond between you and your furry friend. Dogs naturally love to stretch, so inviting them onto the mat can be a rewarding experience for both of you.
Natural Behaviors Encouraged
In Doga, dogs are encouraged to participate naturally. You might find your dog mimicking your poses or simply enjoying being close to you. The key here is the invitation—your dog should want to join you on the mat, not be forced.
The Concept of Puppy Yoga
Playful and Therapeutic
Puppy yoga started as a way to combine the therapeutic benefits of yoga with the joy of playing with puppies. The idea is to practice yoga surrounded by a litter of playful puppies, creating a delightful and stress-relieving experience for participants.
Ethical Concerns
While the concept seems heartwarming, puppy yoga has unfortunately taken a dark turn in some places. Specifically, in England, there have been reports of unethical practices that exploit puppies.
The Dark Side of Puppy Yoga in England
Unethical Practices
Recent reports from England have highlighted troubling practices in some puppy yoga sessions. Unscrupulous “rescuers” have been found taking puppies from shelters and using them as props in yoga classes. These puppies, often too young to be separated from their mothers, are forced into stressful environments and onto yoga mats.
Physical and Emotional Harm
This exploitation risks the physical and emotional well-being of the puppies. They are subjected to stressful conditions with no regard for their natural behaviors or needs. The lack of regulation in this practice has sparked outrage among animal lovers and welfare organizations.
Undermining Animal Welfare
Using puppies as yoga props undermines the ethical principles of animal welfare and adoption. It turns a potentially therapeutic activity into a harmful one, both for the animals and the people who care about them.
Ensuring Ethical Practices
Doing it Right
Both Doga and puppy yoga can be done ethically and humanely. The key is ensuring that the dogs or puppies are willing participants. Here are some tips:
- Invitation, Not Force: Always invite your dog or puppy to join you. Never force them onto the mat.
- Consider Their Comfort: Make sure the environment is comfortable and stress-free for the animals.
- Follow Ethical Guidelines: Adhere to guidelines set by animal welfare organizations to ensure the well-being of the animals involved.
While Doga and puppy yoga can offer wonderful experiences, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of the animals involved. By understanding the differences between these practices and the importance of ethical considerations, we can ensure that our furry friends enjoy the experience as much as we do. If you’re interested in exploring these practices further, make sure to choose reputable classes that prioritize animal welfare.
Remember, it’s not just about yoga—it’s about creating a harmonious and respectful bond with our beloved pets. Let’s practice with love, care, and compassion.
Until next time have a happy, and healthy tail-wagging day,
Pam, the All-American Dog Runner Girl and her All-American Dog Pack(Scout, Liberty, and Freedom)
