Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Request a Reservation for a Day Care or Sleepover service in my online account?

Step 1: Login Click the “Client Login” option found at the bottom of all pages on our website.  Enter either your email address or phone number that you signed up with  Click “continue logging in” Then enter your password and click “Sign In” Step 2: Request Services You will now […]

How much does dog training cost?

With a variety of training solutions available, training costs depend upon what kind of training you and your dog need.  Central Bark® offers everything you need to help you train your new puppy or older dog. Including group classes and Training Tutor sessions that can take place during day care. […]

What is positive reward-based dog training?

Positive reward-based techniques help puppies and dogs develop essential life skills and behaviors that will enrich their lives at home and day care. These methods set dogs up to succeed and reward them for performing desired behaviors. Rewards are tailored to the dog’s preferences and can include food treats, time […]

How long does dog training take?

The timeline for learning new behaviors and skills is as unique as every dog! Because each dog is an individual, with different learning histories, breed genetics, and preferences in reinforcers like treats and toys, there is no way to say for sure how long training will take. It’s also important […]

Is 5 months too old to train a puppy?

Not at all! It’s never too early or too late to begin building positive associations and using reward-based methods to teach your puppy new skills and behaviors. Establish a training schedule now to help your puppy learn desired behaviors like walking nicely on a leash and basic cues like sit, […]

What is dog training?

Dog training teaches a dog to perform certain behaviors, often in a variety of contexts. At Central Bark®, our training classes are based on the latest research and scientific understanding of dog behavior to enhance the bond between you and your dog.   We use positive reward-based techniques to help puppies […]

What is the best way to train a dog?

After decades of experience, we know that reward-based training is the most humane and effective way to train dogs and address unwanted behaviors. With reward-based training, you can build a loving, trusting bond that enhances your relationship with your dog for a lifetime of happiness. Positive reward-based techniques help puppies […]

How do you crate train a dog?

For dogs, being comfortable in a crate is a life skill that is incredibly useful for them and their owners. If you have ever traveled with your dog or had the unfortunate experience of an overnight stay at the vet, knowing your dog is comfortable in a crate is immeasurably […]

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 avoiding punishing your puppy when mistakes happen.  Potty training a puppy to eliminate outside can take just a few weeks or several months. But it […]

How do you train a dog?

No matter how long you’ve had your dog, it’s possible to teach them new skills and tricks.  Whether you’re crate training, leash walking, or potty training your dog, consistency is key. It’s crucial to establish a routine, practice positive reinforcement, supervise your dog (especially when potty training), and avoiding punishing […]

How do you train a puppy?

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 avoiding punishing your puppy when mistakes happen.  Central Bark® offers everything you need to help you train your puppy. […]

How much do dog parties cost?

The cost of your party depends on what you need to celebrate your occasion. You can rent space in our facility to celebrate, then bring in your treats and decorations. Or you can have us plan and run your entire event, complete with a special treat, party favors, hats, decorations, […]

Do you offer dog birthday parties?

Yes! We love to celebrate our dog friends’ birthdays. You can rent space in our facility to celebrate, then bring in your treats and decorations. Or you can have us plan and run your entire event.  Contact us to schedule your dog’s party! 

Do you offer dog parties?

Yes! We love to celebrate our friends’ special days. You can schedule space in our facility to celebrate important moments in your dog’s life, from playdates to birthdays to Barkmitzvas. You can rent the space or have us plan and run your entire event.  Contact us to schedule your dog’s […]

What is the best puppy food?

Puppies have unique nutritional needs that require specially formulated food to keep them healthy and happy as they grow. The best food for your puppy will depend on their dietary needs, breed, and personal preferences. Every item in our Central Bark® Market is specially selected to enhance your puppy’s physical […]

What is the best dog shampoo?

Choosing the right dog shampoo can give your dog a shiny coat, less itching, and irritation, for a happy, clean-smelling dog. The best option for your dog will depend on its skin type and breed.  Every item in our Central Bark® Market is specially selected to enhance your dog’s physical […]

What is the best dog food?

The best dog food will vary depending on each dog’s dietary requirements, medical needs, breed, and personal preferences.  Every item in our Central Bark® Market is specially selected to enhance your dog’s physical health and nutrition, and provide enrichment, happiness, and comfort. We can help you choose from our selection […]

What products do you sell?

