With the rising popularity of puppy yoga classes, many animal lovers are eager to take part in this adorable exercise trend. However, some have concerns about puppy yoga ethics such as welfare implications of using puppies for yoga sessions. From reports of puppy mills supplying studios with their litters to concerns about overstressed dogs, it's understandable to be cautious before signing up. After all, no one wants to inadvertently support an unethical operation that prioritises profits over puppy wellbeing.

For those looking for an experience that follows proper puppy yoga ethics, Puppysphere is widely regarded as the leading company providing events focused on puppy welfare. So how can you identify an operator following proper puppy yoga ethics like Puppysphere? Here are 5 critical signs to look for:

An ethical puppy yoga company will ensure all puppies have constant access to fresh, clean drinking water before, during, and after classes. Proper hydration is a key aspect of puppy yoga ethics, vital for a puppy's health and wellbeing.

An article by ZigZag says “During sleep, your puppy’s brain takes time to process all of the new information they are learning – and it’s such an incredible amount. It’s basically kindergarten and all of primary school, in just a few months. Truly mind-blowing!”

Reputable puppy yoga providers who follow proper puppy yoga ethics understand puppies have limited stamina and attention spans. They will schedule mandatory break periods between classes to allow the puppies to rest, relieve themselves, and simply be puppies away from the demands of yoga sessions. Ideally during these breaks the puppies will be in a dark, quiet, and secluded area to ensure they get the most out of their rest time.

The studio or space used for puppy yoga should be kept immaculately clean at all times. Companies who follow proper puppy yoga ethics have strict cleaning protocols using vet-approved products that effectively kill bacteria. They clean before, during, and after classes to maintain a hygienic environment. There should be no evidence of past litters, ensuring no cross-contamination between different groups of puppies. A reputable studio should provide clean mats for participants rather than asking them to bring their own, further minimising contamination risks.

Before each class begins, the staff should provide a briefing on how to properly interact with and handle the puppies. This ensures guests treat the puppies gently and respectfully to avoid inadvertently causing stress or harm.

This guidance not only protects the puppies but also enhances the experience for participants, leading to more positive interactions. Following puppy yoga ethics, the goal is to socialise the puppies, providing them with enriching experiences that will help them transition smoothly to their forever homes.

Perhaps the biggest indicator is the puppies themselves. Companies that adhere to puppy yoga ethics will never force distressed or overwhelmed puppies into classes. The puppies should appear relaxed, sociable, and comfortable in their surroundings.

While puppy yoga can be an incredibly cute and fun experience, never compromise on the wellbeing of the puppies. Following puppy yoga ethics, an ethical operator like Puppysphere prioritises the health and happiness of the pups above all else. Learn more on Puppysphere’s ethics page here.