FAQ

What's so special about the Barkley Manor facility?

Barkley Manor is a 7000 sq. ft facility, with a large play space of over 4,000 sq. ft. The play space floor is covered with  cushioned rubber flooring made from recycled New Zealand tyres, so it’s not only eco friendly, but waterproof, slip free and, more importantly, easy on your dog’s joints. We even have the mats running up the walls – so while we don’t encourage dogs bouncing off the walls, we have certainly made sure no damage is done if they do.

The facility is divided by activity into a reception area, Daycare, Grooming and Training areas. We have separate, dedicated play areas for large and small dogs, and quieter, luxurious areas for our Puppies and older dogs. The facility has large beanbags, daybeds  and couches to lounge on and quiet areas for dogs to take a break from the pack.   Outdoor areas are used throughout the day for toilet breaks and a bit of fresh air.
 To ensure a healthy, odour-free environment for your dog, we have air purifiers to help eliminate unpleasant smells and reduce airborne contaminates, and we clean our floors once during each day and at night.

Our Grooming Salon provides full grooming, clipping and styling services, using the latest tools and techniques.

We also offer a dedicated training school on week day nights and weekends  - further helping you have the best life possible with your four legged friend

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Can any dog come to daycare?

The daycare environment is quite simply not for all dogs. Dogs all have their own personalities, and some personalities and temperaments are simply better suited than others to the pack life of daycare.  This is why we have a comprehensive evaluation process, so that we can assess whether this is an environment your dog will be happy and safe in.

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Why is the application form so detailed?

This initial part of the evaluation process is extremely important; it helps us to assess your dog’s behaviour and health, and ensures that it is licensed and de-sexed. Because we are committed to a stress free environment – where dogs are assigned play groups based on their size, age and temperament – the more we know about your dog, the better able we are to place them in the right group or advise you on how you can help your dog pass the evaluation.

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What is the evaluation meeting? 

In order to determine whether or not Barkley Manor is the right environment for your dog, we provide an evaluation meeting prior to your dog being scheduled for daycare.  This meeting will give us a chance to meet you and get a feel for your dog’s unique personality and individual needs.  We will also see how your dog reacts and responds to other dogs, and it gives you a chance to see the facility layout.

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What if my dog is turned down for daycare? 

If we decide that your dog is not right for Barkley Manor, or if we must withdraw your dog due to behavior or safety concerns, it is not a negative comment on your dog, and does NOT mean your dog is “bad.”  It simply means that the daycare environment is not the best environment for your dog, and other options should be explored.  For dogs that do not do well in a “pack” style environment, you might consider a pet sitter or dog walker who will come to your home during the day to provide beneficial physical and mental stimulation through one-to-one contact with your dog. Barkley Manor can help with a training programme for your dog.

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What should I expect on the first day?  

To help your dog settle in to Barkley Manor, we will ask you to bring your dog in early in the morning. This ensures that your dog is among the first arrivals and can greet the other dogs as they arrive.  This makes the settling in period much smoother and less intimidating than being introduced to a group of dogs that are already established.  We have dedicated areas to keep new dogs away from the pack if necessary, and can gradually increase their interaction with the group as they become more comfortable with their new environment. For some dogs this is a short process of a few hours, while for others it may take a few visits. This process helps to make your dog’s experience at Barkley Manor a safe and positive one.

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What changes might I notice when my dog starts attending Barkley Manor?

If your dog is accepted to Barkley Manor, you may notice a few changes in the first few weeks. Some dogs experience some muscle soreness from all the fun they are having playing at Barkley Manor. Over time you will notice that this fades as your dog becomes fitter and stronger. If your dog is not currently used to much activity during the day, he or she may be tired after the first few visits to Barkley Manor. Because we exercise your dog’s mental as well as physical faculties, you may find that your dog needs some extra rest when you get home.

During the summer, you may notice that your dog’s coat is wet when you pick him or her up from Barkley Manor. This is because we provide pools for them to play in during the hotter months. The water in the pools is changed frequently, to make sure it is clean and healthy.

As your dog becomes used to the daycare environment, you are likely to notice that he or she shows real enthusiasm about coming to Barkley Manor in the mornings. Eventually they will be just as excited to get to daycare as they are when you pick them up at night. Which brings us to the last thing you might notice – a wagging tail and big smile when you come to take them home after a happy, fun-filled day at Barkley Manor!

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What about my dog’s health?

Your dog’s health and safety is of the greatest importance to us. This is why we have such a comprehensive evaluation process, ensuring that all the dogs at Barkley Manor are assigned groups relevant to their age, size, and play style. Dogs are constantly supervised and cared for by trained staff, our facility is clean and hygienic and has been designed with your dog’s safety and enjoyment in mind.

As with children, dogs may occasionally get scratches, nicks, or scrapes from playing with others.  These incidents will be treated with the appropriate first aid and you will be notified if deemed necessary.

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What happens if my dog is injured or becomes unwell?

We take care to ensure that all dogs are healthy and safe, and we have a quarantine area for dogs that are unwell. If, however, your dog becomes ill, or is injured, there is a 24-hour vet care facility just five minutes away from Barkley Manor.

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What if my dog is being a bit naughty?

Just like at a human daycare, dog play can sometimes get pretty rowdy.  A staff member constantly supervises the group play.  If a dog becomes over-stimulated or begins playing too roughly, he or she may be given some time out in the buffer zone to calm down before being allowed to rejoin the pack.

We offer daily Barkley Manners sessions, where good behaviours are rewarded, and dogs are taught basic commands.

We also offer a range of extra training options for dogs with ongoing behavioural issues.

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What are the training options available at Barkley Manor?

If we identify behavioural issues with your dog in the initial evaluation stages, or if you know of some problems with your dog that you would like to address, we offer a number of training options.

Barkley Manners Programs

  • Basic Manners
  • Puppies to Adolsecents
  • Advanced Games
  • Agility

Seminars – How to Think Dog

  • For our two-legged friends
  • Special guest speakers

One-to-One Consultations

  • For particular problem areas, such as aggression, separation anxiety, excessive barking
  • You and your dog will be partnered with one of our leading New Zealand specialist trainers

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What is the Puppy Academy all about?

The Puppy Academy is specifically designed for puppies between  eight and 16 weeks  old.   Located in a separate building to the other daycare dogs, the puppy room  is dedicated to letting your puppy be a puppy - learning essential life lessons from other dogs and through one of our trained staff

During this time, positive reinforcement and lots of praise are used to encourage your puppy to develop positive toilet habits, response to signals, and basic manners.  Your family will also be given tips and suggestions to help support positive toileting behaviour in the home environment, such as scheduled feeding/watering, basic commands, and how to reinforce positive behaviours or correct undesirable behaviour. 

Your puppies day includes lots of play and lots of  naptime,  treats, lunch and heaps of cuddles.   In addition, puppies receive a great deal of supervised social interaction with other puppies as well as interaction with the staff, which helps build their self-confidence and self-esteem. 

At least one Puppy shot and bordatella are required to begin attending the Puppy Academy.  Once your puppy has received all of his or her shots they will graduate to the main daycare , where they will join a  group of 4 - 6 month old puppies - at 6 months old we will talk to you about which play group they are best suited to.

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