Doga: A Canine Twist On Downward Facing Dog

nytimes.com:

Call it a yogic twist: Downward-facing dog is no longer just for humans.

Ludicrous? Possibly. Grist for anyone who thinks that dog-owners have taken yoga too far? Perhaps. But nationwide, classes of doga -- yoga with dogs, as it is called -- are increasing in number and popularity. Since Ms. Caliendo, a certified yoga instructor in Chicago, began to teach doga less than one year ago, her classes have doubled in size.

Not everyone in the yoga community is comfortable with this.

Read the whole story: nytimes.com

Comments

[LeftLeanWing]

This seems ridiculous to me, however, I must admit that when I'm doing pushups @home.... my cat likes to participate. She jumps on my back as I'm doing the pushups ..... It's seems like it's been fun for the both of us.

But she CHOOSES to participate !

[freddy30]

This is why they hate us. And many of us understand.

[Solaris123]

A new low in U.S. yoga community Anyone teaching and promoting this should lose their certification.
Lemme guess someone already got a trademark protection on 'doga'... sigh....

[Aabby]

I dont think the dogs like this. :(

[Cheapthrills]

So, what is next...having a bunch of dogs mingled with the yoga props?? The props are objects to strengthen a person's yoga practice. These "doga" classes have reduced the dog to a damn prop. Have more respect for your pet and be a responsible pet owner and not use the dog for your own dependencies and lack of structure.

[Tyrione]

This is retarded. Practice Raja, Hatha and Jnana at home, in your own sacred space. These "clubs" are money making Western Society greed banks.

I love Capitalism but this reminds me of Churches, Dogmas and Monotheistic Religions. Come together folks! Let's downward dog together [Adho Mukha Shvanasana] and don't forget to bond with your great dane by putting him on your back.

[NAPinMtPSC]

OK - I own a yoga studio and we offer Dog yoga once a year as a fundraiser. All of the proceeds go to our local animal shelter. This is not a serious yoga class, however, consider the following:

1. These are pampered dogs whose people already practice yoga on their own. The owners understand that there are less fortunate dogs out there and want to help.

2. It is a great way to spend quality time bonding with your dog.

3. The dogs really do love it watch this short video:

http://www.serenitynowyoga.net/doga/DOGA.mov

So although your dog may not actually be practicing yoga this class is in the true spirit of yoga, finding union with all other sentient beings. Much more important than being able to stand on your head.

[Solaris123]

union with sentient beings?!
The biggest s i n of the New Age community is the unthinking use of spiritually significant terminology.
This terminology is used to communicate about matters of philosophical and spiritual importance.
It shouldn't be used to shield questionable practices with 'big" words.

[LeftLeanWing]

"This is not a serious yoga class,"

Thanks for clearing that up....... that the part that's missing from this story.

[Seven7s]

*sigh*

White people....

[Aabby]

LOL Stop

[Pema]

sigh... someone who has a race problem

[LeeLoosMultiPass]

uh. ewwwwww.

[Pema]

I thought it sounded weird at first, however....if it helps the dogs and the owners, whats the harm.?so it looks odd. so what. really, so what? I hace a yoga class today I dont think Ill see any dogs, but I am not oppossed to it either.

[oakley9]

Hope they teach the pooper scooper pose!

[davidwayneosedach]

Certifably insane!

[fcsakes]

Dog is not happy. Leave him home.

[Cynth]

Seems we need a gimmick at every turn. I love yoga and I love dogs, but this is a new form of ridiculousness. The dog's face in the picture says it all... More owners should heed Harendorf's words at the end of the article instead of subjecting their pets to the latest fad. Back to throwing the ball for my dog...

[sidehide]

wow this is stupid

unless you live in 60610 with too much time and money on your hands