Between Sessions at Yoga Paws Adelaide
When one puppy yoga session finishes, we do not simply welcome the next group straight onto the mats. The interval has a purpose of its own: time away from guest interaction for the puppies, and time for our staff to clean and prepare the studio.
Our Adelaide sessions are held at Eastside Yoga & Pilates, at the rear of 370 Kensington Road, Erindale. Between each class there is a full 60-minute break. Here is how that interval supports the sessions on either side of it.
The puppies get a break from being the centre of attention
During class, the puppies can already choose to retreat to their safe space. Between classes, the room is no longer hosting a group of guests, which gives the animals a proper pause from those interactions.
Their rest area has bedding, toys, fresh water and suitable toileting materials. It is a space to settle without people reaching in for another cuddle. Rest does not need to look identical for every puppy: one may sleep while another quietly investigates a toy. Our staff continue to monitor their needs.
The studio and mats are cleaned before the next group
A room used by puppies needs attention throughout the day. Our team cleans and disinfects the studio and mats using F10 veterinary-grade sanitiser before every session. This is part of the planned changeover, alongside responding to any little accidents as they happen.
The arrangement of the room helps too. Guest shoes, bags and personal belongings stay separate from the yoga area, and everyone sanitises their hands before entering. The next group joins a prepared space rather than stepping straight into the previous class's setup.
Water and the rest space are checked again
Fresh water is available during the session and in the puppies' safe space, and it is reset before each class. Bedding and toileting materials also need attention. These are small tasks individually, but they are recurring responsibilities rather than a box ticked once in the morning.
Care follows the animals' needs and the instructions agreed with their breeder or rescue. A timetable does not override a puppy showing fatigue or wanting space. Staff can adjust an interaction or give an animal time away rather than encouraging it to keep performing for guests.
The next group gets the same introduction
Every class begins with guidance on the room and safe handling. Even if staff have explained the rules several times that day, the next guests are hearing them for the first time. Clear instructions help make the experience consistent.
Guests remain on their mats, stay seated when holding puppies and let animals approach or leave freely. Two staff supervise the puppies while the instructor guides the yoga. That keeps responsibility for animal care clear as the new class gets under way.
Why we leave space in the timetable
The break is part of the day, not spare capacity to squeeze in another class. It makes room for rest, hygiene and the practical reset that a session with animals requires. The same approach applies whether the next room is full of first-timers or guests returning for another visit.
For more on the care behind the class, see our animal welfare standards. To choose a date at the Erindale studio, browse the current Adelaide puppy yoga sessions.
