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A smiling grandpa sits on the floor beside a golden Retriever stretched out on a green yoga mat. 20 / 33

Grandpa Rolled Out a Yoga Mat. The Golden Took Over the Class

AI imagegolden retrieveryoga matliving room

On a polished wood floor, a green yoga mat has become Biscuit's personal studio. She stretches her front paws forward and drops her chest low, in what looks a lot like a downward-facing dog. Gus sits beside the mat with his knees pulled up and his hands clasped, grinning at his classmate. Behind them the room is warm and full of life: stacked books, framed pictures, a lamp glowing on a side table, a rope toy and a tennis ball in a basket.

That stretch dogs do, front legs forward and rear in the air, is called a play bow, and dogs often use it to invite play or just to loosen up after a rest. Gentle movement is good for older adults and older dogs alike, and short stretching sessions can be a pleasant daily habit. If you are exercising with a dog, keep the floor non-slip and the mat in a spot where nobody will trip. Check with a doctor before starting any new exercise yourself, and ask your vet about exercise that suits your dog's age and joints. Golden Retrievers do best with regular movement and mental activity, so a fun routine like this one can be a good fit.

Class is clearly in session and Biscuit is the star student. Gus may be the instructor, but it looks like the dog has the better form.

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