More Dog Services
in Charlotte-Matthews

Dogs aren’t just treated like family, they are family, and we welcome them with dedicated puppy hours.


Our beloved furry companions bring happiness to our days and deserve the very best in return. That’s why we offer a wide range of services, including puppy hour, for every stage of your pup’s journey. This ensures that both you and your dog share a path of longevity, well-being, and happiness.

Central Bark®
Charlotte-Matthews

9600 Monroe Rd,
Charlotte, NC 28270Get Directions

(704) 261-3061


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puppy hour at central bark charlotte

FREE Puppy Hour!
in Charlotte-Matthews

Start your pup on the right paw! 

At Central Bark, our mission is to nurture and enrich dogs’ lives – and what better way than through puppy socialization?! Positive experiences with new dogs, humans, and environments are a critical part of a puppy’s healthy social development.

These early experiences help your dog develop comfort and confidence and positively affect their lifelong emotional development, building a strong foundation for a healthy, happy, and socially appropriate dog.

Puppy Hour is a FREE supervised play and social hour for puppies over 12 weeks of age held every first and third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon. We invite you and your puppy to attend as many sessions as you would like until your pup reaches the age limit.

Benefits

Enrolling your puppy in our Charlotte-Matthews puppy socialization program offers numerous advantages for their development and well-being. Here’s what your furry companion can gain:

  • Enhanced Comfort and Confidence: Introducing your dog to new environments cultivates a sense of assurance when encountering the unfamiliar, ultimately reducing anxiety.
  • Positive Emotional Growth: Early socialization contributes to your dog’s emotional well-being, establishing favorable associations with fellow dogs, humans, and stimuli.
  • Energy Release: Our program provides a secure arena for puppies to expend their boundless energy through play and exploration.
  • Build Social Skills: Participation in a puppy group facilitates the acquisition of essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and establishing boundaries.
  • Robust Foundation: Our puppy program lays a sturdy groundwork for your dog’s forthcoming well-being. It ensures their growth into a robust, cheerful, and socially adept canine.

In Our Puppy Program, Your Pup Will:

  • Enjoy Off-Leash Playtime: Interact with other vaccinated puppies of similar age during off-leash play sessions.
  • Receive Experienced Supervision: Be carefully supervised by experienced caregivers, ensuring safe and appropriate play.
  • Socialize and Explore: Meet new dogs, people, toys, places, and experiences to foster socialization and adaptability.
  • Face Age-Appropriate Challenges: Learn to handle different and interesting challenges suitable for their age, helping them become more comfortable with various experiences.

You will also receive a FREE Central Bark Puppy Parent Handbook, containing helpful tips for raising your healthy, happy, well-rounded puppy.

Rules & Requirements

  • Age Range: Puppies between 8 and 16 weeks old.
  • Limited Enrollment: Maximum of 6 puppies, determined by the number of attending puppy parents.
  • Advance Registration: Registration in advance is required.
  • Vaccination Proof: Proof of current Bordetella and DHPP vaccinations is necessary.
  • Inclusive Participation: We encourage both parents and children to join
  • Leash and Collar: Please bring a standard 6-foot leash (no retractable or flexi-leads in the lobby) and a quick-release collar. If your puppy usually wears a harness, you can bring that too.
Book Now

If you have any questions, please call (704) 261-3061 or email cltmatthews@centralbarkusa.com 

dog party and puppy hour at central bark

Dog Parties & Events
in Charlotte-Matthews

Our cherished furry companions bring happiness to our days and deserve the very best in return. That’s why we offer a wide range of services for every stage of your pup’s journey, ensuring both you and your dog share a path of longevity, well-being, and happiness. 

Ask an associate for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are staff trained and what behavior management tools do they use in a playgroup?

Our staff is trained in dog body language and positive playgroup management techniques so they can respond proactively to help avoid issues between dogs. These tools include praise, treats, and work on important Group Play Skills daily like name recall, group sits, and going calmly in and out of doorways and gates. If a dog ever becomes overstimulated during play (just like kids do on the playground sometimes) we use these practiced skills to help redirect dogs into more desired behaviors (like coming to us and offering a sit for a treat) which gives the dog a chance to reset and calm down. When needed, we also utilize play breaks (a short rest in an individual crate) or in-group leash walks if a dog needs a little more help to bring their energy levels back down.

Do groomers sedate dogs?

No. At Central Bark®, we never sedate dogs in our salon. Our expert groomers always aim to help your dog feel as calm and relaxed as possible during their bathing and grooming experience.  

Suppose your dog has shown extreme stress or anxiety toward grooming in the past. In that case, we suggest speaking with a trusted veterinarian and one of our reward-based trainers about how we can best support your dog. 

Make a reservation for your dog’s grooming session

How long does it take to potty train a puppy?

When potty training your pup, consistency is key. It’s crucial to establish a routine, practice positive reinforcement, supervise your puppy (especially when potty training), and avoid punishing your puppy when mistakes happen. 

Potty training a puppy to eliminate outside can take just a few weeks or several months. But it will go more quickly if your training routine is consistent, and you’re consistent about taking your puppy outside every few hours. 

Central Bark® offers everything you need to help you train your puppy. We offer expert training and classes so you and your puppy can learn and bond together.  

Learn more about our training classes.

Visit our Dog Blog for more helpful tips
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How much does it cost to board a dog?

Boarding service pricing may vary by service and location, as well as the length of stay.

Learn more about Sleepovers at Central Bark.

Read all FAQs

Central Bark® Whole Dog Care

Our whole dog care approach offers a full range of fun and personalized products and services. To promote your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional health and happiness throughout their entire life.