Fitness enthusiasts are combining their love of dogs and working out - with these adorable puppy yoga closes.

Footage shows the pooches resting on people's backs and heads as they stretch their limbs at the studio in Toronto, Canada.

However, maintaining poise and focus can prove difficult with the mutts licking the faces and sniffing the hair of the yogis.

Founder Keith Mitchener said he had the idea after the 'goat yoga' craze - in which goats are unleashed to interact with yogis as they exercise - took off.

Puppy yoga works in much the same way and aims to combine the relaxing effects of both yoga and pet therapy.

Beginners and seasoned practitioners can take part in the one-hour classes, composed of 40 minutes of yoga and 20 minutes of puppy playtime.

Puppies less than half a year old are allowed to toddle among the mats, cuddling delighted customers as they twist themselves into different positions.

Dog lovers are treated to a slice of puppy heaven as canines of different breeds - from fluffy Pomskies and Labradors to spotted Dalmatians and grumpy French bulldogs - swarm to nibble at their hair or lick at their face.

Speaking to local media, Keith said his company The Hive runs the sessions in different locations across the country, including Ottawa and Montreal.

He added: 'Everyone loves it and the dogs absolutely love it too 'cause it's great socialisation.

'I partner with breeders and then I get them to drive the pups out. Usually the puppies are about six to eight weeks. They just come up for about two, three weeks, socialise with people, and then go to their new homes.'

A few weeks after the sessions, the puppies are then sent to their forever homes and are replaced by a new batch.

Each class costs between six to 49 USD, depending on the location, according to the Puppy Yoga website.

Fitness enthusiasts are combining their love of dogs and working out - with these adorable puppy yoga closes.

Footage shows the pooches resting on people's backs and heads as they stretch their limbs at the studio in Toronto, Canada.

However, maintaining poise and focus can prove difficult with the mutts licking the faces and sniffing the hair of the yogis.

Founder Keith Mitchener said he had the idea after the 'goat yoga' craze - in which goats are unleashed to interact with yogis as they exercise - took off.

Puppy yoga works in much the same way and aims to combine the relaxing effects of both yoga and pet therapy.

Beginners and seasoned practitioners can take part in the one-hour classes, composed of 40 minutes of yoga and 20 minutes of puppy playtime.

Puppies less than half a year old are allowed to toddle among the mats, cuddling delighted customers as they twist themselves into different positions.

Dog lovers are treated to a slice of puppy heaven as canines of different breeds - from fluffy Pomskies and Labradors to spotted Dalmatians and grumpy French bulldogs - swarm to nibble at their hair or lick at their face.

Speaking to local media, Keith said his company The Hive runs the sessions in different locations across the country, including Ottawa and Montreal.

He added: 'Everyone loves it and the dogs absolutely love it too 'cause it's great socialisation.

'I partner with breeders and then I get them to drive the pups out. Usually the puppies are about six to eight weeks. They just come up for about two, three weeks, socialise with people, and then go to their new homes.'

A few weeks after the sessions, the puppies are then sent to their forever homes and are replaced by a new batch.

Each class costs between six to 49 USD, depending on the location, according to the Puppy Yoga website.