Improving Your Cobra Pose with Fido's Help

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Just getting started with #doga? Cobra pose is a great way to slowly and gently move your back's flexibility along while simultaneously strengthening it. Keep our initial suggestions in mind as you work on this for just a few minutes each day. Remember that daily practice--even 2 minutes on just a few poses each--is better than 15-30 minutes once or even twice weekly. You'll make progress far faster and feel better as a result.
I'm finding that the dogs' companionship is all the reward I need to get me to stay on the mat to practice longer. If you need something more, dangle a carrot for yourself: promise yourself a favorite beverage afterwards (I'll do most anything for a vanilla latte) or a few minutes on your favorite online game. Whatever it takes to get you motivated! Pssst--what's YOUR favorite game app? I'm loving "2048"--a great mental challenge. I've managed to beat the game and get to 4096. Anyone else loving this game?
You may also gain some inspiration from joining the IG yoga instructors group on Instagram. By following my posts on IG you'll see some of their handles. They have regular challenges and lots of ideas for modifying what they often photograph as an intensely difficult pose. Mine don't look a thing like theirs, but I'm making progress. Remember to compete only with yourself. :)
As you begin to work on Cobra pose, start by viewing the short #doga video for this pose and my introductory #doga post with some basic tips on safety and preparation. At first you'll want to simply raise your head and shoulders, taking a few breaths and moving on. Try to get Fido to connect and hang out with you; you'll be amazed at how much his presence will help you stay with your practice. See how you feel tomorrow before advancing to a slightly higher elevation like Medium Cobra. Gradually you'll get to the higher Cobra and than on to Upward Dog. I'll talk more about that pose in the next post in this series on modifications.
If your goal, like mine, is to enjoy a healthy workout at home while spending time with your dogs, keep a small treat jar at the corner of your mat and always invite your furry friends to join in. Oliver loves the start of practice. As you can see he inevitably offers a play bow as a way of showing his excitement. Tanner is my cozy boy, enjoying a snuggle of snouts. #lovemydogs
 Our #doga pose videos, published earlier, are 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 where you can share your questions, thoughts and ideas on the poses and incorporating your dog. I'd love to hear from you!

If you're like me and you just can't get enough of this stuff, check out my Doga Pinterest Board for photos of all sorts of dogs, people and their interesting versions of various poses. Some are good for a great laugh and others will help you determine how to use your dog in your practice. Still others will simply inspire you to stay with it. I hope to see you again soon for a #WeeklyWag bonding post, each Saturday here on All Things Dog Blog.
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 more relaxing pose for you.

8 Things I Learned from Practicing Doga

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Affection During Practice Keeps Me Centered

My Doga series has taught me so much in the last 6 month. I can't begin to share it all. There is much more to this ancient art than I ever thought possible. The simple statements by many yogis about staying centered and grounded still baffle me, yet I think I am just now beginning to understand what these mean for me--my own definition. Here's one explanation of grounding and centering that may interest you if you're curious. I'd have to say that my definition is a bit harder to put into words, but probably lands somewhere in the realm of balance in all aspects of my life. My dogs help me to work at attaining this more and more as we continue to move forward.

I hope that my photo journal of our practices has not overwhelmed you. One or two of my friends' comments made me feel like I may have overdone it. My goal was to share the journey. I do many of the poses with some variation on proper position, in order to manage my own version of the pose. I'll soon be sharing more versions to help you find one that works for you. This has been the most helpful feedback I've received. Each of you need your own way to perform a pose, in which you can enjoy the breath, the relaxation, the centering of your practice and your life.

Here are a few things I've learned from my own Yoga journey. Of course it is ongoing, so I'll continue to add to this list. Will you join me by commenting with your own lessons. I'd love to hear your views on this.

Tanner's Paw on My Heart Chakra: I'm Melting!

