Woofing Warrior I: Doga Pose 7

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Don't Try This With Your Dane!

We're just humming right along with these Doga poses. Nikki B wasn't a big fan of "flying", but she and Jess worked that out quite nicely. Just as I am holding Oliver below, Jess ended up holding Nikki B. That got me to thinking ahead about introducing Tanner to the workouts, and I'm now working on newer poses that incorporate him. He's doing very well as a replacement for a block, and as a balance aid. He's my rock!

As you watch today's video, don't push yourself too hard. Remember to always warm up first. I'm learning that lesson well, as I forgot a couple of times and was a bit too stiff later.

Also, I sometimes have to remind myself that stretching out as much as Jess is not necessarily the goal. The goal is to enjoy the ride, and bond with the dogs. Keep that in mind and remember the positive self talk is all important. You'll find some nice quotes and sayings on our Facebook page for All Things Doga. Enjoy!


I'm returning to my quotes from the Yoga Journal, as the benefits of our standing pose this week are explained so nicely here:

Your head is like a bowling ball--big, round, and heavy. When it's balanced directly over an erect spine, it takes much less work for your neck and back muscles to support it. Move it several inches forward, however, and you start to strain those muscles. Hold up that forward-leaning bowling ball for eight or 12 hours a day and it's no wonder you're tired. And fatigue might not be your only problem. Poor posture can cause back, neck, and other muscle and joint problems. As you slump, your body may compensate by flattening the normal inward curves in your neck and lower back. This can cause pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine.

Oliver and I Enjoy this Version of Warrior I

Now that I've typed and read that quote from Yoga Journal, I'm starting to look at my own posture and wonder if I was leaning forward just a tad. Sometimes photos of yourself are the best way to assess your posture, so I'm finally realizing there's a reason for taking these pics of my yoga poses. Check--I've added posture to my list of things to work on. Another day, another lesson.

Our first six poses, published earlier, are at the following links, as well as at our dedicated Doga page. We hope you enjoy following along and that you'll offer your comments and ideas for incorporating your dogs easily and safely into your practice, either here or at our Facebook page where we can all support one another. The comment link is always open at the bottom of my posts.

• Easy Seated Pose to Enjoy Dog Massage
• Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold with Fido
• Yoga Push Ups with Your Dog Companion
• Cobra Pose and Upward Facing Dog
• Downward Facing Dog
• Forward Fold with Fido

Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start this or any other workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.