Puppy Yoga: The Internet is replete with cute videos showing dogs attending Yoga sessions with their masters. Dogs doing Yoga, in fact, is called, ‘Doga’, and it has emerged as what has been described as a “therapeutic” trend that combines the ancient Indian practice of Yoga with the companionship of dogs. Originating from the idea that the presence of dogs can enhance relaxation and joy, Doga sessions see humans practising Yoga poses alongside their canine friends, who often perfectly copy the poses or participate in their own unique ways. 


This trend is gaining traction globally, celebrated for its dual benefits of physical fitness and emotional well-being. Taking a step ahead, an even newer trend, Puppy Yoga, has started to catch up. These classes are immensely popular in the US and Europe, and is finding takers in other parts of the world too. Puppy Yoga typically incorporates the presence of puppies during or after a session. The trend, however, has not gone down well with all animal lovers. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, voices are being raised against Puppy Yoga, while Italy has already banned the practice after allegations of mistreatment with the animals.


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What Is Puppy Yoga?


The concept of Puppy Yoga combines the physical benefits of Yoga with playful interaction with puppies. 


In a typical Puppy Yoga class, participants can be seen engaging in a normal Yoga routine that may include stretching, poses, and breathing exercises, even as puppies are allowed to roam freely around the space. These puppies might climb on participants, cuddle with them, or play nearby.


Some Puppy Yoga classes may involve an additional playtime with the puppies after a usual Yoga session.


Proponents of the Puppy Yoga trend believe the presence of puppies enhances the experience by providing emotional support and reducing stress. The playful nature of puppies can make the Yoga session more enjoyable and less intimidating for some people.


“There are many reasons why people do puppy yoga,” Francesco Di Turi, who is a manager at Puppy Yoga Official in Italy, was quoted as saying in a May 3 report published in The Guardian. “Some might simply want contact with an animal because they don’t have one at home, while there are others suffering from illnesses who find that one hour of practice really helps them to relax.”










The trend is picking up in India too.






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Why Are Animal Activists Concerned Over Puppy Yoga Trend?


Animal rights groups are of the opinion that Puppy Yoga uses the young canines as a “marketing tool”. 


Taking to social media, Husky Rescue, a non-profit group in Ireland, said: “Apparently Doggy Yoga is coming to Dublin, with puppies from ethical breeders. Please know this is not right, puppies should not be used as a marketing tool or a piece of equipment. Not to mention the fall out of this issue will put more pressure on pounds and rescues who are already full and struggling to stay open.”






In the UK, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) had last year appealed to the people to consider alternative activities in place of Puppy Yoga, according to a BBC report.


“…as a dog welfare specialist, I am increasingly dismayed by the way these unique animals are monetised and commodified,” Esme Wheeler, a dog welfare specialist at the RSPCA, wrote in The Guardian in July 2023.


Earlier that month, an investigation by UK-based ITV News had found puppies at “serious risk” in the classes. Puppies as young as six weeks old were denied access to water and sleep, and were made to work for hours at a time, an “undercover filming” had found.



Italy Bans Puppy Yoga 


Italy last month banned Puppy Yoga classes in the country, saying only adult dogs should be  allowed for "animal assisted" activities. The decision came after Italian media reports also revealed alleged mistreatment of the animals and rights groups called for a ban, The Guardian reported.


In its order issued on April 29, the BBC report quoted above said, Italy’s Ministry of Health  noted that Puppy Yoga "improves wellbeing", and hence it should be considered an "animal assisted therapy", for which law allows only fully grown animals to be engaged.


“Yoga, at least in theory, should not be just a practice of physical exercise but also a spiritual one, in search of harmony with the universe,” Piera Rosati, who heads the Italy-based LNDC Animal Protection, was quoted as saying in the Guardian report. She added that “this harmony and wellbeing are (however) not granted to puppies who are used as objects to do business”.


"This type of activity is detrimental to the dogs' wellbeing and only brings financial advantages to those who run the classes," a statement by Italy's National Board for Animal Protection quoted dog expert Giusy D'Angelo as saying.


Welcoming the ban, the board endorsed D'Angelo’s view that Puppy Yoga was a "physically and mentally stressful experience" for the canines.