• Each exhale is an opportunity to go deeper into a stretch. I never understood the relationship between oxygen intake and the flexiblity needed in Yoga until this experience. My goal is to stop when I have taken at least 2 breaths without continuing to extend my stretch.
• My dogs especially enjoy floor poses when I'm at their level and can massage or carress them. This didn't surprise me, but what did was watching their eyes follow me as I move from standing poses to floor poses, and back again. Their attention to my position is amazing.
• Oliver has gained a degree of trust in me when being lifted, as long as I respect that he prefers to be held against my body for security. We're communicating :)
• Tanner enjoys watching as well as participating, and often appears to ponder what I'm doing. He'll sometimes bring me a toy as if to offer an alternative to contorting my body. He's such a love.
• Tanner is quite willing to be my balancing aid for poses that require this. I've found him to be an enormous help in the Airplane pose, a great kisser in Upward Facing Dog, a steady support for Warrior 2 and the Side Angle Pose, as well as a curious friend when I perform Legs Up the Wall. My heart melts when he places his paw on my Heart Chakra.
• Watch Me is a great command to keep my dogs' eyes on what I'm doing so no one gets stepped on. Who knew we could use my practice to continue the dogs' training?!!
• Always end with playtime on the floor. That's the ultimate reward for my dogs--interaction and affection. It keeps us all coming back for more practice.
• Finally, I've learned to laugh at myself when I can't get a pose anywhere in the realm of correct. There is no CORRECT. Sadly, my own sitting forward fold and wide legged forward fold are far, far, far from where I want them to be. The spasms in
  
  the backs of my legs that are part and parcel to my M.S. will likely never allow me to reach a goal I'll be happy with in foward bends. The good news is that I've been pleasantly surprised with my progress in the standing forward bend. Go figure! Anyway, if I can do this, you can do this.

What's your greatest lesson from yoga? For me it's that I can enjoy my workout in a more relaxed environment, sharing the time with my dogs and enjoying a peaceful workout of my own choreography. Visit our list of posts and videos at Bonding With Fido Through Yoga. The journey continues....

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 more relaxing pose for you.

Doga Pose 15: Corpse Pose Relaxation With Your Pup

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Doga Workout Ends Well

Our Doga workout series is seemingly coming to an end today, but fear not; I don't intend to give this up just yet. Having grown to love this new way to stay in shape, the dogs and I have more in store for you. We've been listening to our readers and we'll be responding with a new series to include a variety of variations for each pose--easier than the originals for those of you who have asked for simpler ways to bond with your dogs while practicing yoga. Yay!

As I cool down, the dogs love having me join them on the floor. It's almost like having me at their level is their signal to join me. They come closer, want more touch and enjoy the affection that I dole out eagerly. Once again, Tanner places his paw on my heart Chakra. Do you suppose there is meaning in this for him? It definitely makes my heart flutter.

After some sweet talk, we all sort of drift off, the camera included. Just as well; you really don't want to catch me drooling. And for sure, Tanner would be dreaming that he's chasing a duck and the feet would be running as he whimpers, all the while snoozing happily. Yes! If you're completely relaxed at the end of your workout--Corpse Pose--your Doga practice has done its job. Your mind is clear and you are ready for another great day.

Enjoy our instructional video, taught by Jess with her furry friend, Nikki B. Make certain you watch for the point at which Nikki B. drops into a snooze. I love that she completely disappears between Jess's legs, clearly down for the count. Enjoy your nap, Nikki B. We've enjoyed watching you join Jess for Doga practice.

I hope you'll join me in saying a thank you to Jess and her dog for their hard work in sharing a starting point to practicing Doga:

Thx to @JesWilso of Yoga 4 EveryBody for sharing her #Doga tips with her dog, Nikki B: pic.twitter.com/kw2ry4D4cR
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) June 11, 2014

courtesy eyogaforbeginners.com

The practice of Yoga brings together the body, mind and spirit which comprises the whole person. Jess mentions the use of a Hand Mudra in the video and I'd like to offer you an article with some further information. A Mudra is a hand position that often accompanies a pose, mantra, chant, or meditation. 

Each of the various mudras have their own meanings and benefits. Jess suggests moving your thoughts to love, compassion, or acceptance as a way of positively impacting your day. She demonstrates the Gyan Mudra in the video. According to the website I linked above, the Gyan Mudra is meant to symbolize and encourage Wisdom and Expansion. It is thought to help ease drowsiness, inspire creativity, and increase concentration.

