In Miami’s House of Motion, a yoga class is flowing through gentle poses – and a litter of puppies is running amok between them. Welcome to Yoga Paws, the feel-good fusion of mindful movement and puppy playtime that’s taking Australia (and social media) by storm.
Founded in September 2024, just ten days after Harry McCann and his partner Tea-Maria Constantin moved to Brisbane from Sydney, Yoga Paws was only meant to be a once-a-fortnight side project – but it quickly evolved.
“The reception was instant,” Harry says. “Brisbane loved it, and the Sunny Coast and Sydney pop-ups were equally packed.”
By early 2025, sessions had launched on the Gold Coast – then it was Perth in April, and Adelaide two months later. Plans for Hobart, Melbourne, and even New Zealand, are already underway.
So how did it all start?
“We’re absolutely obsessed with puppies,” Harry laughs (to which we asked, who isn’t?!). “But in Australia, we’ve noticed that many pups grow up without proper socialisation. They spend time with their litter but not in varied environments or around new people. That can lead to anxiety and insecurity.”
The idea of creating a calm, supportive space for dogs to build confidence led them straight to yoga.
“It’s relaxing, it’s gentle, and it attracts exactly the kind of crowd we wanted to partner with,” he says. “It just made sense.”
Harry brings a background in fitness, while Tea-Maria is the resident yogi. Both grew up with dogs – everything from Cavoodles to Dalmatians – and even brought a new Dalmatian pup along when they first landed in Brisbane.
“We started bringing her to the events to help her socialise, and it just worked.”
But turning the vision into reality wasn’t as simple as rolling out a mat.
“It’s one of those ideas where you think, ‘How do I even start?’” Harry admits. “There was a lot of groundwork – scouring Instagram for instructors, and a lot of networking with breeders and shelters. Even now, that’s still our biggest challenge.”
While shelters are supportive, their involvement can be limited due to insurance and staffing restrictions.
“Our most regular partner is Sunshine Labradoodles in Helensvale – they were our second ever breeder and still bring litters along when they’re ready.”
Though adoption was part of the original goal, the focus has shifted slightly.
“We realised our biggest impact was actually in socialisation. But that said, we still get two to five adoption enquiries most weekends, and we help facilitate those conversations. We don’t always hear how they end, but it’s heartwarming to know we’ve played a part.”
And the puppies aren’t the only ones benefiting.
“There’s all the obvious mental and physical benefits of yoga – mindfulness, movement, relaxation – but you’re also getting this amazing oxytocin boost from interacting with animals,” Harry says. “It’s a dopamine hit you can’t bottle.”
It’s also a win for the breeders, who are paid for their time.
“It’s like a day-care for the puppies – they get to explore a new space, meet new people and return home calm and happy.”
As for the humans, Harry says there’s no pressure to be a puppy person or a yoga purist. Some people come just for the yoga, others come purely for the cuddles – both are totally fine, in Harry and Tea-Maria’s book. There’s something for everyone, and us Gold Coasters are totally sold.
“I’ve always loved the Goldie,” Harry says. “I grew up visiting the theme parks, so it’s always felt like a special place. Demographically, it’s ideal for what we do.”
Finding a permanent partner in House of Motion, the luxe new Pilates studio in Miami, made the expansion to the Gold Coast even easier.
“It’s got everything we need – cool lighting, non-carpeted wooden floors, fully enclosed. Plus, it looks amazing, which doesn’t hurt.”
With more cities on the horizon and a growing following of dog lovers and downward dog devotees alike, Yoga Paws is proving that sometimes, the best business ideas come from love – for movement, for community and, of course, for puppies.
