Getting in shape doesn’t have to be a solo act. There’s always room for fun with your furry friends. It’s great taking your pooch for a walk or jog but what about having them participate in yoga with you?

Getting your pup moving is especially important if you want to help them improve their joint and bone health. You can also add Ready Pet Go! Turmeric Curcumin Chews to their daily routine to reduce inflammation and naturally help your dog's joints, immunity, digestion and cardio health.

Check your local pet supply store, like Petco, to see if they offer in-person Doga (dog yoga) classes. Otherwise, there are tons of online videos and resources to help get you started. In any case, here are a few tips and benefits of doing Doga with your pup:

No matter the size of your pooch, they can practice with you. If you have a large dog, you can signal them to a position where they can be comfortable beside you or even under you as you go along with your poses. It’s important that they have a toy that they normally use and a comfortable place to land.

This helps to connect you and your dog’s energy together. Begin seated and place your left hand on your heart and your right hand on your dog’s heart while breathing slowly. As you close your eyes, you both will relax in sync, which helps to develop a deeper connection.  

Your dog needs to lay on his or her stomach with paws extended. You can then kneel behind them and place your hands on their paws while breathing. This is great for stretching your leg muscles while connecting with your pup.

To create an even greater Doga experience for both of you, try adding an aromatherapy diffuser to your practice. You can choose a scent like Berg amont that is calming for both of you but make sure it doesn’t cause your pooch to have any allergicre actions.

Your pooch will be naturally curious and will want to sniff around you so that he/she can get a better feel of what you are doing. While your first instinct might be to move them out of the way, let them be involved because this will get them used to your poses so you two can be more interactive together.

Some dogs are nervous or uncomfortable about allowing you to touch them anywhere. Doing Doga with them, especially if you incorporate massage techniques, will help them get used to you touching them in otherwise sensitive spots like paws. This will come in handy when you go to cut their nails or brush their coat, as your pup will likely be more comfortable and trusting.

There are teachers who can help to train your pup to work regularly with you. Be sure you work with the same instructor and group so your dog can get accustomed to the routine and become more comfortable and more relaxed.

Doing yoga with your dog is an excellent way to help them recover from an injury or age-relate dissues. Doga gets your pup’s joints moving, which helps to alleviate symptoms of arthritis. The gentle stretching can ease muscle tension and aches and can help them rebuild strength.

Doga is another form of exercise for your pup and, when added to a regular routine of walking or running, can aid in helping them lose weight. It can help you both build muscle while bonding together.

Practicing yoga with your dog can help you both socialize with peers of the human and K9species, and get to know each other better too. If you start attending classes together, chances are you may both can make new friends in the process.

Getting in a zone where the both of you are comfortable is super important. Be sure to turnoff your television and phone, but consider putting on some relaxing music. Grab your dog’s  favorite pillow or blanket just in case they want to rest while you work.

Well, there you have it, pup parents. Next time you’re looking for a fun -- and healthy --activity for you to enjoy together, give Doga a try. It may start out as a total train wreck, but you’ll still have fun doing it together. Keep up your practice and you may finally understand why so many yoga poses have animal names like “downward facing dog” or “cat pose.” In any case, time spent with your pupis always time well-spent.