All dog owners can agree that after a long, tiring day, there is no better feeling than walking in the door and hearing the patter of our pups running to greet us, slobbery tongue and all. College students long for their companion and the comfort they bring when away from home for months at a time. From FaceTiming our dogs to begging our parents to send pictures of them at any given time — dog owners can’t live without our pups. But now, a trend sweeping the nation is helping college students and all dog lovers alike feel the unconditional love of a pet while also getting in some exercise. Introducing: puppy yoga.
What better way to release stress, calm your senses and forget the world around you than by combining the ever-friendly presence of dogs — especially adorable puppies — with a calming, serene activity like yoga. Psychology shows dogs have a profound effect on humans, reducing stress, anxiety and depression through the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. Petting or playing with a dog just for a few minutes releases oxytocin, often called the “cuddle chemical”. Physiologically, interacting with dogs lowers cortisol levels, improves breathing, and can reduce blood pressure by up to 10%.
The trend of puppy yoga is on the rise, especially in the city of Miami. But the unique activity is gaining traction for a reason. With multiple options near campus such as Puppy Sphere and Puppy Yoga Miami, students don’t need to look far for an escape from their rigorous workload or just to ease the sting of missing their own pup.
University of Miami sophomore, Alexa Wood, reflected on her experience at Puppy Sphere in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Wood attended a beginner yoga class, where anyone, with or without yoga experience, can join in on the fun.
“I was so excited when I saw this opportunity on my suggested Instagram page because I miss my own pets so much at school,” Wood said. “I jump at any opportunity to be around animals and relax. It was so much fun.”
Puppy Sphere offers a multitude of classes and experiences. For example, they host puppy yoga, puppy social and puppy meditation A ticket to the basic puppy yoga class includes a full 75-Minute Puppy Experience. The session begins with a 45-Minute Puppy Yoga Flow, then concludes with a 30-Minute puppy “chill” time to play with your new furry friends The studio also follows an “every class gives back” policy, where $1 from every ticket sale goes directly to local animal rescues and mental health organizations.
Puppy Sphere even has off-site class options, where the instructors can bring the puppies and wellness to you. These offerings include puppy-pen social, cuddle zones or pop-up sessions bringing the yoga to your space — whether it’s an office, school campus or a birthday party. UM sophomore, Ella Corigliano, also attended a beginner class at Puppy Sphere with her sorority sisters for a sisterhood event.
“It was such a nice way to de-stress from my busy schedule and play with cute puppies, but also do mindful activities at the same time. Since this was a sorority event it was also very special because I got to spend time with my sisters and bond,” Corigliano said.
Similarly, Puppy Yoga Miami at Hanu Yoga Studio in South Beach also offers a variety of wellness-based puppy activities. Classes consist of 35 minutes of beginner yoga followed by 25 minutes of playful flow, while the adorable puppies roam freely. Puppy Yoga Miami is dedicated to the well-being of their four-legged furry friends. While valuing the yoga experience, they take extra measures to ensure the comfort and safety of the young puppies. The studio also offers “Puppy Time,” a session designed exclusively for puppy play and cuddling.
Puppy Yoga Miami works closely with local shelters to select puppies. They value the pups’ safety by making sure they are the right age and temperament, comfortable with human interaction and ready to socialize. After the class, the puppies return to their foster homes or shelters and are available for adoption.
UM junior Sammy Cook took a class at Puppy Yoga Miami with a group of friends last semester.
“Puppy yoga was such a heartwarming experience. I got to be surrounded by my two favorite things: my best friends and puppies. It was the sweetest reminder of how simple moments can bring you so much joy,” Cook said.
Next time you are stressed or miss the warmth only a dog can bring, remember you deserve some puppy love and schedule a puppy yoga session. Rather than surprising your parents with a new four-legged roommate, spend an afternoon with Puppy Sphere or Puppy Yoga Miami and get your furry fix in a stress-free, healthy way.
words_morgan mechler. photo_julia campbell. design_anna mondschein.
This article was published in Distraction’s Fall 2025 print issue.
Follow our Social Media:
