Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prong collar, choke chain, slip lead, harness, etc? What about doggy jackets?

Of course! You can bring your dog in with whatever training device you use at home – safety first! We just need them to have a snug-fitting quick-release collar that can remain on during playtime. All other items are removed and hung up with their leash. Jackets stay on during outside potty time, and are removed once we come back inside.

Why can’t I use a retractable leash?

Safety, our Number 1 Priority. Retractable leashes don’t allow for you or our handlers to take a short, tight hold of your dog, with both hands on the leash. In the event that there is a leash-aggressive dog or strange person in the vicinity, proper leash control is the only way to prevent any unwanted encounters.

Why do you require that my dog have a nametag?

Nametags provide a foolproof method of identifying each individual dog. While we pride ourselves on knowing each dog personally, new staff members need to be able to identify them as well, and do have our fair share of lookalikes! Also, in the unfortunate event that a dog should get loose, it carries their name and information to help them get home!

Can I do half days?

We do not recommend doing only half days for daycare, especially if only in the afternoon. Once the pack is settled in, introducing a new dog can create a lot of excitement and high energy when everyone runs up to investigate. This sort of focus creates an environment in which unwanted incidents can happen. Half days also provide half as much playtime!

Can you give my dog a bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, etc. while they’re there for daycare?

Absolutely! We have a Salon Service Sign-Up sheet on the front counter every morning – just write your dog’s name down and mark off what they need done! Our staff members can answer any questions you have about our different services. We will also notify you if your dog is in need of a Salon Service, particularly nail trims. Excessively long nails are a hazard to dogs and handlers due to the risk of scratches and cuts, breakage, or getting caught in a crate or collar.

Can you give my dog a full groom/haircut while they’re there for daycare?

We can, however full grooms must be scheduled in advance due to the amount of time they take as opposed to a basic bath or nail trim. We ask for at least 24 hours advance notice on grooms, but remember that the further out you schedule, the more likely we will be able to get your dog groomed on your day of choice.

Do you do grooming for non-daycare clients?

Of course! All we require is basic contact information for the parents, and proof of a current rabies vaccination. Non-clients do need to call and schedule in advance, but we offer all of the same Salon Services to outside dogs that we do to our pack members. We

are able to keep dogs here for an extended period when they visit the Salon, as we have separate crates and space outdoors for potty breaks, but remember they don’t know us and will be happier going home soon after their spa time!

Can I drop off my dog in the evening when they’re scheduled to spend the night?

You can, but we recommend they get their playtime in before being put away for the night. Tired dogs sleep better. And for those that are new to sleepovers, burning off some energy can ease any anxiety they may have about staying here for the night. And sleepovers are charged on a 24-hour period, from 8 a.m. to 8 a.m., so dropping off in the evening means you’re paying for playtime that they didn’t get!

Why do you ask that we drop off for daycare by 8am?

We send all of the dogs out to their playgroups starting by 8:15 a.m. Sending a dog out into the pack after everyone has settled in causes a lot of excitement, and all of that energy is focused on the dog we’re trying to send through the gate. Having that many dogs focused in on one individual can cause tension and create an environment that could cause and incident. Also, the later you drop off, the less playtime they get!

Why can’t I just drop my dog off for an overnight stay (like a traditional boarding kennel) ?

Here at Central Bark, we pride ourselves on being the Unkennel. Our philosophy is that every dog is a member of our family, and deserves to be happy and have a blast! Traditional kenneling in a strange setting causes undue stress on dogs and their parents. Imagine if you were thrust into an unfamiliar setting, surrounded by individuals that didn’t speak your language, and had no idea if or when you were ever going to go home and see your family again. Sounds awful, doesn’t it? That’s what traditional boarding is like for most dogs. By requiring at least two and ideally 4 daycare visits before a sleepover, your dog has time to meet the pack members and handlers, and become familiar with the routine and surroundings. But most importantly, they get to see you and go home at the end of the day! Every part of their day is happy, and there’s no opportunity for feelings of abandonment to stress them out.

For more information, check us out on the web at

CentralBarkUSA.com/Franklin

We’re also on Facebook, with daily updates!

Facebook.com/CentralBarkFranklin