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 picturing the havoc my two could wreak with a gym ball and it doesn't bear thinking about. Very odd indeed.

YABU as you have brought your child along. I'd much rather have dogs watching me exercise than a child in the corner!

We have a cat cafe where I live and they offer yoga with cats.....

If my dog showed up at my hot yoga class though he'd upset everyone's shivasanas.....

SparkleSunshine201 A child is a human being, a dog is an animal. The child, who always needs care, has more right to be there than a dog. People are allergic to dogs; nobody is allergic to a child.

I can understand taking dogs a lot of places, but an exercise class? My dog would sit staring with a 'why the fuck am I here' look. You have an allergy so people can leave their dogs at home for an hour.

My dog would bark and squeal at all the other dogs to get them to play. He'd be very anxious and wouldn't settle even if I brought him alone. It must be a place full of older and/or placid dogs. In any case, I'd never be able to relax and concentrate even I brought my old lab along, who'd have been fine. The idea of these classes is to focus on yourself.

And what Sparkle said is hilarious. A dog can be left home alone love. Not so a small child.

I think it was fair to email the owners about it. If they want, then can set up some sessions especially for dog owners.

I once took my dog to dog and owner yoga. He was furious that we were going to lie around on a mat and not go for the long walk he had imagined. He refused to lie down and gave me the evil eye for the whole session. We didn´t go again.

Actually sonja there are a pair of poodles who come with one participant and they whine the whole time. It's very high pitched so you almost can't hear it. It's like the sound of wind. They are probably doing evil eye do.

sunshine I took my DD once in a pinch. These dogs are long time regulars. If they were participants they'd be up to Intermediate level.

If they were participants they'd be up to Intermediate level.

Love it!! OP YANBU at all - but it does sound highly unusual - like it's got a bit out of hand and no one quite knows why!

Ah yes. The faint whine is the Whine of Displeasure. I know it well.

I haven't owned a poodle now for 25 years, but I have just had a flashback to the whine of "you'll pay for this later!"

nobody is allergic to a child

Depends on the child!

SparkleSunshine201 No, it really doesn't.

I think yabu.

You've said the dogs stay quiet and lie down and sleep in the corner so why do they bother you? Just because you know they're there?!

I'd be very surprised if you were allergic to a poodle and as presumably you won't be petting them at all I don't see why it affects you in a negative way whatsoever.

I guess some people just like to complain

I don't think the breed affects allergies, lucie. I'm just allergic to everything. Dogs are probably my least worst allergy, to be fair. Cats and birds are the worst.

My mum brought home a second hand birdcage once, because we were going to get a budgie the next day and my eyes and nose were streaming within minutes. My poor DC have only been allowed a fish as a pet. So, I've never really grown to love animals.

All that aside, I don't pet the pilates dogs at all and I do try to keep away from them. But you're right. They are just there whining and I'd rather they weren't.

I think your approach is really reasonable! I love the idea of a dog friendly Pilates class, but there should be an option for people who don't want to be near dogs for whatever reason.

Dogs at yoga ? Beyond wanky. Get rid