If you search on the internet, there is some crazy stuff happening with humans and dogs in classes and on yoga mats! We take yoga, human, and pet health seriously, so, if you are wondering what serious people think about Yoga with your Dog, read what the celebrity Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan said in an interview last year:
Q. “But is this a good thing for our dogs? I asked the Dog Whisperer. He said it’s OK to baby our dogs — within limits. “A dog can be everything,” Millan said. “It can be a child, it can be a soul mate, it can be a partner. But he’s animal and dog first.”
Millan, who grew up in Mexico, believes most American dogs are unstable because they lack owners who understand dogs’ pack mentality, and therefore fail to provide strong leadership. Millan promotes a regimen that includes long daily walks and requires a good deal of time and dedication on the part of dog owners.
Although he talks tough about discipline and boundaries for our dogs, Millan’s philosophy shares a basic premise with the dog-pampering culture that keeps dog yoga instructors, canine cancer clinics and organic dog treat manufacturers in business: Dogs are important. They deserve our attention. As Millan put it, “Dogs are always going to fulfill our needs, but the question is: ‘Are we fulfilling their needs?’ “
Susan Wanmer, ‘dogini’, creator of the original Australian practical ‘Yoga with your Dog’, respects the advice of dog behaviourists such as Cesar Millan, and the tradition of yoga. Yoga with your Dogi (!) will teach you to be, in Millan’s words ‘calm-assertive’, to understand energy within yourself and the effect on others, as well as encouraging you, and your dog to move, wriggle, free up your joints and mobilise your spine within a safe range of movement. “It is fine to be silly, and play with the dog, but Yoga with your Dog isn’t about humanising your pet, or making it do tricks – just like yoga isn’t about being a gymnast or a contortionist!”.
“If you would like to understand it better, I do run regular talks and workshops – but call me at the Studio, or e-mail me your questions”. The next seminar is this Friday 13 June at 6.30 pm. Bookings essential. Half-price $70 – just $35. Level one is for everyone – no previous yoga necessary.
Contact Susan on (07) 33697404, or yoga@miltonyogastudio.com.au .