About Central Bark Rochester, MN
Lenny Hoisington is the owner and franchisee of Central Bark Rochester, MN and a proud Rochester native. After graduating high school, Lenny moved to Milwaukee to attend the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing. He later completed his MBA while working for a family-owned steel company, gaining valuable leadership and operational experience.
Lenny’s lifelong love of animals deepened after adopting his pit bull/Foxhound mix, Baxter, in 2016. Baxter’s unique needs led Lenny and his wife, Emily, to become customers of Central Bark while living in Milwaukee. Seeing firsthand the positive impact of enrichment-based care, socialization, and structure on Baxter was a turning point—and ultimately what inspired Lenny to pursue opening his own Central Bark.
After marrying in 2017, Lenny and Emily returned to Minnesota to build a business rooted in trust, compassion, and community. Central Bark Rochester, MN opened in June 2019. Today, they are raising their two children alongside their dogs, Baxter and their pit bull mix, Zoey. Emily works at Mayo Clinic as a nurse and house supervisor and is Lenny’s biggest supporter. Lenny is proud to serve the Rochester community and lead Central Bark Rochester, MN with passion, compassion, respect, and integrity
“We welcome you to join our Central Bark family.”
Lenny Hoisington, Central Bark Rochester, MN Franchise Owner
Meet The Team
Abby Buck
General Manager
Abby Buck has been with Central Bark Rochester, MN since April 2019—before the doors even opened—and has helped shape the culture from day one. As General Manager, she is the driving force behind the team, leading with passion, compassion, respect, and integrity. Abby is deeply committed to whole-dog care, team excellence, and ensuring families feel confident and informed when hearing about their dog’s day.
Katie Hayward
Store Manager
Katie Hayward is the Store Manager, resident photographer, and proud pug-lover at Central Bark Rochester, MN. She joined the team in September 2020 as a Canine Care Assistant and grew into her role through a deep commitment to dogs and people. Katie is passionate about creating welcoming experiences, capturing joyful moments, and building trust with families through clear communication and thoughtful care.
Awards & Achievements
KTTC TV’s 2021 Fan Favorite for Pet Services
Central Bark® Certified
Enrichment Dog Day Care
Pet CPR Certified
Our Family Photo Album
I can’t thank Lenny and Central Bark enough for their incredible support with my 15.5-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Max. After a tough journey with vet-recommended medications and a shot that led to severe seizures, I was at a loss. The seizures were heartbreaking, and I thought I might lose Max. A friend connected me with Lenny, who went above and beyond to help care for Max while I was at work, showing genuine compassion and dedication.
On Lenny’s recommendation, I tried Central Bark’s Senior Comfort Chews. Within a month, Max stopped having seizures, stopped whining, and started sleeping better—giving us both much-needed peace. These chews aren’t a cure-all, but they’ve transformed our quality of life. Lenny’s kindness and expertise make Central Bark a gem. I’ll be back soon for more chews and highly recommend them to anyone with a senior dog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Central Bark® has outdoor facilities complete with swimming pools and cooling systems for the summer.
Our trainers can help your dog learn a variety of essential life skills and behaviors during their one-on-one sessions. These include fundamental commands like sit, stay, down, wait, and leave-it, as well as more specific skills such as calm door and gate etiquette and relaxed loose-leash walking. The training is tailored to help your dog become a well-behaved and confident member of the family.
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).
See our Sleepover Guidelines
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 comforting.
Crate training can take just days or a few months, based on your dog’s age, temperament, and past experiences with crates. The two keys to successful crate training are to keep the experience positive and go slowly.
When your puppy is not in their crate, keep the door open and reward them every time they choose to enter, even if you didn’t ask them to enter it. When crating your puppy, give them a safe enrichment item (like a stuffed Kong) that will keep them busy and allow them to self-soothe while confined. Remember that crate training should take place in a series of small, slow steps that will help your puppy become more comfortable.
Central Bark® offers everything you need to help you care for your new puppy. Our Enrichment Day Care gives puppies all the socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, and rest they need for a lifetime of happiness with you and your family. We also 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.
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.
Let’s get started
- Click Request Appointment
- Register Online
- We will contact you and schedule your first visit