Are you and your dog stressed? Try some 'doga'

(WZZM) - The practice of yoga is known for the calming effect it has on the body and the increased flexibility.

Did you know that your dog can also benefit from practicing yoga? It's called Doga.

Yoga instructor Jessica Tomaz says it uses a lot of the same poses and stretches of a traditional yoga class but also includes acupuncture. "It combines the same aspects of traditional yoga poses stretches and meditation."

Meditation for your dog??

Yes, the practice begins with the tradional "ooohhhhmmmm."

"The benefits for the dog then become increased - bonding with the owner. The strength and flexibility that the dog will develop from the practice and then also will relieve stress and
anxiety," says Tomaz.

Many yoga poses were inspired by animals and the natural ways in which they move their bodies, like downward facing dog. "That pose was developed looking at the dogs that stretch upon waking."

Tomaz has been practicing yoga with her dog Cocoa for several years. "When I first started, she was really bound up, especially in the shoulder joints and the hind legs and by doing just simple stretches by lengthening the front paws, I'm able to see a big difference in how high she is able to lift."

Tomaz incorporates traditional yoga poses. "Then as we come up to what we call a standing arch in yoga, we're just going to give our dogs a little belly stretch, so you are just going to grab them right under the front paws."

But don't always expect your practice to go perfectly, because part of the Doga practice includes a little play time too. It's at that point that Cocoa decides to wander off for a moment, which Tomaz says is perfectly acceptable. "It's a big part of it, because of the socialization element."

Tomaz says another very important part includes practicing acupressure. "Start with the fingers on the back of the head... and we'll just apply a slight pressure here behind the ears."

Finding the pressure points releases tension. "Right where their shoulders meet right below that spot on either side of the spine it helps with circulation and also bladder function."

And helps to bring your dog into a calmer more peaceful state, which Cocoa does a good job demonstrating by taking a big nap at the end of class.

If you're interested in trying out a Doga class, one will be offered on Sunday November 22 from 1-2p at Seva Yoga in East Grand Rapids. The class is $20 and limited to 10 dogs.