Shop the Central Bark® Market for the best choices in healthy and nutritious food, treats, toys, training aids, and dog lifestyle products and apparel. Every item is specially selected to enhance your dog’s physical health and nutrition, and provide enrichment, happiness, and comfort. Call to learn more about products we […]

Can a puppy be boarded?

Yes. We offer sleepovers to puppies and dogs enrolled in our Enrichment Day Care. Sleepovers at Central Bark® provide your dog a calm, relaxing sleepover in a place they can feel comfortable and loved. Because they’re in a familiar place, they can feel less stressed about being away from home […]

Is boarding stressful for dogs?

Sleeping in a new or unfamiliar environment can be stressful for some dogs. That’s why we offer sleepovers to dogs already enrolled in our Enrichment Day Care.  Sleepovers at Central Bark® offer your dog a calm, relaxing sleepover in a place they can feel comfortable and loved. Because they’re in […]

Does someone stay overnight at dog boarding?

No. After a day of play, most dogs settle quietly to their crate or luxury den and sleep through the night. Most Central Bark stores have cameras to monitor these areas. All of our stores have fire and motion-monitored security systems with keyed-in codes for staff to enter when they […]

What should I bring when boarding my dog?

When your dog is spending the night at Central Bark®, you should make sure all required forms, including proof of vaccination, are uploaded to your online account. You can bring in copies to your scheduled sleepover. Also, bring a collar and leash, food, medication, and any comforts from home (optional).   […]

Is it ok to board your dog?

Yes! When your dog spends the night with us, we do everything we can to ensure your dog has a safe place where they can feel well-rested.  Sleepovers at Central Bark® offer your dog a calm, relaxing sleepover in a place they can feel comfortable and loved. Because they’re in […]

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

What is Stay-n-Play?

Our Stay-n-Play program offers boarding for dogs that have not enrolled in our day care program. Each overnight guest gets a restful night’s sleep, followed by a day of play, exercise, and plenty of TLC from our staff. Stay-n-Play guests sleep and play in their own designated areas.  Learn more […]

What is dog boarding?

Dog boarding gives your dog a safe and comfortable place to spend the night when they can’t be home overnight. It can last for just one night or for a week or more at a time. At Central Bark®, we offer Sleepovers to dogs enrolled in our Enrichment Day Care […]

What does a dog groomer do?

Our expert groomers always aim to help your dog feel as calm and relaxed as possible during bathing and grooming, making it an experience they can enjoy and look forward to.  At Central Bark, we offer a wide array of services customized to your dog, including: Dog baths Dog grooming […]

How much does it cost to get a dog groomed?

All dogs are different, and like humans, your dog deserves grooming customized to their size, breed, and level of attention. For this reason, prices may vary by service and location. Learn more about our Dog Salon & Spa

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 […]

What should I look for in a dog groomer?

An essential characteristic of a dog groomer is someone who makes you and your dog feel safe and comfortable. Other things to look for: Certifications – Groomers don’t need a license or certification to work. Still, these accreditations are often signs that the groomer has the necessary training and experience to […]

Can I stay with my dog at the groomers?

You do not need to stay with your dog during their grooming appointment. Our expert groomers always aim to help your dog feel as calm and relaxed as possible during their bathing and grooming experience. If your pup is feeling a little unsure, ask our training team about ways to […]

What dog grooming services do you offer?

We offer everything you need to keep your dog clean, healthy, and comfortable at our Salon & Spa. Our expert groomers focus on creating a calm and relaxing experience your dog can enjoy.  We offer: Dog baths Dog grooming Dog ear cleaning Dog teeth brushing Dog nail trims Dog deshed treatments Dog […]

What does dog grooming include?

Your dog deserves to be pampered. Our full-service dog grooming salon is fully equipped to include anything from a simple brush-out or bath to a full spa day, a grooming session.  All dogs are unique. Just like humans, your dog deserves personalized grooming for their size, breed, coat type, and condition. […]

What is dog grooming?

Dog grooming helps keep your dog clean, healthy, and comfortable. It can include anything from a simple brush-out or bath to a full spa day, complete with a grooming session and nail care.  All dogs are unique. Just like humans, your dog deserves personalized grooming for their size, breed, coat type, […]

What’s a Behavior Assessment and why is it important?

As part of joining the Central Bark® family, our expert staff conducts a thorough behavior assessment at your local Central Bark store. These assessments help ensure that your dog is placed with a playgroup they’re comfortable with so they can play safely every day they’re with us. This four-day evaluation, […]

How does Central Bark mentally stimulate a dog?

