It’s my first class, what do I need to do?

No worries, we ask if you can arrive 5-10 minutes prior to class to allow time for your dog to get familiar with new smells and walk around.

Bring any equipment like dog treats & food, water, yoga mat, etc. We also recommended a hands free leash to make working out together easier. 

Print & sign a waiver, and bring it along with you to your first class or accept the waiver when signing up online to reserve your spot.

  • https://www.fitnesswithfido.fit/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/WAIVER-OF-LIABILITY-PARQ.pdf
are there any pre-requisites?

Having your doctor’s/veternarians approval before starting a new exercise routine. We also recommend basic obedience for your dog like walking nicely on a leash, sit and stay. We incorporate obedience a lot as a refresher since it makes working out with your dog much easier, but don’t teach it.

Here are some other helpful tips before you start
  • Doctors/Veterinarians Approval for exercising
  • Leave enough space for you and your dog around your yoga mat. It’s not like a regular people only class, dogs typically like their space and usually don’t want to sit still for a full hour. Leaving enough space allows your dog to move around while on leash and not to get tangled up with your neighbor to play or in another dog’s face to prevent fights from happening.
  • Taking a short walk before class, especially if it’s your first class or for a higher energy dog
  • Practice good manners, a well-behaved dog is much easier and safer to work out with!
  • Keep your dog’s nails trimmed, it helps them exercise at class and more mobile at home! 

https://www.fitnesswithfido.fit/tips-before-you-start/

What do I need to bring to class?

yoga mat, water, training treats, dog food, bowl and a positive attitude. We also recommended a hands free leash to make working out easier together. If you’re watching your dog’s weight you may bring half or all of their dog food kibble and use their breakfast/dinner as treats. We recommend making a “trail mix” of higher value and lower value treats/food.

What not to bring?

NO retractable leashes, dogs in heat or dogs that mark and no unfriendly/aggressive dogs towards other dogs or people!!

What can I expect in class? What exactly is it? What will I be doing? What will my dog be doing?
  • This a workout class for you AND your dog.
  • All the classes provide mental and physical stimulation for the dogs and everyone can work at their own pace. Save time by exercising with your dog instead of going on walks and to the gym! It provides socialization, works on doggie manners, you’ll both look and feel better, but most importanly it’s a great bonding time for the both of you!
  • Depending on the class we will focus on different parts of the body. We will either focus on arms, legs, strength & conditioning, abs and yoga.
    • Focusing on different parts of the body each week will keep your body guessing and work all parts of it, even your mind.
    • Classes are approx. 1 hour
    • The majority of classes are based on time instead of sets. That way all levels are welcomed! For example you’ll have 30 seconds to complete an exercise, so if you do 1 jumping jack or 30 jumping jacks in 30 seconds it allows you go at your own pace.
    • Yoga/Pilates classes depending on the space we normally start with a short walk to get your dog’s legs moving because they normally don’t like to sit still for an hour like a regular yoga class or work on dog obedience around your yoga mat and work on standing balancing poses. Then we do a couple of stretches with the dogs and end on the mat with laying down poses and end with a dog massage!
    • Class Descriptions can be found here
  • We try to start off each class with some movement to get you warmed up and to tire the dogs out.
  • It’s important to practice good dog behavior, like having your dog heel by walking by your side instead of pulling that will help mentally tire out your dog and it’s much easier to work out with a well-behaved dog.
  • We try to rotate back and forth with you working out and then your dog working out. While you’re exercising your dog will be there making sure you’re doing it correctly, working on dog obedience and patience! We may have some portion of class playing a game with your dog like having the dogs either do, “puppy” push ups, etc.
What kind of shoes should I wear?

We suggest wearing tennis shoes. Even for our Yoga (Doga) Classes or shoes that can slip on and off easily. Our yoga classes normally start off with walking with our dogs and standing poses. Also just in case your dog needs a potty break you already have your shoes on or can put on quickly.

I don’t have a dog, can I still attend a class?

Of course you can come without a dog, the only rule is you have to like being around dogs! It is much more exciting though when you bring your dog as it really is a chance to bond. We will give you some modifications when it is the dog’s turn, but most people tend to kinda watch what’s going on. If you’re nervous how your dog will be we suggest coming to the first class without them to see what a class is like.

I have more than one dog?
  • Please only one dog/person, our dog fitness classes are designed for you and your dog.
  • We suggest if you have more than one dog to rotate them each week, so they each will get to have one on one time with their owner or bring a friend or family member who doesn’t have a dog.
  • Or sign up for our virtual classes so you don’t have to choose!
What if my dog misbehaves?
  • We may ask you to take your dog to the side or on a walk until they calm down and can return to the class area.
  • Barking, pulling, high energy, etc. can be tolerated. Attending class regularly can help them calm down, along with good practice to enforce good habits.
  • If your dogs keeps marking things, having accidents, they will need to wear doggie panties during class as it’s unsanitary while exercising.
  •  NOT tolerated: IF your dog is trying to attack anything, you may asked to leave immediately.
    • Refunds are subject to approval
    • We understand some dogs may not get along with others and we will do our best to prevent any accidents from happening.
  • We also offer online classes for people who are nervous in group settings with their dogs or a dog that doesn’t like being around other dogs!
I have a very hyper dog? Nervous Dog? an older dog?
  • Hyper dog- you may try walking your dog for at least 10 minutes before class to get all those pre-jitter nerves to go away. Get Fit with Fido or Canine Fitness are better suited as they are faster moving. Possibly Puplates as well if you take a walk before hand. Working on obedience helps tire your dog out mentally as well.
  • Older dog- Come try it out and see, if anything they can always watch while you’re working out or try a lower impact class like doga or puplates which are low impact and includes a dog massage. Either way they’ll enjoy spending time with you and can modify anything!
How old does my dog have to be?

we ask that your dog is at least 6 months old and has had all their puppy shots. While puppies are growing it’s important that they fully develop with the right amount of exercise, if they get too much exercise it can hinder their growth. You may try one of our doga or puplates classes that are low impact not causing stress on their growth plates and great for socialization. We will of course always have modificaitons to grow with them. 

Still not sure you're ready?

We understand, read some testimonials here from different clients perspectives to learn more about us! https://www.fitnesswithfido.fit/testimonial-tuesdays/

Where are you located?

The majority of our classes are outdoors, so our main season is April thru October depending on the weather. We like to have classes all around St. Louis to explore different parks with our working walks. We also like to have special pop up events! It’s always best to follow us on Facebook for the latest news or subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

We have regular classes at 4 Muddy Paws in Lafayette Square April thru September and weekly indoors at The Academy of Pet Careers at Petropolis in St. Charles.

 

How to use my Hands-Free Leash

Having a hands free leash makes working out with your dog much easier. Please read:instructions for hands-free leash

Have a free class pass or Gift Certificate?

Look at the class schedule then send us an email for which class you would like to attend. One free class per person dependent on space, not valid on events. or use your coupon code when scheduling. 

Want Fitness with Fido at your next event?
  • Great for Pet Companies to offer as a wellness program and team building to their employees or to offer it their clients for engagement!
  • Having a pet event and want some dog enrichment activities then contact us!
  • Please contact us HERE 
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