Hyderabad’s yoga-with-puppies communities are on the rise, blending fitness, fun, and furry companionship while also encouraging adoption and awareness of indie dog breeds. The trend has been gaining momentum, with two new groups launching this year and several others active since 2022. Weekend sessions are usually limited to one batch, but growing interest has led to days when two full batches of 20–25 participants each are held. “As an IT employee, my life is busy and stressful. However, attending yoga sessions with puppies truly helps me relax,” says G Saikiran, a regular participant in these sessions.

What is yoga with puppies?

Yoga with puppies, also known as ‘doga,’ was founded by Suzi Teitelman in the US. She began practicing it in 2001 and introduced the first official classes in 2002. This practice blends yoga with puppy interaction, promoting both fitness and emotional well-being.

‘My stress melts away with every cuddle’

Cuddling and playing with puppies has become a weekend stress-buster for many. Vaishnavi K, a first-time attendee at Pawfect Yoga Studio, shares, “I expected a fun experience, but I didn’t realise how calming it would be. Cuddling and playing with the pups instantly melted my stress away. I especially love being around Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.”

‘These sessions make me feel lighter’

Founded in February 2025, Pawsitive Puppy Yoga promotes stress relief and overall well-being. Sindhu, a new mother struggling with moderate depression, shares her experience, “These sessions brought me immense happiness, helping me reconnect with my emotions and reminding me of the joy and love I feel for my own baby. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.” The pictures given after each session have also become a charming highlight—participants often share them on social media, spreading the word and drawing more people to the experience.
“Yoga with puppies isn’t just a trend, it’s therapeutic practice. I support these activities as they help puppies build confidence, improve social behaviour, and grow into well-adjusted adult dogs”
– Parul Roy, veterinarian

‘I was unsure at first, but it changed my perspective’

While puppies are free to roam and cuddle during sessions, yoga ethics remain a priority — with trained instructors and volunteers ensuring the flow isn’t disrupted. “It’s all about finding that balance between joy and discipline,” says Pawga co-founder Subhashree Madhavan, who brought the concept to Hyderabad in 2022 after a successful launch in Chennai in 2019. Radhika, a participant, initially wondered how yoga with puppies — originally a Western concept would be accepted in India. But her perspective changed. “Watching the puppies play and interact, I realised it wasn’t just about yoga or pets—it was about connection, compassion, and community,” she shares.
“As a mother, seeing my daughter light up with joy was priceless. Laughing and playing with the puppies made it a special bonding experience, creating memories we’ll cherish forever”
– Malathi Baggu, interior designer

‘Puppy yoga promotes indie adoptions’

Encouraging indie dog adoption is central to these puppy yoga sessions, which collaborate with rescue shelters and NGOs. “Mirchi, an indie pup who joined the sessions at just two months old, survived a serious accident and now brings joy to participants. Indie adoptions should come without judgment,” says Annanya Nautiyal, founder of Pawasana. The initiative spreads awareness about adopting local breeds with love.

‘These sessions also help puppies’ overall growth’

Health and safety are at the heart of PawsnCollars’ puppy yoga sessions, with vaccinated puppies, volunteer caregivers, and strict hygiene protocols in place. Puppyfriendly mats are used, and a vet is always present on-site for emergencies, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.
– Sarmistha Ganguli