Puppy yoga pairs stretching with snuggling

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aging Untold) — Downward dog has a new meaning in Charlotte, where yoga classes include puppies. The classes blend calm movement with play, rest and cuddle time.

What happens in a puppy yoga class

The puppies don’t follow the poses, but that is part of the appeal.

“Everyone loves puppies and everyone loves yoga, and it’s a great way to kind of bridge the two,” said Jessica Seisay, a yoga instructor who is one of thousands across the country hosting this type of workout.

First-time participant Taylor Manley said the class left her calm. A puppy just wanted to sit in her lap the whole time, she said.

“I was trying to relax with him, and he was gonna make me go to sleep with him,” Manley said.

What research says about animal contact

Studies show contact with animals can lower cortisol levels and raise serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that boost mood and reduce anxiety.

Taylor Terry, the breeder of the puppies in the class, said she sees the effect on people.

“A lot of people are actually dealing with anxiety and depression, so it’s definitely a good place to just like, decompress,” Terry said. “Every time you see puppies, you just get happy.”

The puppies benefit, too

Terry said the classes also help socialize the puppies. She said they start out unsure of the people in the room.

“After like 10 minutes, they’re just like, ‘Oh my God, this is so fun,’” Terry said. “They’re running around everywhere.”

By the end of class, she said, the puppies are socializing and “having a good time.”

Terry said some puppies also meet future families in class.

Aging Untold hosts weigh in

Aging well coach Katherine Ambrose called puppy yoga “brilliant.”

“Yoga could do all those things, and puppies can do all those things for you. Combine them, you get the best of both worlds,” Ambrose said.

“Give me a yoga mat and a bunch of puppies and I don’t care if I stretch. I just want the puppies,” gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck said.

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