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IN: Yoga

How To Practice Yoga With Your Dog

December 6, 2016 By Melanie 2 Comments

yoga-with-dogs-11

If you’re a dog owner and have ever practiced yoga at home, you may have experienced the pure joy and curiosity your dog exudes whenever you’re practicing your asana. My dog Nina, a spunky little Dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier mix, starts wagging her tail uncontrollably the second my mat hits the floor. Maybe it’s because I’m spending time on her “level” or perhaps she secretly finds it amusing to watch me twist myself into various positions. Either way – yoga time is playtime in her mind and you can guarantee that if I’m on my mat, so is she.

I rescued Nina a little over 3 years ago, right around the same time that I started practicing yoga, so she became very acclimated to my daily sessions. For awhile, I just let her bounce on and off my mat – licking my face, pushing me over, and dropping her ball down in front of me at every opportune moment. One day I thought to myself, how would she react if I genuinely included her in my practice?

No, I didn’t train my dog to do yoga poses on her own. Instead, I seized each time on my mat as an opportunity to further bond with her by incorporating her into various yoga poses that I was already doing.

There were definitely a few hiccups a long the way (like that one time I almost fell on her while in headstand – sorry, Nina!) but over time it has become a great way to establish trust and to get more in tune with how my dog is feeling. I learned the dos and don’ts pretty quickly and now enjoy a lovely doga practice with Nina at least once a week.

If you’re looking to start practicing yoga with your dog, here are a few basic poses to get you started! Please keep in mind that Nina weighs about 16 pounds so the following poses are meant for a dog of similar or smaller size.

Boat Pose 

yoga-with-dogs yoga-with-dogs-3

This is one of Nina’s favorites and is something that we can stay in for at least a full 60 seconds.

Place your dog on your lap with their head facing you. Bring their front paws up so they rest on your shoulders or chest. Slowly lean back while bringing your knees up. Engage your core and control your breath. Encourage your dog by talking sweetly and maybe even waving your hands above them so they have something to look at.

Knees To Chest Pose

yoga-with-dogs-knees-to-chest-pose yoga-with-dogs-nina

This pose will test your dog’s balance. The key is to keep very still and encourage your dog to lie down on your legs.

While lying on your back, pick up your dog and place them on your chest. From there slowly bring your knees towards your head and gently pick up your dog and let them settle on your shins, facing you. Keep your hands on their sides until your dog is comfortable and balanced. Stay here for 10 full breaths and then release your legs slowly down.

Easy Pose

yoga dogyoga-with-dogs-9

If your pup is a lap dog they’ll love this yoga pose. I usually do this at the beginning or end of my practice and stay in it for as long as Nina allows.

Find a comfortable seated position with your legs crossed in front of you. No need to do full lotus, but if it’s in your practice feel free. Encourage your dog to come sit on your lap and just spend a few minutes giving them a nice petting session. With any luck they’ll doze right off.

yoga with your dog

Now that you’re ready to start doing yoga with your dog, keep in mind that it may take a few tries before your pup feels comfortable in these postures. I recommend keeping treats on hand; encourage them and know when enough is enough. Dogs are like little babies – it’s important to read their body language and know when you should probably just play fetch with them instead of forcing them to balance on your legs. 😉  As you can see, Nina was eyeing one of her fav toys and after this shot took the opportunity to pounce on it.

If you snap any photos trying yoga with your dog (or cat) please tag me! I love seeing pics of people bonding with their fur babies.

Namaste,

hahandlips-cutout-small

Filed Under: Yoga

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caitlin says

    December 7, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    This is the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time! <3

    Reply
  2. Flo @ Yoga, Wine & Travel says

    December 8, 2016 at 3:18 am

    This is too cute Melanie! My pups are super curious when they see me practicing yoga – love that you’ve found a way to incorporate them into your practice!

