Walking the dog is so last season! Playing fetch with your dog is yesterday’s news! Now dog lovers are turning to Doga to get exercise with their dogs! Doga, the very unique act of performing yoga moves with your dog has been bubbling under the surface for years now but recently word has spread and thousands and thousands of dog lovers and yoga enthusiasts are turning to this fun exercise! And perhaps rightly so, it’s good for you, it’s good for your dog and its fun!

With the increasing excitement for Doga, many people are anxious to find out how they can get themselves as well as their dogs in on the action. Originally, those interested in Doga could only participate in classes held sporadically, or occasionally individuals could read articles written about the practice. However classes required participants to participate on somebody else’s schedule and magazines often failed to offer all of the needed information to properly perform the Doga moves.

In 2008 a fresh faced Yoga and dancer enthusiast introduced to the world her very unique and exciting Doga DVD. This fresh-faced host; Amy Stevens and her Yoga4Dogs brand have been popping up all over the U.S. “With a DVD” Amy says; “individuals are afforded the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of Doga right at home, on their own schedules without the distraction of other dogs. It’s really the perfect way to combine your workout with your dog’s workout.”

So in addition to strengthening the bond that exists between individuals and their dog, what are some of the benefits to performing Doga? Because much of Doga focuses on breathing, it has the potential to improve the breathing patterns and lung capacity. Additionally, Doga can decrease stress levels and help participants to live calmer lives. Doga can also help participants learn to develop deeper concentration.

There are a variety of benefits to performing Doga. Individuals with hypertension or heart disease may benefit as Doga has the potential to lower blood pressure and to slow the heart rate. Additionally, doga, like yoga, has the potential to relieve symptoms of asthma, arthritis and body pain. Some studies have even linked traditional yoga moves, like those found in a Doga routine to the reduction of insomnia.

People are certainly not the only Doga participants who can benefit from performing Doga. Dogs receive a variety of benefits with their participation including weight loss which can lead to the reduction of joint pain, hip dysplasia, heart disease and more. Doga can also assist in teaching obedience.

Most dogs that have been able to take part in a Doga routine seem to really enjoy it. Amy Stevens from Yoga4Dogs says; “my dog Ginger gets so excited when she sees me grab my mat.” Amy continues; “she doesn’t know how good it is for her, she just loves the attention!”

Next time your dog seems to be in need of releasing some energy, consider not reaching for the leash, but reach for your Doga mat! Classes are across America in select large cites and the Amy Stevens’ Doga DVD is available online at Yoga4Dogs.com