An animal charity has slammed puppy yoga classes using new litters in the increasing trend.
Puppy yoga has increased in popularity in recent times which sees puppies at yoga events where attendees can pet and socialise with them. But the RSPCA has raised concerns over a lack of regulation.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Esme Wheeler said the first few months of a puppy's life are the "most important" and experiences during this time could have "life long consequences".
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Esme added: "Puppy yoga events, where litters of puppies are used at events for the purposes of entertainment and often under the guise of 'socialisation’, is something we are concerned about and worryingly it is gaining traction. At the moment there is no regulation around puppy yoga and it is very concerning that anyone can set it up.
"The first few months of a puppy’s life are the most important as they are shaping their world view and the experiences they have during this time can have lifelong consequences. The process of socialisation needs to be carried out gradually, where exposure to various experiences, people and other animals is controlled, calm and individualised and the puppy has access to their owner."
An undercover investigation from ITV News showed the reality of puppy yoga and the increasing wellness trend. Esme added that while the charity is not against taking your own dog to yoga, they are against events using litters of puppies to enhance classes for those involved.
The dog welfare expert said: "If a young puppy is placed into situations where they feel overwhelmed and frightened they may start to view the things they are being introduced to as frightening, which can then lead to a negative reaction in the future and the potential development of behavioural problems.
"Young dogs and puppies require calm, predictable, consistent routines and environments with additional rest and sleep during their development phase. It is highly unlikely that these requirements can be met in a puppy ‘petting’, group yoga or ‘therapy’ event."
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