Dogs in Pilates classes

[NightCzar]

I go to reformer Pilates about 3 times a week. It's a small studio with only 10 reformer beds so I seem the same faces regularly and know all the instructors on a nod and say hi type basis.

There's one participant who has always brought her dog to the class. She walks her on the way there, I guess. The dog just sleeps in a corner, near the door, about 5 metres from the class.

However more and more people are starting to bring their dogs. On Mondays class, the instructor had two poodles (also near the door), and two participants had dogs next to their reformers, one at each end of the room (which is about 10 metres x 10 metres)

They're not really bothering me, I suppose. I'm a bit allergic but if I don't stroke them then I don't sneeze (whereas I couldn't be in the same room as a cat). But I just find it really annoying. All the instructors seem to love them and one was taking selfies with an enormous bull mastiff the other day.

I've got a great, cheap membership because I signed up when the studio opened. Loads of the instructors are excellent, so I don't want to go elsewhere. Should I say something and risk bad feeling?

I'm known as the Mad Dog Woman and even I would find this odd. I mean ok one or two tied up outside (mine would go nuts waiting for an hour or so, but who knows they might be ok) but in the class that's bonkers. And dare I say it - what about health and safety, I'm imaging the Mastif going nuts, people being caught up in springs, it's like a comedy sketch, something for edwina in Ab Fab!

I think it sounds great! (Sorry.) If the dogs were a nuisance it'd be different but since they're not, I can't see the problem. I can however, understand your allergy issue and think that asking for some pet-free classes on that basis is a good idea.

I would love this but can see why others wouldn't. Surely they could compromise and have some classes where dogs are allowed and others not?

I do feel like a fun sponge actually. That's why I posted.

I think your point was sensitively made - some classes designated for dogs so you can avoid. This is probably the solution they need.

Oh god I own a yoga studio and I can so see how this developed. One person said 'do you mind me bringing my small old dog she comes everywhere with me and can't be left on her own'
And once you say yes to one how can you say no to others. Complain, the studio owner will probably be desperate for an excuse to put an end to it. 'So sorry but we have had a complaint about allergies, computer says no'

Where is this class? My rottweiler loves her pilates??!

I guess if would be okay if it was outside! But it's not, so...no. I love dogs but I'm sure as shit not going to share a workout class with them. Time and a place! Reminds me when I did my MA and several women would bring their babies or toddlers when we had a group meetings for presentations. Not because of lack of childcare, but so we could coo over them and watch them toddle about and cry to watch pepper flaming pig on the laptops we were working on.

Seriously, not everyone wants to indulge or dog/child as much as you do!

Dog hairs stick around. What if someone in another class is very allergic and goes into shock? And whose insurance would they claim on?

I'm dog mad and would love to take my boy everywhere but don't because the rest of the world isn't. Sorry, this is not on.

I'm allergic. Not just the odd sneeze, more bad wheezing . I'd have to leave a class that did this.
It's not trivial, so I don't appreciate the fun sponge comment.

I can just imagine my dog at Pilates. The minute I lay down she would be over to lick my face!

Blue have you tried press-ups with your dog crawling underneath to "help"? Your planking instantly improves as you try not to squash them!

MipMipMip I would never be trying to do press ups so that would never happen!

"Hedgehogparty" I think you may have misinterpreted my comment, it was a joke. The point of my post, as I've explained already, is that there are many many many Pilates studios around, so if one does something you don't like/can't be around then it's easy enough to find somewhere else. No malice meant.

Fair answer Blue! Mine are the half ones where up to the waist you're supported by a chair. Need to get strength back somehow....

Absolutely say something. Why should you have to leave because others are taking the piss?

Dogs should not be anywhere near a Pilates studio. Such entitlement from these dog owners.

When I try to do Pilates at home DDog always tries to sit on me especially when I am lying down, can't imagine taking him to a class

They've replied to say they totally understand my concerns and really appreciate the feedback etc. They're going to talk about how best to approach it. Perhaps it's like the yoga teacher above (sorry, using app to can't see to name check) and it's got out of hand.

I'll let you know. Thanks everyone.

If I took my dog to Pilate's he would run around licking everyone and their dogs, can't believe these dogs are so chilled. Maybe my dog needs Pilate's or yoga to calm him down?

It sounds wonderful to me. Except I'd be looking at the dogs instead of concentrating on the exercises.

Good and you're not a fun sponge.

Btw I actually do a workshop at the local cat cafe which is yoga in a room full of cats, it's always completely sold out and I have a waiting list of people.

Maxwell How lovely! 😊

*... there are thousands of Pilates studios and this is the first one I've ever heard of allowing dogs, so imo it would be nice to let this crowd carry on happy as they are and have the person with a problem with it go elsewhere."

I'd bet that there are others who feel the same as the OP and who haven't yet spoken up.

That's what I thought, Andy. The way the owner replied, it was almost as though she thought it too. It's a small studio, so they do the cleaning themselves, so I bet she's noticed the hairs.

I must say that they dogs are well behaved, though.