What Is Puppy Yoga?

Dogs may not be our whole life, but they certainly make life feel fuller. Now imagine combining the joy of playful puppies with the mindful movement of yoga. That’s puppy yoga in a nutshell, and yes, it’s every bit as fun as it sounds!

This isn’t just a viral trend or an Instagram photo opportunity. Puppy yoga is a structured yoga experience that blends the calming benefits of traditional yoga with the proven mood-boosting effects of spending time with puppies. One study related to Animal-Assisted Therapy found that interacting with animals and stroking them lowers blood pressure and boosts serotonin levels. Add yoga breathing and stretching to the mix, and you’ve got a practice that benefits both body and mind.

In this guide, we’ll break down how puppy yoga works, what to expect at your first class, the health benefits, how it compares to traditional yoga, and even how to find puppy yoga classes near you in cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Toronto.

What Is Puppy Yoga?

At its simplest, puppy yoga is a yoga class with adorable puppies roaming freely around the room. The practice typically includes beginner-friendly poses led by a yoga instructor, with plenty of breaks to interact with the pups.

You don’t need to learn difficult movements for this class, it’s all about balance. You just need to be relaxed and enjoy the puppy cuddles while performing mindful stretches. You can pet them, cuddle them, or just let them go around.

How Puppy Yoga Works

A puppy yoga session usually lasts 45–60 minutes and is structured like this: First, you'll need a yoga mat, you can bring one or take one from the class if they provide one. You'll then be introduced to the puppies, which are usually 8-12 weeks old.

Your yoga will start with a gentle warm-up that includes simple breathing techniques and stretches to prepare the body. At this time, puppies begin to explore the mats and participants. They might climb on you, give you kisses, curl up in your lap, or simply nap beside you. The yoga practice includes classic poses such as downward dog, child’s pose, seated twists, etc.

Your session will conclude with a cool down and lots of puppy cuddles. With puppy yoga, the goal isn’t intensity, it’s relaxation and quality time with the puppies.

Benefits of Puppy Yoga

There are endless benefits of puppy yoga just like regular exercise. It offers physical as well as mental and emotional benefits.

Physical Benefits

You can build flexibility and improve posture just like traditional yoga. It encourages gentle movement for beginners and keeps your cortisol level lower through deep breathing.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

The increased oxytocin boosts your mood and you’ll be much happier. It enhances mindfulness, with all the puppies wandering around you can’t help but stay present. It helps reduce anxiety and stress more efficiently than regular yoga.

Social Benefits

With all that, it offers various social benefits as well. You can create your own community through shared fun. What’s better than having friends and sharing the joy of puppies? The cause also supports local breeders and shelters. And it often encourages people to adopt puppies. Last but not least, it makes yoga a lot less intimidating for beginners.

Puppy Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga

Both practices have value, but the focus is different.

Puppy Yoga

• Atmosphere: Social, lighthearted, and fun
• Focus: Relaxation and human–animal connection
• Distractions: High (playful puppies are part of the experience)
• Best for: Stress relief, beginners, and anyone looking for a community-style class

Traditional Yoga

• Atmosphere: Calm, structured, and meditative
• Focus: Proper alignment and depth of practice
• Distractions: Minimal, allowing full concentration
• Best for: Serious practitioners, advanced training, and those seeking discipline

If you want a sweat-heavy, meditative class, stick with traditional yoga. If you want joy, lightheartedness, and stress relief, puppy yoga delivers.

How to Do Puppy Yoga Pose

There isn’t a formal “puppy yoga pose,” but here are three fun twists:

1. Downward Dog with Puppy Crawl – Hold the pose while a puppy walks under you. Great for core control and laughter.
2. Seated Forward Fold with Puppy Lap Rest – Stretch forward as a puppy curls up in your lap.
3. Child’s Pose with Puppy Nap –Puppies often nap on your back, and it’s an instant relaxation enhancer.

These simple adjustments remind you that participating in puppy yoga is about joy, not perfection.

What to Expect at Your First Puppy Yoga Class

If you’re searching “puppy yoga near me” or “yoga with puppies near me”, here’s what your first class might look like:

• Atmosphere: Energetic, sometimes chaotic, but always heartwarming.
• Puppies: Young, curious, sometimes nipping or scratching lightly (normal puppy play).
• Instructor: A certified yoga instructor keeps things beginner-friendly.
• What to Bring: A yoga mat, comfortable clothing, water, and a playful mindset.

Many classes end with a donation opportunity or time to ask about adoption.

Finding Puppy Yoga Classes Near You

Puppy yoga is now offered in many major cities. You’ll find classes in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and London, as well as smaller towns through shelters and pop-ups.

Look for:

• Yoga studios hosting puppy yoga events
• Animal shelters teaming up with instructors
• Community centers or pop-up venues

Search for terms like “puppy yoga classes near me”, “dog yoga near me”, or “yoga with puppies near me” to find local options. Just remember: spots sell out fast!

Health and Safety Considerations

A few tips before attending:

• Wash your hands after class (puppies are still developing immunity).
• If you have dog allergies, skip this practice.
• Only choose classes that partner with ethical rescues or responsible local breeders.