Goodbye Goats! Puppy Yoga Is the New Thing to Do in the Park

Your New Exercise Partner has Four Paws

Mar 10, 2025

brown and white long coated dog on green grass field during daytime — Photo by Amber Aquart on Unsplash

Goats are cute. With their little beards and distinct bleat, it’s hard not to want to give them a pet and maybe a handful of seeds. Goat yoga has become extremely popular in the last few years for that very reason.

Now there’s a new animal being added to the yogi’s menagerie—cute, lovable puppies! Puppy yoga is just like regular yoga, only cute dogs are roaming around the studio or park.

There are many benefits to doing downward dog with the dogs!

Benefits for the Puppy

A puppy isn’t necessarily going to stand in a tree pose or hold their hands in prayer to say “Namaste” after a session. That would be mind-blowing! However, the doggos do benefit from puppy yoga almost as much as their human counterparts.

Being able to roam free in an open environment is great for a dog’s socialization. They will get used to being around other people and other animals, making them more friendly and approachable.

According to the American Kennel Club, some shelters are even hosting puppy yoga in the park and using it as an adoption event. It’s hard not to want a dog of your own after the class is over!

Benefits for the Person

Doing yoga is a great way to boost your flexibility, balance, and core strength. It’s also a way to relax and unwind after a long day, especially when paired with meditation.

Add in a few puppies, and you’ll get even more from your yoga workout. Studies have shown that spending time with animals lowers your cortisol levels. This is the primary chemical that causes you to feel stressed. Lower cortisol also means a lower blood pressure.

Furthermore, spending time with animals boosts oxytocin, also known as the “feel-good chemical” in your brain. You’ll feel happier being around puppies. Couple that with the stress-reducing nature of yoga, and you’ll walk away from a session in the best spirits.

Criticisms of Puppy Yoga

It may sound like fun to put on your stretchy pants, grab your mat, and do yoga with a bunch of puppies. However, there are criticisms against the exercise that should be taken into account.

Some animal welfare advocates aren’t thrilled about the idea of doing puppy yoga. Esme Wheeler wrote for The Guardian that puppy yoga “monetizes” and “commodifies” these animals. She argues that some of the dogs are deprived of food and water during the yoga sessions and woken from their sleep to participate.

If you do participate in puppy yoga, make sure you choose an ethical facility or program that treats the dogs with respect. It should be a loving, nurturing environment for both the people and the pooches!

Those with dander allergies may have trouble breathing during the session. There’s also the cleanliness factor. Dogs can have fleas or squat down to do their business on the ground near you. It’s tough to fully relax and engage if you’re worried about that happening.

As long as it’s clean and ethical, then puppy yoga can be a fun activity to do with friends. It also makes for incredible pictures and memories. Here’s to a paws-itive experience for everyone!