Barks and Balance: An Inside Look at an OC Puppy Yoga Class

Crocodile Yoga Pose

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and stumbled upon those impossibly cute videos of downward-dog-meets-actual-dog, you’ve probably thought to yourself: Is puppy yoga really a thing? 

Consisting of part yoga, part cuddle session, and part chaotic joy, puppy yoga has been popping up across Orange County and beyond as a way to reconnect with wellness without taking things too seriously. It promises light movement, a burst of serotonin, and a whole lot of tail-wagging fun.

We were curious. Is puppy yoga actually worth the hype? To find out, we sat down with Lisa, an Orange County local, who recently signed up for her very first puppy yoga session. Here’s what she had to say about this trendy, tail-wagging experience.

The Setting

When Lisa signed up for puppy yoga, she imagined a bright, airy studio or maybe a sunlit space filled with calming music and greenery. When she pulled up to a warehouse instead, she was a little thrown off.

Lisa mentioned that while it was not what she expected, the location ended up working out. She told us that the space managed to fit 20 yoga mats (provided and cleaned by the company), and it was surprisingly welcoming. It may not have been the peaceful yoga sanctuary you'd expect, but it turned out to be just right for an hour of playful, puppy-filled chaos.

Meet the Puppy Lineup

Lisa’s class featured a group of lively black and silver Labrador puppies, plus one charming Pomeranian puppy who made quite the impression.

These puppies came from a private breeder and were available for purchase at around $2,400 each, Lisa said. She said she wasn’t sure about the Pomeranian puppy.

Adorable Pomeranian puppy

Yoga vs. Puppy Time: The Ratio

If you’re hoping for a deep vinyasa flow, keep your expectations light.

“It was about 35% yoga and 65% puppy time,” Lisa explained. “No one really minded.” She mentioned that the yoga was super easy and accessible and everyone was just happy to be there.

Who Shows Up for Puppy Yoga?

Lisa described a warm, mixed crowd: about 20 people total, including kids, solo guests, moms and daughters, grandparents, and couples. In other words, it’s for everyone who needs a break from the grind and a hit of pure puppy joy.

Let’s Talk Real Talk

“Lots of pees and poops,” Lisa said with a laugh. “They were great about cleaning up, though.” At the end of class, everyone made a circle to contain the puppies in a sweet, slightly chaotic finale that brought everyone together (and kept the pups from escaping).

Final Thoughts

Puppy yoga might be the spoonful of joy your wellness routine needs. You’ll stretch, you’ll laugh, and you’ll leave feeling lighter. So go ahead and try it once. You may not become a regular, but you’ll never look at “self-care” the same way again.

Want to try Puppy Yoga in Orange County?

Keep an eye on our LuxaDaisy Events Page for upcoming listings and local wellness adventures. Whether it’s goat yoga, candlelit sound baths, or something as cuddly as this — we’ve got you.