    Reply

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Meet Melanie

Meet Melanie

Hi and welcome to Headstands & Heels! I’m Melanie — a Digital Strategist turned Wellness Entrepreneur, certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), dog mama, and content creator based in Denver. I hope to encourage others to follow their dreams and cultivate a healthy, balanced lifestyle filled with mindfulness and positivity. 💕 Send me a note at: mel@headstandsandheels.com

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This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favor
This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favorite cozy fall crafts! It’s so cute and simple to make — perfect for a crafternoon with the girls or as a bookclub activity 📖🧡🍁

Just comment “bookmark” and I’ll send you everything you need to make this yourself! Or send this to someone you want to have a cozy craft day with ☺️

#fallvibes #fallcrafts #cozyhobbies #cozyseason #hobbiesareselfcare #romanticizeyourlife #fallgirl #craftinspo #girlswhoread #bookstagram

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You all know how much I love hosting and this snack station is sooo perfect for an outdoor movie date night or girl’s craft + movie night with friends! I loaded up the table with popcorn, apple cinnamon muffins, apple cider and justin’s NEW Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Mini Candy Bars

JUSTIN’S® Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Candy Bars are USDA-certified organic, gluten-free do not contain stevia or sugar alcohols– and most importantly, they taste amazing! They come in both 1.4oz single-size bars or the mini-size bars that you see here! 

Be sure to stock up on these for your next cozy Fall gathering or Halloween party! 🎃 

#autumnvibes #fallgirl #autumnparty #cozygathering #cozysnacks #outdoormovie #movienightathome #fallhardwithjustins #JUSTINScandybars

Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the mos
Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the most wholesome girl’s night in combo 🧡

Wait till the end to see how our lil pumpkins turned out and send this to someone you want to do this with! 

#romanticizeyourlife #cozyseason #outdoormovienight #fallvibes #fallactivities #cozycrafts #girlsnightin

✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got
✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got you covered with 5 super cozy, creative & cute fall gatherings to bring your friends or family together! 

Trust me when I say you’ll want to save this for later or send to a friend who you want to do one of these with! 🎃

🧡PUMPKINS & PSLS: combine cozy home cafe vibes with an autumnal crafternoon 

🧡COOKBOOK CLUB POTLUCK: pick a cozy, seasonal themed cookbook and have all your friends pick a dish to make, bring & share! 

🧡 GILMORE GIRLS NIGHT IN: set up a spread from “Luke’s Diner” and spend an evening watching some of the best fall episodes (I’ve listed a ton in my Autumn watch list post) 

🧡SPIRITS & SPELLS SOIRÉE: get your coven together for a witchy cocktail party complete with dark candlelight and potion inspired sips 

🧡 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: pick a fall friendly mystery, serve mulled wine and get together to discuss all the plot twists and theories 

Let me know if you’ll be hosting any of these and if you want to see a similar roundup for the holiday season in November!

#fallgirl #autumnparty #hostingideas #girlsnightideas #fallparty #cozyseason #cozyvibes #fall2025

The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate
The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate Lily’s first time in the northeast 🍎💕

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#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings li
#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings like this… 

🍁Wearing comfy, cute loungewear 
🍁Sipping an iced maple latte by the fire 
🍁Making a yummy pre-workout breakfast featuring my favorite pumpkin @noosayoghurt. It’s made with whole milk, tastes incredible and has the most smooth, velvety texture
🍁Fitting in a quick pilates workout 

The best part about romanticizing the little things is that the most basic routine somehow feels just a little more special. And I think we all deserve to start the day with feel-good rituals that we can lean into and fully appreciate, don’t you? 🤎

#cozyseason #autumnvibes #fallgirl #morningroutine #morningrituals #cozymornings #happyhabits


Now presenting your ultimate Autumn Watch List!! ✨🍿 🎥 

Get the popcorn + your fav snacks ready because this roundup has ALL the best cozy movies, shows and even fall specific episodes of your classic favorites (hands up if you love Gilmore Girls, Friends and Gossip Girl! 🙋🏻‍♀️) 

Swipe through, SAVE to reference later and share with someone who you think would love a cozy movie night in! 🧡

I hope you all find this roundup helpful and that it inspires many cozy evenings this season 🍂 

#autumnmovies #fallvibes #fallgirl #fallbucketlist #cozyseason #cozyselfcare #cozymovienight #movienightathome #tisautumn #feelslikefall

Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁
Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁🤎 

📍 Evergreen, CO | 📸 @hnguyenphoto 

#fallaesthetic #fallincolorado #familyphotoshoot #pinterestaesthetic #fallorado #leafpeeping #autumndays #babysfirstfall #newparentslife

a slow self care shower always hit different and i
a slow self care shower always hit different and it’s extra fun when it has you starting the week smelling like a pumpkin spice latte 😆🧡✨

