Animal campaigners are calling for puppy yoga to be banned in Britain, saying the controversial wellness trend beloved by influencers leaves the pups more likely to catch diseases, increases their anxiety and can even cause them to mistrust humans.
The demands for action come the day after Italy’s Ministry of Health banned the practice on animal welfare grounds, stating only adult dogs should take part in order to protect the health of animals and the safety of those who attend.
The often-instagrammed activity – which sees litters of puppies drafted in to human yoga classes – has been routinely criticised by animal rights groups over concerns for the dogs’ welfare.
An ITV investigation last year exposed exploitative puppy yoga practices such as not allowing the animals access to water to prevent them from weeing on the practicing yogis, as well keeping them in hot rooms.
The loud environments and constant handling by customers also prevent the pups from getting their much-needed 18-20 hours of sleep.
Campaigners and dog experts say these conditions can cause lifelong issues for the puppies – who have been found in some cases to be younger than eight weeks old.
Pictured: Ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison at a puppy yoga class in 2019
Megan Barton Hanson from Love Island at a puppy yoga class. Organiser Paws for Thought shares photos of celebs attending their classes
ITV filmed footage inside puppy yoga sessions as part of an investigation that has raised animal welfare concerns
The RSPCA said it hopes that Italy’s ban sends a message to people in England and Wales who still take part in the activity.
Esme Wheeler, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: ‘We should all want to see pets kept safe – but the RSPCA has been concerned for a long time that puppy yoga classes are not good for the puppies’ welfare.
‘Sadly, puppy yoga has gained more traction as time has gone on, with people thinking that it is ‘cute’ – but the puppies – sometimes younger than eight weeks – can be overwhelmed and frightened.
‘It can have such a detrimental effect on their welfare, but we’re really worried the popularity of this trend is being fuelled by social media.
‘Many puppy yoga organisers say the classes help socialise the animals, but socialisation needs to be carried out gradually, where exposure to various experiences, people and other animals is controlled and calm. Not doing so can have a negative effect on the puppy.
‘Only last month, a report from the EFRA parliamentary committee raised concerns about puppy yoga, and that the welfare of underage and potentially unvaccinated puppies in a setting may be detrimental to their health and wellbeing.
‘We hope the ban on puppy yoga in Italy sends a strong message to anyone considering attending one in this country to stay away.’
The reality TV star is seen stretching alongside the dogs and sometimes incorporating them into her poses
At one class hosted in Essex, puppies were placed in a small, warm room for an hour-long class without any water. They were seen trying to leave the room but prevented from doing so
Footage shows dogs trying to sleep in the corner of a room before being repeatedly picked up and moved towards the customers
The Puppy Yoga industry first boomed in the UK after being featured on TOWIE and Made In Chelsea.
Celebrities such as ex-Geordie Shore starlet Vicky Pattison have been photographed leaving puppy yoga classes, while scores of influencers publicise the sessions by posting photos on social media.
As of last summer, there were more than 25 companies advertising classes across the UK for up to £43 a pop.
The classes, which advertise their stress-busting benefits, feature puppies roaming from one mat to the next and sometimes being incorporated into yoga poses. Dogs are obtained through local breeders or animal shelters.
However, ITV revealed a darker side to the practice in a documentary last year.
At one £43 class hosted by The Bully Barn Essex in Wickford, puppies were placed in a small, warm room for an hour-long class without any water.
When an undercover reporter asked whether the puppies had access to water, the teacher said: ‘No, no, it might make them pee more.’
Puppies were seen attempting to leave the room on several occasions but not permitted to.
In some studios, puppies as young as six and a half weeks old were used – contrary to statutory guidance which states that dogs should not leave their mother until at least eight weeks old.
Italy’s new ban mandates that only adult dogs should take part in the pet-friendly yoga sessions to protect the health of animals as well as the safety of attendees.
Its Ministry of Health has asked regional authorities to carry out checks to ensure puppy yoga classes do not take place.
Certified Animal Behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson told MailOnline that she would welcome a similar ban in the UK
Ms Wilkinson teaches her own form of dog yoga – focused on the animal, not the human – that helps with stretching, as well as confidence and relaxation
She told MailOnline: ‘Putting them in an environment with not only a lot of new people but where they’re being handled without their consent is very stressful for them.’
