Ever watched your dog stretch and thought, “That looks like yoga”? Real Dog Yoga (RDY) harnesses that natural grace and transforms it into a mindful, health-boosting activity specifically designed for dogs.

Created by behaviourist Jo Rosie Haffenden, RDY helps your dog improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance body awareness—all through slow, voluntary movements that engage both mind and body.

It’s more than exercise; it’s emotional balance and a connection between you and your canine friend.

Dog and owner share a peaceful yoga moment together, strengthening connection through mindful Real Dog Yoga practice.

What Is Real Dog Yoga?

Real Dog Yoga, also known as postural education, teaches dogs to perform controlled, intentional movements that promote calmness and awareness.
When dogs hold postures or move slowly, their muscles stretch gently while their mind become more focused and relaxed.

This mindful pacing offers a range of benefits:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves mobility in stiff or older dogs
• Encourages calmness in reactive or excitable dogs
• Deepens the bond between dog and owner

Even Charles Darwin once said, “The free expression of an emotion, with outward signs, intensifies it.”
In other words, by helping your dog maintain calm, confident postures, you help them feel calm and confident as well.

What Real Dog Yoga Includes

RDY consists of 30 postures, 15 actions, and 10 expressions.
Each movement encourages your dog to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part that tells the body it’s safe to relax.

Basic equipment you’ll need:

• A yoga mat or a large beach towel
• A bowl of water
• Soft, small treats for rewards
• An empty bowl
• Your dog’s cushion or toys for breaks
• A clicker (optional)
• A quiet, obstacle-free space—a living room or garden works perfectly
• No collars or harnesses during practice

Recommended Essentials

• Non-slip Multi-Purpose Yoga Mat for men, women, and dogs – Buy on Amazon
• Ceramic Bowl for Dogs and Cats – Colour: Cream – Buy on Amazon
• Meaty Dog Treats (Grain Free) – Variety Set, 3x120g – Buy on Amazon

(These links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Introducing the Yoga Mat

Start simple and make the experience positive. The mat becomes your dog’s safe space—a place where calmness and focus are rewarded.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Spread the mat and keep rewards within reach.
2. When your dog approaches or sniffs the mat, praise and reward immediately.
3. If your pet is uninterested, toss a treat onto the mat to encourage exploration.
4. Avoid forcing your dog—let curiosity lead the way.
5. When paws touch the mat, reward generously.
6. Throw a treat away from the mat so your dog steps off.
7. If they return voluntarily, reward them again.

This game teaches your dog that being on the mat feels safe and rewarding.

The Starting Position

A French Bulldog begins its Real Dog Yoga routine, gently stretching on the mat to relax and improve flexibility.

Once your dog is comfortable on the mat, choose a starting posture:

• Sitting
• Lying down
• Standing

Select the position where your dog seems most relaxed.
During each session, encourage your dog to hold the position for the length of your three deep breaths.
If that’s too long at first, reward after one or two breaths and gradually build up.

This calm pacing teaches patience, focus, and body awareness.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Watch your dog closely during practice. Notice their:

• Breathing pattern
• Body tension
• Focus and engagement

If your dog becomes frustrated or restless, let them take a short break by tossing a treat off the mat. Then start again once they’re calmer.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s peaceful cooperation.

The Real Dog Yoga Positions

Here are the key RDY postures grouped by position:

SEATED

• Neck stretch (right and left)
• Lifting the right paw, then the left
• Both paws raised

ON THE FLOOR

• Neck stretch (right and left)
• Forward leg stretch (right, then left)
• Hip relaxation (right, then left)
• Head resting on paws (right and left)
• Legs crossed (right over left, then left over right)
• Lying on each side

STANDING

• Neck stretch (right, left, up, down)
• Lifting a front paw (right, then left)
• Lifting a hind leg (right, then left)
• Tail up, tail down
• Gentle tail wag

Working with an RDY Practitioner

To fully benefit from Real Dog Yoga, consider working with a certified RDY practitioner.
They can guide you through the movements safely, ensuring your dog gains relaxation without strain.
Every dog is unique—some will progress quickly, while others may need more gentle encouragement.

Final Thoughts

Real Dog Yoga isn’t about tricks or obedience—it’s about connection.
By practising slow, mindful movements, you and your dog build trust, relaxation, and harmony together.

Whether your furry friend is hyperactive, ageing, or simply needs a moment of peace, RDY offers a rewarding way to nurture both body and soul.

Thank you for reading this article. Your engagement means the world to us at Frenchie Breed.

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Affiliate Disclosure: We strive to maintain transparency with our readers. Some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services we believe will add value to your journey as a new pet parent.