Ethical Puppy Yoga
Puppy Yoga in Toronto has become super popular over the last few years, what isn’t to like? Puppies bouncing around while you’re in pose. However what is good for the human isn’t necessarily good for the puppy. The Puppy Yoga classes are sold as “socialization” for the puppies making it appear as though this is a good thing for them. Ethical Puppy Yoga doesn't just mean the people handling the puppies are trained, or water is provided and they get a break in between classes. Puppy Yoga needs to be ethical in the broader sense, here some things to consider when looking at taking a Puppy Yoga Class.
#1. Where are the puppies coming from?
Most of the time they are being rented from breeders. The breeder is paid a fee and the litter of puppies are dropped off at the Yoga Studio in the morning to perform classes through out the day then picked up at the end of the day. This is not to say that all breeders are bad, for breeders these puppies are an investment waiting to grow into profit they are fed and treated well. However breeding isn’t love, it’s consumption over compassion. It is making breeding appear ethical while ignoring the over flow of shelters, rescue organizations and determining that cuteness is a commodity. There needs not to be one more puppy bred on this planet, there are more than enough dogs that need homes. It is as simple as being satisfied with that is available, demand creates supply. All of our guys are rescues, we have never used a breeder as a puppy source.
#2. Is it socialization in a new environment?
Simply put No, for every litter brought to the Yoga Studio that is a new environment for them. They do not use the same litter more than once after they have completed the day they were used for. Due to the sales cycle, the puppies are sold by the time they are 8.5 to 9 weeks so they wouldn’t be available to do another day there. So for each litter this is a new place for them, puppies thrive on structure, consistency, and familiarity. They will engage in the classes as they are curious but they are not relaxed. This is really hard on their bodies and when the day is done they are exhausted and confused. Our guys live with us and come to classes for weeks, maybe months depending. They are as familiar with Pudgy’s Place as they are their home.
#3. Do they get breaks?
There’s 2 answers to that, first yes most places will give the puppies a 30 to 45 min break in between classes. That isn’t long enough for them to eat and have a good long rest. The Pudgy Suite is low lighting, 2 HUGE couches, their pen with their beds. They nap on the couches, the rug, on us or in their beds - whatever they like. It’s important that a space is created where they can truly decompress, where they don’t need to stay alert because it’s a new environment. Pudgy’s are given 2 to 2.5 hours in between each class. Or if there is a party booked that day then they will not do the classes.
#4. Do they get food and water?
Yes all Puppy Yoga studios provide water. Food probably yes, however does the class schedule work around the puppies feeding schedule or vice versa? Pudgy’s are rescues so part of their recovery is good nutrition. We feed 4 times a day, smaller meals packed with nutrition spread out so the their little bodies are constantly fueled. We work the classes or private parties around THEIR schedule, we will not move a party into a time slot reserved for feeding then rest after feeding - no exceptions. People have offered to pay us more to have that time and we always refuse.
#5. Do they have free will?
What do we mean by free will, not all puppies like coming to Yoga Class. Some are too anxious, some are too tired and some just aren’t into people. Puppies are as different as humans in their likes and dislikes. However because people paid for the class the puppies are expected to be there. So no they do not have free will, if they do not want to participate they are lifted up from one person to the next so everyone gets puppy time. At Pudgy every puppy has free will, if they come to class and they don’t like it that’s fine. They can return to the Pudgy Suite to nap or play. Some puppies like to mix it up and come to class, spend a little time then return to the Pudgy Suite then back again - it’s their choice. In order to keep everyone happy we offer an additional 30 mins of Puppy time in the Pudgy Suite. You’re coming into their environment where they comfortable, lying on the couch with them. Playing with them on the rug, hanging out with them in the pen. This takes the pressure off the puppies to perform, allows the humans the puppy therapy they came for in an environment everyone can feel good about ethically.