Certified Animal Behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson told MailOnline that she would welcome a similar ban in the UK.
‘It’s a really good decision for the welfare of puppies,’ she said.
‘People underestimate just how important sleep and rest is for puppies.
‘Putting them in an environment with not only a lot of new people but where they’re being handled without their consent is very stressful for them.’
‘It may be providing oxytocin for the humans but it’s doing the opposite for the puppies.
‘During those sessions their being handled a lot and they’re definitely not getting the 18-20 hours of sleep per day that they need.
‘For the puppies, this can increase their stress hormone levels, which are usually brought down by sleep.
‘In the long run, as they get older, this can impact their gut health and emotional wellbeing – not only making them more prone to diseases but also making them more hypervigilant, pessimistic dogs.
‘Overall, it impacts how they’re able to become confident adults.’
Ms Wilkinson teaches her own form of dog yoga – focused on the animal, not the human – that helps with stretching, as well as confidence and relaxation.
Animal handler Paula Stewart agrees, saying she ‘absolutely agrees with the ban.’
Ms Stewart (pictured here with dogs Timmy and Betty) says she fears for the puppies’ safety in unregulated and unmonitored environments like puppy yoga classes
‘I’m really strict about the productions we work on – we don’t put them in an environment that will be detrimental to their health as it can have a really long term impact on the puppies,’ she explained
Animal handler Paula Stewart agrees, saying she ‘absolutely agrees with the ban.’
As a supplier of ethically trained animals for film and TV sets, Ms Stewart said she fears for the puppies’ safety in unregulated and unmonitored environments like puppy yoga classes.
‘I’m really strict about the productions we work on – we don’t put them in an environment that will be detrimental to their health as it can have a really long term impact on the puppies,’ she explained.
‘In all the work that I do in TV and film, there’s always vets present.
‘I have the qualifications to do that and I am licensed by the council and have to be fully vetted and inspected.
‘I don’t see that those puppy yoga people have got the same level of experience or the license.
Ms Stewart says she worries that if puppies as young as six weeks are being used in classes, they won’t have been fully vaccinated yet – leading to an increased risk of them picking up diseases.
Puppies generally only get their first vaccination at eight weeks old and their second at 12 weeks.
She said: ‘There’s a concept called ‘flooding’ which is often used for humans as well.
‘It’s when an animal is overexposed to an environment that’s too much for them.
‘In this circumstance its a lot of people at once doing a lot of activity which causes puppies to shut down as they can’t cope with the situation.
‘In the end, they can go on to experience anxiety and a mistrust of humans.
‘I don’t think anybody does this thinking they’re abusing their puppy, but if you cared about your puppy you wouldn’t put them in this situation.
‘I’ve never seen a puppy party that has a vet on site, or someone qualified to look after dogs.’
Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club said: ‘We have serious concerns about young puppies being taken into any environment where there aren’t clear standards around how they are cared for before, during and after that time.
‘Any dog, but especially those of such a young age, should always have access to water, a safe area to go to the toilet and exercise, as well as plenty of time to rest in a quiet, and ideally private area.
‘There should also always be someone responsible and knowledgeable looking out for their welfare, and making it a priority, at all times.
‘Equally, puppies shouldn’t leave their mum and breeding environment for extended periods until at least eight weeks old, when they will have been microchipped and had the necessary health checks, including vaccinations.
‘All of these things raise welfare concerns for the puppies involved.’
PETA’s Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen added: ‘Hats off to Italy for banning puppy yoga, a sales gimmick designed to promote the breeding of ‘pedigree’ dogs – who are prone to severe physical problems later in life – and which violates the fundamental principle of yoga: ahimsa, or doing no harm.
‘While wonderful dogs sit in shelters, longing for a home – some for years – greedy breeders are churning out litters of puppies, knowing that some of them will end up adding to the homeless-animal crisis after being abandoned once the novelty wears off.
‘While governments around the world should take heed, we must not wait to do the right thing: PETA urges yogis to stay away from this cheap ploy that uses sensitive animals as props to their detriment.’