~ comment “pumpkin” and I’ll send you all the links to everything you see here ~

#selfcaremorning #selfcareday #morningvibes #autumnrituals #fallgirl #feelslikefall #fallmorning #softwellness #softgirlera #asmrbeauty #morningroutine

✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood ho
✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood holiday✨

I’ve been listening to The Life of a Showgirl on repeat all day and can’t wait to sing my heart out at tonight’s release party!! 🎶💃🏻🪩 Who else is going and what are your favorite songs on @taylorswift’s new album? 

Mine are: The Fate of Ophelia, Opalite, Wish List, Cancelled and A Life of a Showgirl 

#swifties❤️ #ts12 #thelifeofashowgirl #october3rd

The most wholesome outing with my two favorite fur
The most wholesome outing with my two favorite furbabies, because our pups deserve a little fall sweet treat (and the quality time) too 🐶🧡☕️ 

#pumpkinseason #romanticizeyourlife #rescuedogmom #coffeerun #pslseason #fallvibes🍁 #coffeetreat

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” 🍁 

One of my fav quotes from a childhood literary heroine who taught me to romanticize the every day and that there’s always scope for the imagination 🧡 (and if you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables, you’re missing out) 

Since the holiday season kicks off next month, October is fully dedicated to all the best fall activities! Here are a few that I’m looking forward to: 

🍎 going apple picking 
🎃 visiting a pumpkin patch 
🍂 leaf peeping walks 
🍩 making apple cider donuts at home 
🎥 outdoor movie nights 
🍁 fall family photoshoot 
👻 celebrating Halloween as a family 
📖 cozy book club meeting 
🧡 hosting a themed dinner party 

What’s on your October bucket list? 

PS: this Taylor Swift audio is just getting me pumped for October 3rd! 🎶💕

#autumnishere #fallgirl #romanticizeyourlife


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This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favor This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favorite cozy fall crafts! It’s so cute and simple to make — perfect for a crafternoon with the girls or as a bookclub activity 📖🧡🍁

Just comment “bookmark” and I’ll send you everything you need to make this yourself! Or send this to someone you want to have a cozy craft day with ☺️

#fallvibes #fallcrafts #cozyhobbies #cozyseason #hobbiesareselfcare #romanticizeyourlife #fallgirl #craftinspo #girlswhoread #bookstagram
#JUSTINSbrandpartner 🍁 Send this to someone you #JUSTINSbrandpartner 🍁 Send this to someone you want to have a snack-filled cozy, outdoor movie night with! 

You all know how much I love hosting and this snack station is sooo perfect for an outdoor movie date night or girl’s craft + movie night with friends! I loaded up the table with popcorn, apple cinnamon muffins, apple cider and justin’s NEW Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Mini Candy Bars

JUSTIN’S® Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Candy Bars are USDA-certified organic, gluten-free do not contain stevia or sugar alcohols– and most importantly, they taste amazing! They come in both 1.4oz single-size bars or the mini-size bars that you see here! 

Be sure to stock up on these for your next cozy Fall gathering or Halloween party! 🎃 

#autumnvibes #fallgirl #autumnparty #cozygathering #cozysnacks #outdoormovie #movienightathome #fallhardwithjustins #JUSTINScandybars
Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the mos Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the most wholesome girl’s night in combo 🧡

Wait till the end to see how our lil pumpkins turned out and send this to someone you want to do this with! 

#romanticizeyourlife #cozyseason #outdoormovienight #fallvibes #fallactivities #cozycrafts #girlsnightin
✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got ✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got you covered with 5 super cozy, creative & cute fall gatherings to bring your friends or family together! 

Trust me when I say you’ll want to save this for later or send to a friend who you want to do one of these with! 🎃

🧡PUMPKINS & PSLS: combine cozy home cafe vibes with an autumnal crafternoon 

🧡COOKBOOK CLUB POTLUCK: pick a cozy, seasonal themed cookbook and have all your friends pick a dish to make, bring & share! 

