Tips for Safety & Success

We ask that participants arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the class. Arriving early allows you to get acclimated to the space, and helps ensure that the class gets started on time without unnecessary interruptions.  

Namaste and Play Dog Yoga does NOT provide yoga mats for the class participants. We strongly encourage all participants to bring their own yoga mat to use during the class.

We encourage participants to wear comfortable clothing during the class to allow you to feel less restricted while completing yoga poses.  Due to dogs being dogs, we also ask that you wear clothing and shoes that do not hold high value. Dogs/puppies may have an accident or attempt to chew on your clothing and shoes during the class.

Though the purpose of this class is to have fun, we ask that everyone participating be mindful of their surroundings while completing yoga poses. Being aware increases the safety of the dogs/puppies and other participants in the class. This will also prevent any unnecessary injuries.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all yogi's and dogs/puppies, it is imperative for all participants to know how to properly and respectfully handle the dogs/puppies.

• Approach dogs/puppies slowly and calmly.
• Don't chase the dogs, allow them to come to you. Respect that the dogs/puppies at the class could be shy, over stimulated, and/or anxious from the environment, all the people, and all of the new stimuli.
• Pick up the dog/puppy by supporting their body. Do not pick them up by their limbs, or the back of their neck.
• Please do not force the dogs into yoga poses. This could compromise their safety and health. 
•  If a dog is whining, barking or attempting to get free while you are handling them, we ask that you gently set them down, and respect their boundaries.
• Please be aware of non verbal cues from the dog/puppy. Showing teeth, hair up on the back of their neck, attempting to bite you.

Unlike a regular yoga class where using your cell phone is discouraged, we highly encourage to bring your phone to the class. Feel free to take pictures, videos and snaps having fun to post to your social media accounts. We do ask that you are respectful of those around you while using your phone, because not all participants want to end up in your pictures/videos/snaps.

Prior to the yoga class, let the yoga instructor know of any physical restrictions/limitations and injuries you may have. This is important for your safety and so that the yoga instructor can modify poses to help you have the most beneficial and safe experience as possible.