I got my first dog when I was 13.
I didn’t know her breed and all my dad paid for her was a RM20 donation to a fosterer we found online.
Since the day we brought her home (New Year’s Eve ‘13), she has scared friends, torn up shoes and clothes, and even killed a couple shrews.
Safe to say, she’s not the most friendly or approachable dog, but she is loyal and a good guard, and without getting too melancholic, she’s probably a big reason why I’m still around.
A couple months back, I felt a little lump on her side.
Thankfully, it just turned out to be a benign lipoma, yet this soft, rubbery lump still bothered me every time it came under my thumb, and it became a sad reminder of her age, and the work that needed to be done to keep her healthy.
That’s when I found out about D’Gym.
Malaysia’s first mobile dog gym?
Serving Klang Valley, D’Gym is a truck-based fitness space offering dog parents a chance to give their doggos some exercise beyond cardio, by offering “conditioning and strength training” via their travelling slat mill.
“The slat mill is a non-motorised treadmill that allows dogs to run at their own pace, building both cardiovascular and muscular endurance without being forced.”
“Unlike walks where dogs may stop-start or be limited by distractions, the slat mill offers a consistent workout in a safe and focused environment,” said Zane, one of the founders of D’Gym.
And so, I signed my dog up for a Sunday morning slat mill workout.
Re: old, angry dog, I had my concerns about how easy it would be for a stranger to hook up my dog to the slat mill and guide her through it.
Yet, as Zane himself stepped out of the D’Gym van that Sunday morning before explaining the learning process, it did quell my qualms a little to know of his experience with dogs other than pocket Poodles.
“We work with all breeds and temperaments.“
– Zane
“Each session is one-on-one, so we tailor our approach to each dog’s comfort level. For timid dogs, we focus on confidence-building. For reactive dogs, we provide a controlled, distraction-free environment to help them focus and gradually desensitise.”
“We don’t limit based on size or breed; instead, we assess readiness and go at the dog’s pace. Safety and positive reinforcement are always our priorities,” Zane added.
And yes, the positive reinforcement involved claps, calls, and of course, treats.
With a couple (or a dozen) of them later, my girl seemed to have gotten into the groove, even wagging her tail as she picked up her pace.
With a single 45-minute session starting at RM80, D’Gym does seem like a pricey expense for keeping your furkid healthy, especially if you’re keen on doing it regularly.
But if you, like me, have an aging dog, it does seem like the most accessible way of keeping their muscle mass.
D’Gym could also be a great option for you if you’re simply too busy for walks, if you’re keen on burning your hyperactive pup’s energy, or if you simply want to up your doggo’s exercise.
For his own best friend
“It all started with my own furkid, Oliver. I realized there were very limited options for structured physical exercise, especially in a controlled, consistent environment. Walks were sometimes not enough, especially during rainy days or in hot weather,” said Zane.
Soon enough, after talking to his now business partner, Alastair, who holds a strong interest in canine fitness, the duo noticed a gap in the market for “this kind of structured fitness service.”
That’s when D’Gym was born.
With Zane’s own experience in business development and marketing and a six-figure investment funded by the founders themselves, D’Gym’s first mobile unit finally became reality: a truck decked with two slat mills and various equipment to make a well-fitted dog gym.
Since their early days, D’Gym has been a prominent voice in the pet space, championing dog fitness and wellness at pop-ups and exhibitions with the aim of “creating awareness about the importance of mental and physical stimulation for dogs.”
“The reactions we get are often a mix of curiosity and amazement, especially when people see dogs confidently running on a slat mill for the first time. It’s been key to growing our brand awareness,” Zane stated.
And it’s paid off.
With revenue growing over 10 to 20% month-over-month since their soft launch to operating near full capacity every week, the brand has steadily expanded their services, now offering conditioning and strength training, custom cardio fitness plans tailored to each dog, and Canicross training to better strengthen the bond between a dog and its owner.
Stepping up the pace
With a physical location and licensing programme in the pipeline, Zane and Alastair hope to keep the D’Gym momentum going while staying committed to the local pet wellness movement.
“We want to redefine what pet wellness looks like in Malaysia and show that fitness is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.”
“One of our most memorable memories was helping a senior dog regain mobility and confidence after a few sessions. These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do. Every time we see a dog wagging its tail post-session, it feels like a win.”
And with the care given to my own dog in making her feel comfortable, I can vouch for their passion in what they do.
Featured Image Credit: D’Gym