🧡 GILMORE GIRLS NIGHT IN: set up a spread from “Luke’s Diner” and spend an evening watching some of the best fall episodes (I’ve listed a ton in my Autumn watch list post) 

🧡SPIRITS & SPELLS SOIRÉE: get your coven together for a witchy cocktail party complete with dark candlelight and potion inspired sips 

🧡 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: pick a fall friendly mystery, serve mulled wine and get together to discuss all the plot twists and theories 

Let me know if you’ll be hosting any of these and if you want to see a similar roundup for the holiday season in November!

#fallgirl #autumnparty #hostingideas #girlsnightideas #fallparty #cozyseason #cozyvibes #fall2025
The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate Lily’s first time in the northeast 🍎💕

#autumnvibes #fallactivities #applepicking #fallgirl #autumnaesthetic #falltrip #pinterestaesthetic
#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings li #ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings like this… 

🍁Wearing comfy, cute loungewear 
🍁Sipping an iced maple latte by the fire 
🍁Making a yummy pre-workout breakfast featuring my favorite pumpkin @noosayoghurt. It’s made with whole milk, tastes incredible and has the most smooth, velvety texture
🍁Fitting in a quick pilates workout 

The best part about romanticizing the little things is that the most basic routine somehow feels just a little more special. And I think we all deserve to start the day with feel-good rituals that we can lean into and fully appreciate, don’t you? 🤎

#cozyseason #autumnvibes #fallgirl #morningroutine #morningrituals #cozymornings #happyhabits
Now presenting your ultimate Autumn Watch List!! ✨🍿 🎥 

Get the popcorn + your fav snacks ready because this roundup has ALL the best cozy movies, shows and even fall specific episodes of your classic favorites (hands up if you love Gilmore Girls, Friends and Gossip Girl! 🙋🏻‍♀️) 

Swipe through, SAVE to reference later and share with someone who you think would love a cozy movie night in! 🧡

I hope you all find this roundup helpful and that it inspires many cozy evenings this season 🍂 

#autumnmovies #fallvibes #fallgirl #fallbucketlist #cozyseason #cozyselfcare #cozymovienight #movienightathome #tisautumn #feelslikefall
Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁 Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁🤎 

📍 Evergreen, CO | 📸 @hnguyenphoto 

#fallaesthetic #fallincolorado #familyphotoshoot #pinterestaesthetic #fallorado #leafpeeping #autumndays #babysfirstfall #newparentslife
a slow self care shower always hit different and i a slow self care shower always hit different and it’s extra fun when it has you starting the week smelling like a pumpkin spice latte 😆🧡✨

~ comment “pumpkin” and I’ll send you all the links to everything you see here ~

#selfcaremorning #selfcareday #morningvibes #autumnrituals #fallgirl #feelslikefall #fallmorning #softwellness #softgirlera #asmrbeauty #morningroutine
✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood ho ✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood holiday✨

I’ve been listening to The Life of a Showgirl on repeat all day and can’t wait to sing my heart out at tonight’s release party!! 🎶💃🏻🪩 Who else is going and what are your favorite songs on @taylorswift’s new album? 

Mine are: The Fate of Ophelia, Opalite, Wish List, Cancelled and A Life of a Showgirl 

#swifties❤️ #ts12 #thelifeofashowgirl #october3rd
The most wholesome outing with my two favorite fur The most wholesome outing with my two favorite furbabies, because our pups deserve a little fall sweet treat (and the quality time) too 🐶🧡☕️ 

#pumpkinseason #romanticizeyourlife #rescuedogmom #coffeerun #pslseason #fallvibes🍁 #coffeetreat
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” 🍁 

One of my fav quotes from a childhood literary heroine who taught me to romanticize the every day and that there’s always scope for the imagination 🧡 (and if you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables, you’re missing out) 

Since the holiday season kicks off next month, October is fully dedicated to all the best fall activities! Here are a few that I’m looking forward to: 

🍎 going apple picking 
🎃 visiting a pumpkin patch 
🍂 leaf peeping walks 
🍩 making apple cider donuts at home 
🎥 outdoor movie nights 
🍁 fall family photoshoot 
👻 celebrating Halloween as a family 
📖 cozy book club meeting 
🧡 hosting a themed dinner party 

What’s on your October bucket list? 

PS: this Taylor Swift audio is just getting me pumped for October 3rd! 🎶💕

#autumnishere #fallgirl #romanticizeyourlife
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