Marcela Castro Wedel is a physiotherapist and certified instructor of the Pilates and yoga disciplines. She is also a dog trainer who believes that doga, the practice of yoga with a canine companion, is a discipline that carries even more benefits than traditional yoga.

Doga combines a series of yoga poses and breathing exercises that humans can perform along with canines. The idea is for both owner and pet to share a relaxing moment together, with the owner providing acupressure and massage to the pet. The range of poses and exercises largely depend on the size and weight of the dog.

Just like with yoga, alleviating daily stress is one of the main goals behind doga. Strengthening the bonds between pets and their owners is another significant benefit. According to Ms. Castro, the essence of yoga is to form a connection with life itself, something that is enhanced by incorporating a pet dog.

Ms. Castro has been practicing yoga since high school. She started with Hatha Yoga and in 2009 she became certified at the world-famous Nosara Yoga Institute in the Nicoya region of Guanacaste. Prior to deciding to make a living teaching this ancient discipline, Ms. Castro participated in swimming, triathlons and Pilates.

In an interview with 506 magazine, Ms. Castro explained that the idea to practice and teach doga classes emerged from her love of animals. One day she noticed that one of her pets, Loki, watched her intently as she performed yoga routines. During the relaxation phase of her routine, Loki would enjoy laying down close to her. She set out to do online research and came across doga and decided to take up instruction and organize it into an activity that Ticos and animal lovers can enjoy.

Doga can be practiced by any owner and his or her pet dog. It is an ideal addendum to obedience training, but should never be seen as a replacement to a dog’s daily exercise regime. For dogs that seem to be naturally hyperactive (here Dalmatians come to mind), doga can be a way to help them channel their raw energy into relaxation.

Ms. Castro is the leader of the Costa Rica Yoga con Perros group, an organization that is involved not only in doga, but also into advancing animal welfare. Their sessions at La Sabana serve as fundraisers for their charitable causes that benefit pets and stray dogs.

To find out more about animal welfare efforts in Costa Rica, please read our previous articles about the McKee Project and other pet charitable organizations.