A brilliant concept by childhood friends Zane Ong and Alastair Chiang, D’Gym Pet Fitness and Services aims to transform doggy fitness in the Klang Valley into a joyful experience.
“We are trying to promote giving dogs exercise on a weekly basis to keep them fit,” Ong, 29, told FMT Lifestyle, adding that a good diet was not enough to keep a dog healthy. Getting sufficient exercise was equally important.
Operating from a revamped food truck since January, D’Gym is arguably the first of its kind in Malaysia.
The get-up comes complete with doggy treats, chew toys, water bowls, air conditioning, and two manually powered, free-spinning treadmills called slatmills, specifically for dogs.
Targeting busy pet owners and those with limited space, like condominium dwellers or people with high-energy dogs, D’Gym simplifies the process.
All you have to do is leave your dog with the duo, and after an hour, return to a happier and healthier pet who’s just had a complete workout.
The perk? No need to chauffeur your dog to the park; this gym-on-wheels brings the fitness party right to your doorstep!
Inspiration struck Ong and Chiang when they stumbled upon the concept on social media. Juggling busy schedules, they too faced challenges ensuring their dogs received adequate exercise.
“If we were lucky, we managed to bring them out for five to ten minutes. But we knew that was really not enough.
“So when we came across this, we thought why not try it. Over time, we taught our dogs how to use it and we saw some improvements,” recalled Chiang, 30.
Their own struggles prompted the duo to create a solution for other dog owners facing similar time constraints. And despite being under two months old, D’Gym is already gaining popularity in urban areas.
“This is a fantastic concept. With two Huskies needing lots of exercise, this mobile gym is a game-changer. Nova, my male Husky, enjoys the sessions, sleeps better, runs faster, and has improved body balance,” shared Shree, a satisfied client.
Imagine your furry friend conquering agility challenges or your laid-back doggo getting pumped – this mobile gym is where canine magic unfolds!
Chiang related how the behaviour of one dog with cataracts improved after using D’Gym.
He said the dog became fearful, aggressive and began to snap at people because he couldn’t see. “When we first started, he didn’t want to go on the slatmill at all. But during the second session, he was very comfortable and he enjoyed it. It is very fulfilling to watch dogs build their confidence and overcome their fears,” he said.
Regardless of your pup’s energy level, Ong assured that the activities at D’Gym were tailored to each dog’s breed, size, age, and health conditions. He also said that safety was a top priority at D’Gym and the dogs are outfitted with proper harnesses and soft slatmills.
“Some are more agile and have higher energy and they need to run more,” he said.
And D’Gym is not just about getting a good workout; it’s about building a community of happy pups and their humans.
“When a dog is tired, it is actually very happy. You can spend more quality time with them where your dog is not overly excited and running around. And dogs sleep better at night,” Ong said.
What’s on the horizon for D’Gym? Ong and Chiang plan to expand their business to Penang and Johor. They also envision a future dog fitness centre with more activities like swimming classes, and rehabilitation.
So whether your pup is a fitness enthusiast or just starting their wellness journey, Ong and Chiang hope the mobile gym can help create healthier, happier, and more confident dogs.
Follow D’Gym Pet Fitness and Services on Instagram.
Business hours: 9am-6pm
Contact: 010-234 8792