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Grappling with the “downward dog” pose has always been a challenge for yoga novices. But now increasing numbers of Londoners are using their pets in a new canine variant of the ancient Indian mind and body discipline.

Dog yoga, or “doga”, is said to help both owner and animal relax, by slowing down their breathing and even boosting both human and animal immune systems.

Owners are encouraged to lift up their pets into poses and give massages to them to nurture the dog’s “spiritual wellbeing”.

Tonight, television viewers will see the stars of the reality show Made in Chelsea putting their pets through a series of yogic exercises under the instruction of Mahny Djahanguiri, who has brought doga to London.

She admits the first 30 minutes of a session are often “chaotic” as dogs run around before settling into the classes, taught mainly to women in Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and Camden.

Smaller dogs, such as chihuahuas or dachshunds, can be hoisted into stances and used as weights to increase endurance during sessions. Larger dogs like labradors can be used as a cushioned “bolster” to rest a head on.

Ms Djahanguiri, who owns a Maltese dog, Robbie, herself, said: “As an owner starts to relax and slow down, the dog will feel that too. Their heart rate drops and they benefit”.

Michelle Spurr, 50, a pet sitter from Brent, takes her two Jack Russells to the £16 doga classes and said: “The dogs love it and I get exercise from it. It calms them down, as they home in on meditation sounds Mahny plays”.