FREE puppy play & socialization experience!

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Start Your Pup
on the Right Paw

Puppy Hour is a FREE supervised puppy playtime and social hour at Central Bark®. Puppy Hour is a ton of fun, and it also provides a critical opportunity for puppies to get socialization during their “sensitive period.” That is generally between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Socialization is a process of preparing your dog to enjoy interactions with other animals, people, places, and activities.

We invite you and your puppy to attend as many sessions as you would like until your pup reaches the age limit. Meet our staff, speak with our trainer and groomer, and check out our facility. At Central Bark, our mission is to nurture and enrich your dog’s life. A great way to start your pup on the right paw is through puppy socialization!

staff member with dog

During this puppy hour program, your pup will:

  • Enjoy off-leash age-appropriate play with vaccinated puppies of similar ages
  • Be supervised by an experienced caregiver to ensure all play is safe and appropriate
  • Meet new dogs, humans, toys, environments, and obstacles
  • Be exposed to new and interesting obstacles to encourage age-appropriate socialization and exposure

Benefits of Puppy Hour & Training:

  • Long-Term Emotional Development: Puppy Hour provides your puppy with interactions with other dogs and people. This will help them develop confidence and social skills that can positively impact their emotional development throughout their lives.
  • Learn Important Group Play and Social Skills: During Puppy Hour, our staff will help guide your puppy through important group play and socialization skills. These including proper play behavior, impulse control, bite inhibition, and more. These skills are essential for your dog to develop healthy and appropriate social behavior.
  • Comfort and Confidence: During the sensitive period of 8 to 16 weeks, puppies are more likely to feel scared or uncomfortable in unfamiliar situations. By attending Puppy Hour, your pup can get exposure to new sights, smells, sounds, and experiences in a controlled environment, which can help them become more comfortable and confident in unfamiliar settings.
  • Expend Excess Energy: Puppies have a lot of energy to burn, and attending Puppy Hour can give them an outlet for that energy. Through supervised playtime and interactions with other puppies, your dog can get the physical exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.
  • Establish a Strong Foundation: Puppy Hour is an excellent way to establish a strong foundation for your puppy’s future training and development. Our program can help your pup develop essential skills and behaviors that will make them easier to train and manage as they grow older.

Rules & Requirements:

  • Puppies aged 8–16 weeks
  • Space is limited
  • Preregistration is a must
  • Proof of up-to-date Bordetella and DHPP vaccines
  • Children with a dedicated adult are welcome to participate* There will be learning opportunities for children too!
  • Observe CDC guidelines, including social distancing and wearing masks
  • Regular 6-foot flat leash (no retractable or flexi-leads in the lobby) and a quick-release collar. If your dog usually wears a harness, you’re welcome to bring one.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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 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
  • Dog ear cleaning
  • Dog teeth brushing
  • Dog nail trims
  • Dog deshed treatments
  • Dog brush outs
  • Dog gland expressions
  • And more

Make a reservation for your dog’s grooming session

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 place to play and learn in a safe environment, with the socialization, mental stimulation, and physical exercise their minds and bodies need to stay healthy for a lifetime. 

  • Dogs get to socialize. Dogs are social creatures. Positive experiences with new humans, new dogs, and new environments are essential to a well-rounded pup.
  • Dogs learn social skills. Dogs learn from other dogs – they’re always teaching each other what is (and isn’t) appropriate social behavior. Doggy day care staff can also help support safe play and practice healthy social behaviors.
  • Dogs get more exercise. Exercise helps your dog maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone while improving their mood and providing a healthy outlet for their physical and mental energy, meaning they can be more relaxed at home.  
  • Dogs get human attention. Your dog will get the care and love they need while you’re at work or school.  
  • Parents get a break. Doggy day care can give you a day off from responsibilities, while your dog gets what they need to be a healthier, more well-adjusted pet.

Learn more about Enrichment Doggy Day Care.

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 a familiar place, they can feel less stressed about being away from home (and so will you). A full day of Doggy Day Care is included with your sleepover stay.

Learn more about Sleepovers at Central Bark.

Read all FAQs

*The safety of guests and puppies in attendance at Puppy Hour is of the upmost importance. Upon arrival, a Central Bark team member will instruct you and your children of the rules and requirements to ensure safety, fun and learning for all involved.