Side Angle Pose with Fetching Fido: Doga Pose Number 9

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Tanner Finally Joins In!

Although I've continued to have him at the corner of my mat, my Golden boy, Tanner, has not played much of a part in my practice until recently. This pose is such a perfect one for him, giving him a real job that is actually helpful to me. I can lean on him like I would a block, using him to help adjust my stretch and balancing myself at the same time--all good jobs for a bigger dog.

You may think this sounds cockamamie, but I think Tanner actually liked having a job with a purpose. He's not just there to be cute or held like a little dumpling. He's serving, a job generally left to Oliver in our home. I can't wait to show you what we have accomplished with the Airplane pose, coming next week!

Take your time with Side Angle Pose, trying various types of balancing objects, in addition to your leg. You certainly do not want to use your dog until you're comfortable with the position and your flexibility in it. Have a chair and a couple of blocks nearby to give yourself options. Here goes:

I'm still enjoying my reading in the Yoga Journal, where I found this tidbit to share for my weekly quote:

An important component of yoga is focusing on the present. Studies have found that regular yoga practice improves coordination, reaction time, memory, and even IQ scores. People who practice Transcendental Meditation demonstrate the ability to solve problems and acquire and recall information better--probably because they're less distracted by their thoughts, which can play over and over like an endless tape loop.

Wow, that last statement really hit me where I live--the thoughts playing over and over. Am I alone?

Our first 8 poses, published earlier, are at the following links, as well as at our dedicated Doga page. We hope you enjoy following along and that you'll offer your comments and ideas for incorporating your dogs easily and safely into your practice, either here or at our Facebook page where we can all support one another. The comment link is always open at the bottom of my posts.

• Easy Seated Pose to Enjoy Dog Massage
• Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold with Fido
• Yoga Push Ups with Your Dog Companion
• Cobra Pose and Upward Facing Dog
• Downward Facing Dog
• Forward Fold with Fido
• Woofing Warrior I, Sun Salutation
• Woofing Warrior II, Sun Salutation

Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start this or any other workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.