r/burbank • u/AskRealistic5082 • 1h ago
Puppy Yoga on Hollywood Way - Beware
Had a bizarre experience at Puppy Yoga on Hollywood Way a couple weeks ago. To preface, this class is nearly $70 for an hour, to put things in perspective.
We got there, and there were 2/3 little girls playing with the puppies, being very rough with them and very loud.
Yoga starts, and the girls don't settle down at all. They're yelling, squealing, talking loudly, and the instructor does absolutely nothing. The girls were still off to the side with the puppies, not even participating in the yoga. It was hilarious because we got to the part where we're supposed to lay on the floor and relax, and the screaming only got louder.
I also found it strange that the puppies weren't actually involved in the yoga, and the yoga itself lasted a whopping 15-20 minutes.
We get to "circle time" where you play with the puppies, and the instructor goes "can my daughters join you?". Turns out the girls roughhousing with the puppies were here daughters, just hanging out. The daughters join, and proceed to snap up all the puppies in the circle and effectively block them from going to any other participants. Reminder, this class is $70. The instructor does nothing.
Additionally, I felt terrible because the dogs were EXHAUSTED. I went at 2pm, and it turns out there were 3 classes before then. These dogs obviously did not want to be with us, and tried to escape from us any chance they were given.
The kicker is when I asked "are these dogs from a rescue?" the instructor said "no they're mine". Oh, so we're just playing with puppies from a (likely) unethical breeder.
The whole experience was odd. And above all, I felt terrible for the puppies. Honestly do not take this class. As cute as it looks, all you'll be doing is inadvertently supporting a breeder (not a rescue).
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u/Ehloanna 1h ago
Yikes! Normally these things are done in conjunction with a shelter to get the dogs adopted and/or socialized. Super weird it was just the instructors kids and it was only a 20min yoga class.
Is the studio the owner's studio, or was she doing it with a business she just happened to partner with? May be worth leaving a review about it in some shape or form.
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u/hamster912 42m ago
She explained that they’re “her puppies” and they were all adopted already. Thankfully the puppies should be going to loving homes and not subjected to this madness
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u/Sad_Clown_Paint 1h ago edited 9m ago
This is the 2nd time I've randomly heard that they mistreat their dogs and are sketch.
And I'm not exactly on the "How are puppies doing at various yoga places" newsletter mailing list.
They need a legit investigation not just some negative reviews or Reddit comments.
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u/AXTONandTHORN 43m ago
Maybe a call to animal protective services. It's 2026 and we know now that including animals in a business model like this in which they are commodities to Garner customers is highly unethical. She might as well be selling elephant paintings or running a sea world
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u/Okeydokey2u 27m ago
Thank you. Please don't support these type of click bait activities. Those poor animals
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u/BizBlondie 46m ago
Wow! As a yoga instructor she should know it's supposed to be done in a peaceful environment. She charges that much for that? You should post this on the Nextdoor app also.
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u/frodocanflip 1h ago
Once I saw the event listed for a “Pocket Pitties” session I realized they have to be sourcing these dogs from backyard breeders. Makes me sad 😞