Doga Pose 10: Airplane Balancing Pose

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Photo Update!

Buffer

The Professional Version: Not for Beginners!

Don't worry; I don't intend to suggest that you try the photo above until you can comfortably call yourself a yogi like Jess. Even the version below would be a challenge for most of us, not to mention our dogs. If your dog is totally trusting and comfortable, you'll know when he is ready. Until then, take your time and work on your own version of this balancing pose by using a chair or the wall to steady yourself. I'm using Tanner, my Golden Retriever, and we're progressing well. Photos to come....

A Little Easier but Still Not for Us

This week I'm off duty with a health treatment, so no Airplane posing is happening. I'll post our pic of this pose when I get back up and running. Funny thing, I'm really missing my Doga practice while I'm hooked up to an IV in my arm. I think Tanner is too. I've caught him laying in the area that we practice, looking almost as if he is wondering when we'll get back to work. He's loving his new role as my Doga assistant!

PHOTO UPDATE: We're back in the saddle, err, perhaps I should say on the mat. Here's Tanner and I performing the Airplane Pose, with Tanner providing valuable balancing services. His collar is a great way to hold onto him without pulling his fur, and clearly he enjoys taking part:

Tanner and I are Flying :)

Now let's get to this video. Keep in mind that yoga and Doga are journeys, not destinations. Take your time. Do only what you and your dog are comfortable with. Keep it fun, while challenging yourself when you feel ready.

To share another quote from Yoga Journal, I have selected one that speaks to this pose:

Regularly practicing yoga increases proprioception (the ability to feel what your body is doing and where it is in space) and improves balance. 

Our first 9 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
• Woofing Warrior I, Sun Salutation
• Woofing Warrior II, Sun Salutation
• Side Angle Pose 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.