Tao Dog Yoga Visits USJ

March 6, 2025 3 min read 157 Views Mental Health, Sam Gilbert, Student Events

Written by Sam Gilbert

So, what exactly is dog yoga? When I heard about the event, my immediate reaction was to Google it. I learned that there are generally three different types, though there can be more. One of the first images I saw was of a dog performing a yoga pose next to a woman doing the same, suggesting the dogs are trained to do the poses. Another image showed a group of puppies where people were paying more attention to them than the yoga. The event here at USJ was most like the third type of dog yoga I found, where a few dogs walked around while the activity focused more on the yoga itself.

This event was done by reservation. A maximum of 28 attendees would be provided with yoga mats, but more people were welcome to come if they brought their own mats. There were three dogs walking around named Tao, Heidi, and John. Tao came with the Dog Yoga company, Heidi with Officer Richard Simons from Yale Police, and John with Officer Stephanie Masella from the Meriden Police. There were stickers handed out at the event as well.

We were able to interview Officer Stephanie Masella from Meriden Police and Stef Corbeil, the founder of Tao Dog Yoga.

Officer Stephanie Masella:

What is one fun fact about you and John?

One fun fact is that we started working together in July 2024. This is our second dog yoga ever, while the other was at Southern Connecticut University.

Stef Corbeil:

How young was Tao when you started doing Dog Yoga?

Tao was 5 when we started.

What is a fun fact about you and Tao?

She started teaching yoga because of Tao and they do everything together, including paddle boarding with dogs, yoga with dogs, and hiking with dogs as well. She has been teaching dogs and practicing yoga for over 20 years.

What is your goal for training dogs?

Dog training is about creating a strong relationship between a dog and a human. In her experience, if the person is calm, the dog picks up on their body language and is able to be more successful with impulse control and the dog’s ability to learn increases.

What different activities are open?

We have our Yoga Hike Adventures where we hike for about 30-40 minutes and then do yoga practice with our dogs at our destination and then hike back together. It is open to people with dogs and those who do not have dogs. They are held once a month from May-October on a Saturday or Sunday morning. We also have our hiking adventures which are also on Saturday/Sunday mornings/afternoons all 12 months of the year. Locations vary throughout the state of CT.

What comes along with the retreats?

It comes along with tiny-house style accommodations at a dog-friendly resort. The location includes 45 acres with an onsite waterfall, a seasonal heated pool for humans, a dog park, hiking trails, and water for tubing and swimming as well as a firepit at each house and it is located 2 hours away from New York City. More specifics are available at www.taodogyoga.com.

What are some different activities you do on your retreat?

We have activities that help you and your dog relax and restore. This includes dog yoga, mediation, training, group hiking, tubing with your dog, canine conditioning and dog behaviors and more!

What are some future events that are coming up?