Most Americans are familiar with not only the word "Yoga" but with also many of the types of exercises preformed when performing yoga. Moreover many people are aware that yoga is a practice designed to strengthen one's body mentally and physically. Yoga originated in India and is performed with the goal of developing stronger awareness, greater discipline and stronger harmony within you and with others. As more and more dog lovers grew fonder of yoga, yoga for dogs was introduced as a way for dog owners to incorporate their pets into their exercise routine.
Many people have heard about yoga for dogs, but are still not terribly familiar with just what it is. Often questions arise; Is yoga for dogs just for dogs or do humans participate with their dogs? Does yoga for dogs just supply cute names for the poses dogs do innately? In doing yoga for dogs do humans and dogs work together to achieve proper pose positions? The answer to all of these questions is Yes! Yoga for dogs is the result of studying a dogs natural tendencies and combining them with ancient yoga positions that appropriately lend themselves to dog human interaction and participation for optimal effectiveness.
Yoga for dogs is the act of partnering up slightly modified ancient yoga poses with the positions and poses dogs perform naturally. Few people realize that many dogs naturally perform a variety of yoga positions. In fact, many of the positions dogs rest in are their own versions of yoga. Dogs have become excellent yoga models as one of the main goals of yoga is to achieve greater harmony and dogs seem to be able to do this. Just observe a dog resting in the sun.
Among the many positions humans and dogs can enjoy together when taking part in the art of yoga for dogs, there is the "downward dog." This implements the dog's natural tendency to place his/her paws in their front and drop their head down. Additionally, the dog's human counterpart performs a similar position creating a deeper bond between both dog and human friend.
When participants of yoga for dogs are enjoying the exercises with a small dog, the "superdog" pose is also a favorite among many. When performing the "superdog" the dog is lifted into the air while positioned on the feet of its human teammate. The human lies on the ground, stomach up while securing the dog and making sure it remains safe throughout the entire exercise. This position increases healthy blood flow while strengthening the bond between canine and human friend.
If you are looking for a great way to incorporate the ancient art of yoga with an exercise routine for your pet, then Amy Stevens' Yoga4Dogs DVD is perfect for youand your pet! Amy provides easy to follow instructions. By following her step-by-step directions you can make sure you and your dog are getting the very most out of your yoga for dogs exercise routine.
Amy Stevens has included on her yoga for dogs DVD workout routines for small and large dogs. Both sets of exercise poses properly take into account the sizes and abilities of the dogs they are designed for. Of course, every owner will need to determine their own dog's abilities and remember to never force a dog to do something they cannot do.
In addition to the step-by-step yoga for dogs instructions, Amy Stevens also offers on her DVD instructions on how to properly reward your dog with a massage. Your dog will enjoy this just as much as you enjoy receiving a massage!