At Central Bark®, our goal is to provide a balanced day of play, learning, rest, and love. Learning and mental exercise can happen in various ways, including training activities, brain games, scent work, and more. Our playgroups offer several hours of active playtime paired with learning opportunities during Group Play […]

What are One-on-One Enrichment sessions?

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 […]

What are flexible playgroups?

Flexible playgroups allow us to match your dog with the social atmosphere and play schedule they can enjoy and benefit from most. This helps give them a healthy balance of play, rest, and learning and creates a safer social environment with a better quality of play. And our lower dog-to-staff […]

What are Rest Period Enrichments?

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. […]

What do dogs do at doggy day care?

Central Bark Enrichment Doggy Day Care combines our industry-leading doggy day care expertise with the latest science-based activities and techniques. We personalize your dog’s day with fun, healthy, and well-balanced activities that appeal to their instincts and enrich their bodies, minds, and senses.   Each day at Central Bark® includes exclusive […]

Do I need to bring bedding, toys, or treats for my dog?

Nope! We got you covered! Most dogs will not need any bedding for a single day of day care. If your dog is boarding with us, see our Sleepover Guidelines. As far as treats and toys, we have plenty! Please ask about which toy and treat products are available.

What should I bring to Doggy Day Care?

Once you have enrolled, we will need a copy of your dog’s vaccination records, which you can upload to your online account or bring with you on your scheduled first day. We also ask that your dog comes in on a regular 6-foot flat leash (no retractable or flexi-leads in […]

How do I enroll in Central Bark Doggy Day Care?

It’s easy! Just complete our online registration form. To speed up the registration process, please have available: veterinarian contact information, an emergency contact (other than yourself or your partner), pet information & medical history, and credit card information (optional). We will ask you a series of questions about your dog’s training […]

How to choose the best day care for your dog

Selecting the right doggy day care is an important decision for you and your family. You want to make sure you find the right fit for your dog and your family’s needs. Follow these tips to find the perfect place for your pup!  Tour the day care center before leaving […]

Why choose doggy day care for your dog?

There’s no bond like the one between our furry best friends and us. We love our dogs and want to give them the best life possible. But it can be challenging to fulfill all their needs to stay healthy and happy for a lifetime. Doggy day care gives pups a […]

What is dog day care?

Dog day care gives dogs a fun place to play with their friends while their owners are busy at home and work. At Central Bark®, doggy daycare is our specialty, and nobody does it quite like us. We don’t just give dogs a place to play. We create a personalized […]

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 to 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 […]

How does Central Bark proactively address safety?

At Central Bark, a proactive approach to safety is woven right into the fabric of our program. That is why we require that all dogs enrolled in our Day Care program pass our behavior assessment and attend at least once per week. It helps us ensure that dogs are social […]

Are the management and staff mature, knowledgeable, courteous, professional, and patient at all times?

We have a team of very qualified individuals at Central Bark®, including managers certified in Canine First Aid and CPR.

Are the facilities well equipped with toys?

Central Bark® has plenty of tennis balls and toys for everyone. The dogs could ask for nothing more!

Is there a schedule of activities and safety rules?

Yes. Our day is broken up into areas of play, rest, feeding and more. And we always keep a watchful eye on canine good manners. Learn more about our commitment to safety

How can I be sure that the play space is clean, odor & disease-free, comfortable and safe for the stated capacity of the center?

Central Bark® is licensed and inspected by local government or regulatory authorities. We also clean and disinfect nightly, regardless of how many dogs have visited. Learn more about our commitment to safety

Does the center maintain the same policy for sleepovers?

Central Bark® reserves sleepover services exclusively for dogs accepted into the day care program, so the same policies do apply. Our Stay-n-Play program (available at participating locations) offers boarding services for dogs that have not enrolled in our day care program.

How do dogs wind down from the flurry of activity and avoid potential conflicts?

Dogs nap quietly in their crates in the Nap Room, complete with classical music and aromatherapy.

Is there enough outdoor space to accommodate all dogs on nice days and indoor space when the weather is poor?

Central Bark® has both indoor and outdoor play areas large enough that all dogs can be inside or outside at any given time. This helps us keep the dogs safe and comfortable at any time of year.  Learn more about Enrichment Doggy Day Care

Can I see the complete facilities where my dog will be staying?

Of course! You are welcome to visit and tour the center before enrolling.  Contact us to schedule a tour