New to yoga? Intimidated by those Instagram-perfect poses and wondering if you need to be super flexible to join a class? Here some great news: puppy yoga might just be the perfect way to start your yoga journey.
In fact, we argue that puppy yoga is actually better for beginners than traditional yoga classes. Here’s why adding adorable puppies to your first yoga experience creates the ideal learning environment – and why you absolutely don need any prior experience to join us.
No experience needed – just bring your sense of adventure and love for puppies!
Why Puppy Yoga Is Perfect for Yoga Beginners
The Pressure Is Off (Thanks to Adorable Distractions)
Let be honest – one of the biggest barriers to starting yoga is feeling like you need to “look the part” or nail every pose perfectly. With puppies around, that pressure completely disappears.
When a curious golden retriever decides your downward dog looks like an invitation to play, suddenly no one cares if your form is perfect. The focus shifts from performance to presence, which is exactly what yoga should be about.
Natural Pace and Frequent Breaks
Traditional yoga classes can feel rushed for beginners trying to keep up with unfamiliar poses. Puppy yoga naturally creates a slower pace with built-in breaks – whether it’s pausing to let a sleepy puppy settle on your mat or taking a moment to laugh at their playful antics.
This gentler rhythm gives beginners time to:
- Actually understand each pose before moving to the next
- Rest when needed without feeling self-conscious
- Focus on breathing and mindfulness rather than rushing through sequences
Less Intimidating Environment
Walk into a traditional yoga studio and you might feel overwhelmed by the serious atmosphere and advanced practitioners. Puppy yoga classes attract people from all backgrounds and fitness levels, united by one thing: we’re all here for the puppies.
This creates a naturally welcoming, inclusive environment where beginners feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes.
What Beginner-Friendly Yoga Looks Like
Simple, Accessible Poses
Our puppy yoga sessions focus on foundational poses that work for all fitness levels:
Child’s Pose: Perfect for beginners and puppies love to cuddle up next to you
Cat-Cow Stretches: Gentle spinal movement that puppies often mirror adorably Seated Forward Fold: Great for flexibility without being intimidating
Gentle Twists: Helps with mobility while staying grounded
Savasana: The ultimate relaxation pose, often with a puppy nap buddy
Built-in Modifications
Having puppies around naturally creates pose modifications. Can’t reach your toes in a forward fold? No problem – you might be too busy gently petting a puppy by your feet. This organic approach to modifications helps beginners understand that yoga is about what feels good for your body, not achieving perfect alignment.
What to Expect in Your First Puppy Yoga Session
Arrival and Settling In
Come and join us at one of our lovely, studios in London. We combine yoga & puppy cuddles for a paw-fect experience! Find your mat & meet the pups!
Yoga(ish!)
Our classes involve a mix of puppy play, and yoga surrounded by the pups.
Ps. If you just want to cuddle the puppies, that’s totally ok with us!
Puppy Circle
At the end of our classes, we finish with a puppy circle! Get smothered in puppy cuddles & kisses – sound good?!
For more information about Puppy Play Activities and Puppy Pose Yoga Benefits visit here: pups yoga
