My dog's morning yoga ritual

[GSP 4 me]

My GSP sleeps in our home on his dog bed and every morning he goes through several stretching poses. I must say that it's pretty entertaining to watch....almost like a gymnist preparing for a workout.
He has three favorite standard poses:
The seated pose with his muzzle pointed straight up at the ceiling and accompanied by several grunts.
The front paws to the ground and rear-end in the air (looks like he's bowing).
The previous pose is usually followed by what looks almost like he's on point, but with one of his rear legs stretched out behind him.

I'm sure this is mother nature's way of making sure our dog's get limber enough prior to exerting themselves without pulling a muscle.

What stretching poses does your dog like to do?

[nitrex]

I have a few with the same morning ritual!!! I wish I was that flexible.

Nitrex

[MTO4Life]

My dog does the same! The new dog to our house will do the bow stretch, then arch his back like a cat and stretch that way... pretty funny!!

[luke0927]

the 1 i let sleep in the house lays on his back and sticks all 4 up in the air.....

[kerplunk105]

Leena sleeps in my bed at night She usually stretches after I get up.

1. She is still laying down. She pushed her front legs out and almost pulls her feet into the bed. Her whole upper body is stretched/tense at this point.

2. She jumps off the bed, and does the down doggie as I call it. It sounds pretty similar to your dog, its a dog "play bow". Butt up in the air and "elbows" down on the ground with her head up as well.

3. She stretches each back leg before running down the stairs to go out

[Ayres]

The "play bow" stretch.. there's actually a Yoga move called "Downward Dog" that mimics that stretch. Try doing it. Don't bend your knees. Keep your heels on the ground. Good luck!

Both Justus and Belle have the same routine upon waking in the morning or from a nap. Stretch the front, stretch the back, shake, and good to go.

[GSP 4 me]

Oh yeah, I forgot about the "shake" and the yawns while he does his ritual.

[kerplunk105]

I do a bit of Yoga. Downward dog feels soo good for your back. I can see why dogs do it