All Things Dog Blog

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Fly With Fido: Doga Airplane Pose

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

photo AirplaneModificationsCollageTEXT_zps134da99e.jpg

I think we've arrived at my favorite pose. This one challenges me to work on my balance, and also surprised me to find that Tanner enjoys participating in this one the most. He loves being a yoga balance aid. Sounds crazy; I know. That's Doga!

Notice that I've started the pose in the lower left of the collage, numbering the stages so you can ease yourself down to a level where you're challenged but not unsafe, frightened, or uncomfortable. Having a sturdy chair, wall or dresser to rely on makes for a much safer way to practice this pose if your balance is not something you're 100% sure of. Be patient with yourself and take this slow.

You can visit our original instructional #doga yoga video (it's short!) done by professional yogi, Jess Wilson, if you'd like to start from square one. You'll also find the entire library of All Things Dog Blog's doga instruction at this link.

If your dogs join you near the mat, be sure to talk to them, verbally praising them. When arms or legs start flying around, you may find that your dog backs away. That's okay. My dogs are pretty much used to this now, having watched for some months. Tanner sometimes cheers me on when he's feeling particularly inspired. I love this! It makes me want to stay on the mat longer to try to elicit the same response again. And when I use him as a support, he beams with pride as if to say "I love helping mom with her workout". He probably doesn't know this, but he's one of the reasons I'm continuing this doga series--he inspires me!

After you are comfortable using your dog or the chair rails for support and balance, try working down to the seat bottom. Remember to keep your back straight. This is as far down as you'll go in the airplane pose; some yogis would say it's too far. Let your body tell you what's right for you.

Now comes the fun part. You can go in one of two directions to increase the challenge, or try both when you're ready: remove one or both hands, or lift a leg to act as the tail of the airplane. Move ahead only when you're ready and don't feel compelled to try these at all if you're in any way concerned. You can always stick to the chair back, or try lifting your hands slightly and allowing your abs to balance your body just above the chair back.

This pose has seemingly limitless modifications to employ that will work for most anyone. Experiment with all the options that appeal to you, as you feel comfortable. And do join Tanner and I in cheering when you're happy with your progress. Yoga is so good for both you and your dog! Enjoy the bond :)

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.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Doga Pose 10: Airplane Balancing Pose

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Photo Update!

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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.