Puppy yoga is now a trending way to exercise in Halifax
There was a high level of serotonin in the air as puppies ran the studio Saturday morning.
Halifax puppy yoga, believed to be the first in the region, takes place every weekend in Halifax.
Shipra Chaubey founded the classes in the spring and the reaction has been incredible.
“It feels pretty good, we just came off a night shift and we haven't slept much so this is really nice and relaxing,” says Rose Snelgrove, a puppy yoga attendee.
Shipra struggled with anxiety herself and it was her own dog that helped her through this. She says she loves seeing how happy people are when they are around puppies as well.
"I was just looking for ways to connect people and animals,” says Chaubey.
“This was growing a lot in other provinces as well and then I thought Halifax deserves this as well, so I just did it."
The classes are currently available every weekend for those 16 and older unless specified, and teens must have parental supervision. Shipra says exceptions can be made for those younger depending on the breed of the puppies.
Puppies relax before the yoga session. (CTV/Emma Convey)The classes are an hour, 40 minutes of yoga and 20 minutes of puppy snuggles. This can vary depending on the puppies’ behaviours and if people want to spend more time cuddling them.
Shipra does a breed reveal every week, as the puppies are always different.
"We've had a lot of breeds here, we've had golden retrievers, duck tollers, St. Bernese, German Shepherds, mini-Aussie, America bullies, Chihuahuas,” says Chaubey.
These sessions come with many benefits.
"For puppies it's great for socialization before they step into their new world,” says Chaubey.
“For people, anyone struggling with trauma, PTSD, any anxiety or depression, it’s good to come here and release that stress."
One of the yoga instructors Stephanie Olive says she loves teaching yoga, but when you add in puppies it's a great combination.
"Serotonin levels definitely go through the roof when you're practicing yoga with puppies around,” says Olive.
She says there are many added benefits with each session.
“Getting to move your body is fantastic but getting to move your body with a puppy chewing on your hair is a burst of joy.”
There are many returning customers each week. Alyssa Higgins is one who says she just loves it.
"I love coming every time. It's just I love being around puppies,” says Higgins.
Haligonians enjoying the company of puppies at Halifax Puppy Yoga. (CTV/Emma Convey)
There are also many who are trying it out for the first time. Some like Katherine Heim say it won’t be her last.
"It’s a great stress relief and such a fun time to pet an animal, you don't realize how much it just calms you down,” says Heim.
Others like Jasmine Fernander say it's a great break after midterms.
"Midterms and almost have to go back into finals... but this is like a relaxing time,” says Fernander.
The puppies that were in Saturday's session are now off to their forever homes. While Sunday’s session welcomed Shorthaired Pointers.
Puppies relax before the session starts. (CTV/Emma Convey)
Now Haligonians await next week's puppy reveal.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.