Our first 14 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 where you can share your questions, thoughts and ideas on the poses and incorporating your dog. I'd love to hear from you!

• 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
• Airplane Balancing Pose
• Child's Pose with Your Pooch
• Knees to the Chest
• Legs Up the Wall
• Reclining Queen
• Corpse Pose

If you're like me and you just can't get enough of this stuff, check out my Doga Pinterest Board for photos of all sorts of dogs, people and their interesting versions of various poses. Some are good for a great laugh and others will help you determine how to use your dog in your practice. I hope to see you again for a Weekly Wag bonding post, as well as our additional Doga work.

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 more relaxing pose for you.

Doga Pose 14: Reclining Queen Relaxes with Rover

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Cooling Down with the Dogs

Working my way into a deeper cool down, I find myself talking softly to the dogs as they come close. Tanner leaned in listening carefully, his ears not quite as astute as Oliver's. The dogs seemed to understand that this Reclining Queen pose was just for us to relax into. I called Tanner my Rover Retriever and his ears perked momentarily. The boys do watch carefully for each and every indication of something they should act on. This time it's simply quiet introspection.

The Reclining Queen pose allows you to gently stretch your hips and open your chest as you wrap up your Yoga workout. To include your dog, simply call him to you and ask him to remain by your side, laying or sitting, as your talk to him or repeat a mantra.

Jess and Nikki B. found an interesting way to combine their bodies, so much so that Nikki B. disappears at the end. Enjoy this brief, educational video and be sure to leave a comment. We're dialing it down now. Watch for our last pose next week, but don't worry, Doga will not be gone.

Our follow up to this series will be to enhance what we have done so far. Watch for alternatives to the poses taught so far--ways to make them work for your tight muscles, complaining body parts, or balance challenges. By reachng out to fellow bloggers and participants, I've gotten a lot of feedback, and we'll be helping you to make your workout a little easier to navigate. Watch for more!

Our first 13 poses, published earlier, are at the following links, as well as at our dedicated Doga page located under the menu bar labeled  Your Dog. 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 where you can share your questions, thoughts and ideas on the poses and incorporating your dog. I'd love to hear from you!

• 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
• Airplane Balancing Pose
• Child's Pose with Your Pooch
• Knees to the Chest
• Legs Up the Wall

If you're like me and you just can't get enough of this stuff, check out my Doga Pinterest Board for photos of all sorts of dogs, people and their interesting versions of various poses. Some are good for a great laugh and others will help you determine how to use your dog in your practice. Enjoy and .... 

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 more relaxing pose for you.

Yoga Mat Winner Grabs #Doga Fun

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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One More Reader Ready for Doga

While I've been recovering from a little health issue, I've really been missing my Doga workout. Thankfully I'm on the mend and will soon be back to practicing. I keep promising Tanner and Oliver this will be very soon--hopefully next week.

Today I'm here to announce the winner of the giveaway that will fully prepare one reader for her Doga practice or yoga class. The prize includes a yoga mat, a journal to log poses and progress, and a cute, dog-themed tote bag to haul your yoga clothing, water bottle, blocks or other supplies.

Our winner today is B. Phillips. I'll be in touch shortly to notify you of your prize and collect your mailing information. If you beat me to the punch, feel free to send your address to AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com.

If you're not today's winner, don't fret. I have 2 more yoga mats, tote bags and journals. And there's books to come as well. Interested in winning? Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter so that you don't miss a single giveaway. And don't forget to click the confirmation email that will come to your inbox shortly after you subscribe. Membership has its perks!

Tomorrow's new Doga pose and video training will feature my favorite pose, the Child's Pose. This relaxing pose stretches the back of the body, especially working through the glutes, leaving you feeling relaxed and awakened. It may take a while to reach the positions you see in the photos and video, but keep in mind that yoga is a journey to be enjoyed at your own pace. Don't rush your body. Listen to it! See you tomorrow for the Child's Pose!

Check it Out: Patches Joined Us for Doga!

The prizes in this giveaway were purchased by me for this giveaway. I hope you're enjoying this relaxing way to bond with your dog while improving your health.