Animal welfare groups are slamming puppy yoga classes coming to Dublin

Puppy Yoga Dublin will be hosting a series of classes next month, which are said to include 30 minutes of yoga followed by 30 minutes of ‘cuddle’ with the puppies.

A brand ambassador for Husky Rescue Ireland said the company had contacted them with a view to attending a free class.

However, the request prompted an angry response from the organization, which said these lessons are not appropriate.

“Please know that this is not right; puppies should not be used as a marketing tool or device,” according to an Instagram post from Husky Rescue Ireland.

“Not to mention that the fallout from this issue will put more pressure on the pounds and rescues that are already full and struggling to stay open.”

My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue, which rehabilitates and rehomes unwanted, neglected and abused animals, also said it disagrees with these types of classes.

“We’ve heard complaints from the UK from people saying you can’t give the puppies water or they’ll pee,” says Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue.

“If these were rescue dogs that would be great, but advertising puppy yoga with puppies from supposedly good breeders that are up to 12 weeks old is highly unlikely.

“We’re fighting a dog crisis right now, and this is essentially the marketing of designer dogs, and we don’t know where they come from,” she added.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) also told the Irish Independent that they agree with the sentiments of those at My Lovely Horse Rescue.

A spokesperson for Puppy Yoga Dublin said it is “very passionate about animal welfare” and takes the issue “very seriously”.

“We already have several studios in Europe and are used to working with and selecting responsible breeders,” they said.

“The puppies that come to our studios are all weaned and vaccinated, ready to leave the breeding environment and their mother.

“When they come to join the session, they have already been reserved or adopted and will join their families a few days or weeks after the yoga session.

“We are acutely aware of the problem of abandoned dogs and that is why we have decided to reach out to numerous shelters and shelters to welcome dogs in need of a family.

“We will dedicate yoga sessions to dogs from rescue organizations that need a new home.

“We are currently awaiting responses from various reception centers in Dublin. This would give visibility to these shelters and the dogs waiting for a family.

“In our studios, the puppies have their own space to chill out and sleep and have access to water and food.

“The breeder is present during the sessions, together with two employees who are responsible for supervising the puppies.

“We have had nothing but excellent feedback from our breeders about the benefits of this activity. This allows the puppies to socialize with their siblings before joining their new family.

“We have also undergone numerous veterinary checks in various studios, which have shown that the well-being of the puppies is well assured,” said the spokesperson.

In Britain, the RSPCA has previously urged animal lovers to say no to puppy yoga classes, a practice it says could be detrimental to dog welfare and encourage unscrupulous dog traders.

“The sessions involve puppies – some as young as six weeks old – walking around during a yoga class and in some cases being recorded in yoga poses,” they said.

“In recent years it has gained popularity, especially among celebrities and influencers.

“But while organizers claim it is good for the socialization of the puppies, the RSPCA says there is nothing in the environment that we believe is beneficial to the health, welfare or lifelong behavioral development of these animals.”

Esme Wheeler, dog behaviourist at the RSPCA, added: “Putting a young puppy in situations where they feel overwhelmed and scared could lead to a negative reaction and the possible development of behavioral problems in the future.

“Unfortunately, these puppy yoga classes are harmful to the puppies and people should think twice before attending one.”