An adorable new weekend activity has just arrived in Adelaide, courtesy of the cutest wellness class hosts, Yoga Paws. Feeling relaxed, uplifted, and a whole lot more mindful is taken to a heart-melting new level, with playful puppies now stretching their paws and sharing the mats.
60-minute sessions held on Saturdays and Sundays, include guided yoga with a qualified instructor, surrounded by beautiful little furry friends. Around 10 to 20 participants share the studio with 5 to 12 puppies. The sessions are designed around reducing stress and supporting puppy socialisation.
Co-founded by Harry McCann and partner Tea-Maria, Yoga Paws began in Brisbane last year as a passion project. The idea came not long after the couple adopted their Dalmatian, Shelly.
“We wanted to do something that integrated puppies into a sort of human activity to help socialise them at a young age,” McCann said.
What began as a fortnightly hobby soon turned into a full-time venture. The concept quickly and unsurprisingly gained momentum in Brisbane and expanded to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, and Perth. Now Adelaide has joined the party, and to say it’s been popular is a massive understatement.
“We’re in our fourth week in Adelaide,” Harry said. “The reception has been incredible. Adelaide seems to be loving Puppy Yoga and the puppies we’re working with as well.”
Yoga Paws partners with ethical breeders and South Australian shelters to bring puppies into a safe, low-pressure environment that supports early socialisation, and helps lift spirits to off-the-leash levels of happiness. The studio is thoroughly cleaned between sessions using vet-approved sanitiser. As they say, “a clean studio is a happy studio.”
Puppy Yoga is open to anyone aged 12 and over, and no prior yoga experience is needed. Bookings are essential and can be made via the Yoga Paws website. New sessions are released three weeks in advance. Group bookings and private sessions are also available, including at-home or corporate events.
So while you may not perfect every pose, you’ll leave feeling uplifted and calm, covered in a little puppy hair to show for it.
Yoga Paws Puppy Yoga
Where: Eastside Yoga & Pilates, 370 Kensington Rd, Erindale
When: Every Saturday and Sunday
For more information and booking, click here.
