Bali: Canggu & Uluwatu Puppy Yoga Class & Refreshing Drinks
Overview
This isn't a gimmick yoga class with random puppies — Puppy Yoga Bali is connected to the Aseman Bali Dog Association rescue center, and every dog participating in the class has been rescued from the streets of Bali or from abusive situations. Sessions typically involve 8 to 12 dogs at a time, rotating through the studio so no single puppy is overwhelmed, and the interaction genuinely helps the dogs gain social confidence and rebuild trust in humans.
The format is a 60-minute class split into two parts: roughly 45 minutes of soft Hatha yoga guided by a certified instructor, followed by 15 minutes of dedicated puppy playtime. During the yoga portion, the puppies roam freely — which means you might find one sitting on your mat during warrior pose, crawling under your legs in downward dog, or falling asleep on your back during a stretch. The instruction is real yoga, adapted to accommodate the chaos, not a photo session dressed up as fitness.
Classes run in open-air and semi-open studios in both Canggu and Uluwatu, with Canggu being the original location and better served for visitors staying on Bali's west coast. Uluwatu sessions suit travelers based on the Bukit Peninsula. Both venues offer the same format and pricing starting from 553,000 IDR (approximately $35 USD), which includes the yoga class, mat, puppies, and refreshing drinks afterward — typically cold coconut water, fresh juice, or herbal tea.
The social impact is significant: since these sessions started, adoption rates from the Aseman shelter increased from around 2 dogs per year to over 70, with more than $20,000 in direct donations sent to the shelter through class revenues. The money goes toward food, vaccinations, sterilizations, and long-term care.
From a wellness angle, interaction with dogs is documented to lower cortisol and release oxytocin and serotonin — so the stress-relief benefits you feel in class have a real physiological basis. At a 4.8-star rating from 890 reviews, the feedback consistently highlights both the quality of the yoga instruction and the genuine warmth of the puppy experience. Book early-morning sessions when possible — the dogs are more playful, and the studios are cooler before Bali's midday heat sets in.
Highlights
What's Included
- Yoga class
- Puppies
- Refreshments
- Yoga mat
What to Bring
- Comfortable, stretchy clothing suitable for yoga
- Yoga socks or go barefoot as provided by the studio
- A water bottle for hydration before and after class
- Towel for wiping sweat during the session
- Phone for capturing memorable photos with puppies
- Light jacket or sweater for post-yoga refreshments
Tips
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to meet the puppies and settle in before the class begins, allowing time to choose your spot on the mat
Inform the instructor about any yoga experience level or physical limitations upfront so they can offer modifications tailored to your needs
Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes if you're concerned about hygiene when interacting with puppies during poses
Take it slow if you're new to yoga; focus on enjoying the puppy interaction rather than perfecting advanced poses
Ask the studio about the puppies' backgrounds—many studios use rescue puppies, making this a way to support animal welfare while staying active
What to Expect
Arrival & Welcome
Arrive at your chosen location in Canggu or Uluwatu and check in with the studio staff. You'll be greeted warmly and given a brief orientation about the class structure and the puppies participating that day.
Mat Setup & Warm-Up
Set up your yoga mat in the studio space and receive your provided mat if needed. The instructor will lead a gentle warm-up session while puppies begin exploring the studio, creating a relaxed and playful environment.
Puppy Yoga Class
Participate in a full 1-hour yoga session as puppies interact freely around you. You'll flow through various poses while the puppies provide spontaneous moments of joy—they may cuddle during relaxation poses, walk across your back during stretches, or simply play nearby, creating an endearing and therapeutic experience.
Cool-Down & Savasana
Transition into the final relaxation phase where puppies often settle near participants, enhancing the calming savasana meditation. This is typically when the most heartwarming interactions occur as puppies snooze peacefully around you.
Refreshing Drinks & Social Time
After the class concludes, enjoy refreshing beverages—typically including water, fresh juices, or herbal tea—while continuing to interact with the puppies and other participants in a casual post-class setting.
Best Time to Go
Early morning classes (7:00-9:00 AM) are ideal as they offer cooler temperatures, quieter studio environments, and puppies that are typically more playful and energetic after rest. Morning sessions also align perfectly with Canggu's wellness culture and café scene, allowing you to enjoy a post-yoga brunch afterward. The dry season (May-September) provides the most comfortable conditions for travel to either location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety Information
Puppy yoga is generally a safe activity, but there are specific considerations to keep in mind. Inform the instructor of any allergies to dogs or sensitivities to animal fur before the class starts. While puppies are typically gentle and well-socialized, avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle them, and never grab or restrain a puppy—let them come to you naturally. If you have a dog phobia or anxiety around animals, communicate this with staff beforehand so they can ensure a comfortable experience. For those with compromised immune systems, be aware that close contact with animals carries standard hygiene considerations; the studio typically maintains clean facilities, but additional hand washing after class is advisable. Pregnant participants should consult their healthcare provider before attending, and individuals with recent injuries or joint concerns should inform the instructor to receive appropriate pose modifications.
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