Wild Thing vs. Flip Dog vs. Rock Star: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever been in Downward Dog, heard your teacher call out “Flip your dog!” and then two breaths later say “Wild Thing!”, you’ve probably paused mid-flow wondering: are these the same pose, or two completely different shapes?

And then sometimes “Rock Star” gets tossed into the mix, just to make things extra confusing. The good news: it’s not you. The names really do get used interchangeably, even though they don’t all mean the same thing.

In this article, I’ll clear up the confusion, break down each pose step-by-step, and show you how to modify them so you can flow with confidence instead of guessing.

Why the Different Names?

At first glance, Wild Thing, Rock Star, and Flip Dog can all look like versions of the same pose: they each start from Downward Dog and end up with your chest lifting into a backbend. But that’s where the similarities stop.

The Sanskrit name Camatkarasana refers to the pose most people know as Wild Thing. In some regions (especially on the east coast of the U.S.), the same shape is often called Rock Star. Different name, same pose.

Flip Dog, however, is its own variation. It also begins from Downward Dog, but instead of spinning into a side plank with a backbend, you place both feet flat, square your hips to the ceiling, and lift your chest. The result looks more like a bridge or a prep step into Wheel Pose.

By the way, if you love this kind of clear, no-nonsense breakdown, check out my No BS Yoga Pose Library. Inside, you’ll find 90+ yoga poses with step-by-step video tutorials, alignment tips, and modifications so you always know exactly where your hands, feet, and gaze should be. Grab the No BS Yoga Pose Library here.

How to Do Wild Thing (a.k.a. Rock Star)

Wild Thing is like a side plank with a backbend. To get into it:

1. From Three-Legged Downward Dog, lift your right leg high.
2. Shift your shoulders forward over your wrists.
3. Roll onto the outside edge of your left foot, like setting up for Side Plank.
4. Lightly tap your right toes to the floor behind you, staying on the ball of the foot.
5. Open your chest toward the ceiling and squeeze your glutes to lift your hips.
6. Reach your right arm overhead, palm facing behind you.

How to Do Flip Dog

Flip Dog begins like Wild Thing but finishes differently:

1. From Three-Legged Down Dog, lift your right leg high and open the top hip. 
2. Step your lifted foot to the outside of your left leg, placing the sole flat on the mat so both feet point toward the back of your mat.
3. Lower your hips slightly, then press into your feet to lift the hips up.
4. Reach your top arm overhead as your chest opens, creating a backbend.

Key Differences Between Wild Thing and Flip Dog

• Wild Thing aka Rock Star: Side plank with a backbend. One foot lightly taps the floor (or hovers), and the hips and shoulders rotate sideways.
• Flip Dog: Both feet flat with toes pointing back, hips square to the ceiling, closer to a bridge or Wheel variation.
  
  

Why Clarity Matters

Wild Thing, Rock Star, and Flip Dog might sound interchangeable, but they’re unique poses with different alignment and purpose. Once you understand what sets them apart, you can choose the variation that fits your practice best and flow without second-guessing.

Wild Thing strengthens your side body and opens the chest. Flip Dog emphasizes backbending mechanics and prepares you for poses like Wheel. Mixing them up won’t ruin your practice, but it can create awkward transitions and leave you feeling uncertain.

Want to see these poses in action? Watch my full YouTube video where I demo each step, share alignment tips, and show you my favorite modifications.