I host a daily Zoom meditation group as part of Wildmind’s Meditation Initiative, and we often see a few pets joining in. Someone once joked that it seemed like “Take Your Dog to Meditation Day.”
Pets, in some ways, are natural meditators. I’ve had several cats and now have a couple of dogs, and their ability to “just sit” and be present often makes me feel like I’m still learning. However, they can sometimes be distractions when we’re trying to meditate, which is what I want to talk about today.
I’ll focus on cats and dogs here, but primarily dogs since I currently have two. You might need to adjust these tips for your own pet circumstances.
Before I meditate, I keep my dogs separated. When they play together, it can get really loud with lots of running, wrestling, and growling, which I don’t want during meditation. I use baby gates to keep one dog in the room with me and the other in the next room. Seeing me through the gate reassures the dog in the other room, reducing any anxiety.
If my dogs seem restless as I prepare to meditate, I give them distractions. Suki, who is still teething, gets a teething toy to prevent her from chewing on things like kitchen cabinets. Sometimes I give each dog a Kong filled with frozen peanut butter, which keeps them busy for a while. By the time they finish their treats, they usually settle down.
My dogs also tend to be calm in their crates, so I sometimes use this strategy during meditation. But not everyone has crates, and not all pets are quiet when crated.
Pets might be confused seeing their human sitting still with closed eyes. In my experience, they get used to it over time, although working with them until they do might be necessary. They might never fully adjust.
I had a cat named Piglit who was very curious when I meditated. Sometimes she’d sit beside me, looking like she was meditating too. Other times, she’d paw at me for attention. One of my dogs, Luna, does this as well and sometimes barks, which is hard to ignore.
When this happens, empathy is key. Ignoring them makes them more confused, and they often need attention. Forcing them to sit quietly isn’t reasonable. Work with them on their terms.
During an online session, I saw a participant calming her two Labrador retrievers by holding one’s paw and resting a hand on the other’s neck. The dogs were happy and relaxed with this small contact.
Most pets love touch, so reaching out to them can calm them. Stroking your pet can even be part of the meditation. You can do this mindfully, synchronizing the strokes with your breath, making it a single, harmonious experience.
Luna, who stays with me, might sit in my lap if she’s very persistent. This makes it easier to reassure her with petting. She usually stays for about 15 minutes before jumping down, which I’m fine with.
I often include Luna in my loving-kindness (metta) meditation, extending warmth and tenderness to both of us. This approach helps me embrace both myself and Luna in a loving awareness, enhancing my practice.
Sometimes Luna wants to lick my face, which I accept as part of the meditation. It’s a form of accepting kindness, an important practice in itself.
Barking can be a common issue during meditation, whether they’re alerting to a neighbor or a delivery. Initially, I was frustrated by this, but then realized Luna needed reassurance, not scolding. I comfort her by saying things like, “It’s just a friend, Luna. You’re okay.”
While meditating, I don’t get up but talk to them reassuringly. Using phrases like “You’re OK” helps calm them down over time, even without physical contact.
You might think these interruptions are distractions, but I see them as part of meditation. Just as I would gently address my own anxiety, I extend the same compassion to my dogs. All suffering deserves compassion, whether in ourselves or our pets.
You can also let your pets bark if it doesn’t disturb others or foster bad habits. But remember, sometimes minimal attention or no response is best. For example, when Suki whines, I let her work through her emotions. Jumping up every time she whines isn’t beneficial in the long run.
Recognize that all feelings, both ours and our pets’, are impermanent. They will pass, and patience is key.
Deciding whether to intervene depends on each situation and pet. Consider what will bring long-term happiness and well-being for both you and your pets.
These are some challenges and solutions I’ve found while meditating with dogs. Each pet is different, so adapt these tips to suit your situation. If you have your own methods, feel free to share in the comments.
Thank you for this reassuring article! It confirms what I’ve been doing all along with my cats. A couple of them tap me on the arm while I’m meditating and I’ll pet them for a bit with half-closed eyes. Now I’ll synchronize the fur-stroking with my breathing; what a good idea.
Add a little lovingkindness into the mix (imagining that you’re sending kindness down your arm) and you’ll have a very powerful practice going for you!
Didn’t see your reply till now, I don’t know how I missed it! Yes, loving-kindness is always a good thing! Many thanks.
Very helpful article Bodhipaksa! I have two small dogs that meditate (sleep) with me. I am going to use your suggestion of loving-kindness and compassion with similar phrases when they are losing their minds over perceived threats. Be well and safe!
I’ll be interested to hear how you get on, Patty.
I have an elderly cat who, I’m convinced, meditates with me. She taps me on the leg and says, “it’s time now”, so I sit down and welcome her onto my knee. She stays with me throughout and goes into a deep relaxed sleep.
Many cats seem to like having their human sit still and are drawn to sit still beside (or on) them. Dogs tend to be a bit more demanding.
I often meditate in the bathtub and I stick one foot out of the tub that my dogs periodically come and touch.
I have two cats and generally, the younger one likes to sit on my lap and sleep while I’m meditating, while the older one lies down beside me. This always makes me smile and have loving feelings toward them. I will definitely coordinate my petting with my breathing from now on and send loving-kindness towards them.
Just getting around to reading this, thank you for writing about it! Several of my cats like to curl up on my lap or beside me while I meditate, and I have learned it is best to welcome them. It tends to be cold in my house in the winter, so I often cover myself with a soft blanket, which is a “cat magnet” and signals to them that this is quiet time, not play time. They almost always settle down quickly, and any purring or kneading is not distracting or bothersome. Feline confrontations are fortunately rare.
I guess if your pets are used to having that kind of me-time growing up, sometimes they tend to become a little bit intuitive about it. My dog usually would sit on his bed and generally does not bother me as soon as I start the process.
Both of my cats seem to be affected by meditation. One is very vocal and will sometimes meow during a session, so I’ll dote on her a bit to quiet her down. The other just wants to be nearby. Eventually, they both fall asleep. I love having them cuddled up beside me when I’m meditating. In fact, I’d be lost without them.
It really is wonderful to read this Bodhipaksa. Particularly so as a Zen teacher myself with animals who live with my wife and me. I find it a little sad when some assume that pets ‘should’ behave a certain way, as you mention, just because the humans have decided to sit still and shut up for a change. It is not usual behavior for many humans as far as our animal companions are concerned, and that’s the thing, sometimes they are concerned.
A little touch, reassurance, being present for them, isn’t a distraction from meditation; it’s a big part of what this is all about as I see it – compassion, empathy, learning to see what is in front of us and respond appropriately. This is hardly ever even discussed, so it is a real pleasure to come across what you wrote here. Thank you.
Thank you, Kijo Sensei. As it happens, Tricycle magazine is running a piece on the Dharma of Dogs sometime in the near future, based on the fact that so many Buddhists adopted dogs during the pandemic. I’m looking forward to reading it.