Gym Dogs

by Mark Rippetoe | October 28, 2024

I think most privately-owned gyms in the US (and probably abroad) have a dog hanging around in the gym. I think that people who train are fond of dogs, and I think that people who train other people especially like dogs, so it's no surprise to me that many of our Starting Strength Gyms have a dog or two on the payroll. But that's just me thinking, and I could be wrong. Tell me about it in the comments.

Dogs have been associating with people for a long time, about 15,000 years, and it seems unreasonable to leave them at home while we train. People bring their dogs with them to my gym, and my pretty little black puppy comes with me to work every day. Her name is Phoebe, and everybody loves her here, especially the kids. (I personally prefer her to the kids, because it's easier to explain things to her.) We have 5 dogs that are here at various times during the day, with occasional visiting dogs.

Once they learn to stay out from underfoot, dogs are useful in the gym. They give you someone to talk to between sets, who isn't constantly harping on your squat depth. They make you feel good when you pat them on the head. They keep the rats and mice under control (especially important in New York City), and they can let you know when someone new comes in.

The only downside is the occasional teetee/doodoo accident, but everybody is fairly tolerant and understanding. Gyms that welcome dogs have the materials necessary to deal with this, and the dog's owner is obviously responsible for the cleanup. Most dogs seem to learn very quickly that the gym is not a good place to “void” and will either hold it or ask to go outside.

We have a Dog Toy Box full of bones, antlers, tennis balls, odd-shaped rubber objects, and store-bought toys that all the dogs drag out all over the gym and never put back. But the little assholes have a lot of fun with them, so I guess it's okay. Stepping on them in the dark is sometimes a problem, and we really shouldn't leave them all over the place, but it gives the gym a nice lived-in look.

Dog hair can be a problem for gyms that aren't regularly cleaned. But gyms should be regularly cleaned, just like everything else. A little dog hair doesn't hurt anything, and I'll bet you tolerate other things being dirty that aren't near as cool as having your gym dog around.

You keep a little bowl of dog food and a little bowl of water on the floor in a corner, so your buddy can have a bite and get a drink when necessary. Everybody is happy this way – your dog gets to stay with you and visit his peoples, the members get to learn about dogs (if they don't already know), and tension is reduced.

Notice how there aren't many Gym Cats?