About Central Bark Gurnee
After more than 25 years in the watch industry, focusing on product development and management, I decided to pivot my skills in a whole new direction. While searching for ways to integrate my passion for dogs into a new career, I discovered Central Bark. I was impressed by their experience, integrity and commitment to providing the highest-quality care to each and every dog that walks in their doors, and wanted to provide that same quality care for the dogs in my own community. In June of 2013, Central Bark Gurnee proudly opened its doors.
I am happy to own Central Bark Gurnee with my wife of 32 years, Ellyn, a practicing occupational therapist. We have 3 adult daughters and an adorable grandson. We have parented 2 dogs together, first Rosco, a rescued Black Lab, and now Archer, an approximately 10-year-old Lab-Pit mix. As dog parents ourselves, we know that dogs are an integral part of the family and that they deserve the absolute best, which is why we focus on creating and maintaining a safe, clean, fun environment where our highly-trained staff treat your dogs like their own. Central Bark Gurnee is our extended family, and I look forward to welcoming you and your pup to our family!
“I have always loved dogs and am so excited to now have my own Central Bark!”
Layne, Central Bark Gurnee Franchise Owner
Awards & Achievements
Central Bark® Certified
Enrichment Dog Day Care
Our Family Photo Album
We decided to try Bark Central because of its great reviews and we couldn’t be happier with the quick turn around!
Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
While the Training Tutor, One-on-One Enrichment, and Rest Period Enrichment services are provided by our staff during your dog’s day care visit, Central Bark Fort Lauderdale also partners with Sue of We Love Dogs! to host group training classes. These classes are designed to help you and your dog refine skills together in a supportive environment. You can call the provided number to learn more about class schedules.
Whether you’re crate training, leash walking, or 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.
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.
Rest periods can be paired with fun and interactive food toys (like a frozen peanut butter Kong) to create a rest period enrichment activity for your dog.
Not only are rest period enrichments fun and mentally stimulating for your dog, but they also help build positive associations and crating skills. Hence, dogs are calmer, quieter, and more relaxed. For dogs, being comfortable in a crate is a life skill that is incredibly useful for them and their owners.
Did you know? Scientific studies have shown that licking and chewing behaviors (especially those that involve food rewards!) are self-soothing, decrease heart and respiratory rates, and even release dopamine in a dog’s brain.
Our One-on-One Enrichment sessions give your dog the freedom to safely explore their senses with an Enrichment Specialist. They’ll get the personal attention they love, supplemented with interactive toys, puzzles, and games that exercise their bodies and minds. They can also level up their skills with fitness training and agility exercises if they’re ready for more.
Did you know? 15 minutes of mental activity is equal to 30 minutes of physical exercise!
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.
