There was a high level of serotonin in the air as the pups ruled 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 response has been incredible.

“It feels good, we just finished a night shift and we haven’t had much sleep, so it’s really nice and relaxing,” says Rose Snelgrove, a puppy yoga participant.

Shipra has struggled with anxiety herself and it was her own dog who helped her through it. She says she also loves seeing how happy people are when they are with puppies.

“I was just looking for ways to connect people and animals,” says Chaubey.

“It was growing in other provinces as well and I thought Halifax deserved it too, so I did it.”

Classes are currently available every weekend for ages 16 and up unless otherwise noted, and teens must be under parental supervision. Shipra says exceptions can be made for younger ones depending on the breed of puppies.

Puppies relax before yoga session. (CTV/Emma Convey)Classes are one hour long, 40 minutes of yoga and 20 minutes of puppy cuddles. This can vary depending on the puppies’ behavior and whether people want to spend more time cuddling them.

Shipra does a breed reveal every week, because the puppies are always different.

“We’ve had a lot of breeds here, we’ve had golden retrievers, toller ducks, St. Bernese, German shepherds, mini-Aussie, American bullies, chihuahuas,” Chaubey says.

These sessions have many benefits.

“For puppies, it’s a great way of socialization before they enter their new world,” says Chaubey.

“For people, anyone dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety or depression, it’s nice to come here and release that stress.”

One of the yoga instructors, Stephanie Olive, says she loves teaching yoga, but when you add puppies, it’s a great combination.

“Serotonin levels definitely skyrocket when you practice yoga with puppies,” says Olive.

She says there are many added benefits to each session.

“Being able to move your body is fantastic, but being able to move your body with a puppy chewing on your hair is a joy. »

Many customers return every week. Alyssa Higgins is one who says she loves it.

“I love coming every time. I just love being with puppies,” says Higgins

Haligonians enjoying the company of puppies at Halifax Puppy Yoga. (CTV/Emma Convey)Many are also trying it for the first time. Some like Katherine Heim say it won’t be her last.

“It’s a great stress reliever and such a fun time petting an animal that you don’t realize how much it calms you,” says Heim.

Others, like Jasmine Fernander, say it’s a great break after half term.

“Midterms and I almost have to go back to the final… but it’s like a relaxing time,” Fernander says.

The puppies who participated in Saturday’s session have now gone home forever. While Sunday’s session welcomed short-haired pointers.

Haligonians are now awaiting the puppy reveal next week.

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