The Beginning

Dear Fellow Dog Owners,

Welcome to Barkley Manor!

The idea for Barkley Manor was born as Dudley, my ever-gorgeous retriever/ poodle cross, reached his first birthday. Being a regular in various local parks and beaches, Dudley had made some wonderful new friends, many of whom have become regular play dates at my home. Because I was working from home, Dudley and his friends had constant supervision, and even me as an extra playmate on occasion!

As the word spread the play dates increased, and so did the requests for overnight and even long weekend stays, but while I love having a houseful of doggies, neither my time nor my garden are big enough to accommodate them all!

So that got me thinking – there was no doubt that we, as owners, had a need, but after much research there seemed to be no real or convenient alternative

In the USA, dog daycare services have been in existence for over 5 years and are now one of the fastest growing pet industries. However, on visiting a variety of these daycares, the difference in quality and services was huge; some were little more than unpleasant-smelling concrete rooms, while others offered an amazing array of daily dog care services. I came away disappointed with the style and approach of some, and in awe of the possibilities presented by others. So, inspired by the opportunity, the essence of Barkley Manor took shape. After many months searching I found an amazing property, and the option to offer not only a substantial daycare that could cater for all shapes and sizes of dogs, but also grooming, training and even retail facilities became a reality.

At the heart of Barkley Manor is my desire to create a truly unique environment – a cage-free, off-leash, gorgeous-looking play and grooming haven - where dogs can truly be dogs, and in turn owners can feel good, rather than bad about leaving their dogs home alone during the day. I want to provide a centrally located, dedicated facility that offers you as busy owners the ultimate in convenience, and services that are tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

I have been blown away by the support and feedback I have received from my two-legged friends – but nothing can compare to seeing the 60 dogs playing in daycare.

I believe Barkley Manor is about you, and the life you and your dog want to lead. Dudley thinks it’s about hanging out with his mates and playing all day… I’ll leave you or your own dog to decide.

We look forward to meeting you soon

Regards

Why Barkley Manor?

Dogs are, by nature, pack animals; they learn, play and socialise in groups. Barkley Manor gives them a chance to be part of a pack in a safe, monitored, home-away-from-home environment.

Our staff members have a passion for treating dogs like dogs, which means understanding what makes their lives better. We are committed to helping owners have happy, healthy, well-behaved dogs, and a guilt-free day.

Happier Dogs
At Barkley Manor dogs are stimulated physically and mentally, groomed for comfort as well as style and trained using positive methods helping you build a stronger bond with your four legged friend.

They get to socialise with other dogs and people, enabling them to learn appropriate ways of interacting. This also allows dogs to get over shyness or separation anxiety.

The dogs at Barkley Manor get lots of exercise and attention, increasing their strength, health and fitness, and ensuring they come home to you tired and happy.

Happier Humans
One of the driving motivations for starting Barkley Manor was to help dog owners reduce the guilt they feel at leaving their beloved dog at home alone all day. Having your dog in daycare means that you know your companion is safe and happy; it means that you don’t have to worry about boredom or separation anxiety issues, your dog straying, or about noisy dog fines if your dog barks excessively when left alone.

Barkley Manor is committed to providing the most convenient service possible, with onsite grooming and training, and a fantastic range of dog food, treats and toys. We are open from 7.30 am – 6.30 pm allowing you to fit us into your daily schedule.

Whether you're working in the office, trying to get some work done at home, or having a party or other potentially noisy event, your dog can be having a safe, fun day at Barkley Manor.

Happier Community
Barkley Manor is committed to having a positive impact on the community by reducing the issues caused by home alone dogs and by promoting the benefits of happy, healthy, well behaved dogs and confident, responsible owners.

Our Staff

The staff at Barkley Manor are a breed apart. We come from a variety of backgrounds, however what sets us apart is not only our passion for and natural affinity with dogs, but our commitment to create a truly unique environment for you dogs. We look forward to meeting you in person, but here is a little something about us.

Krista Johnson Owner / General Manager

Dudley
My Top Dog
Retriever / Poodle Cross -
4 years old

Well, I have Dudley, my retriever / poodle cross to thank for making Barkley Manor a reality rather than a much talked about idea.

I grew up in Devon England with a varying sized pack of red setters, gordon setter, collie / setter cross and a rather feisty cocker spaniel. It's fair to say that getting a dog of my own was always going to happen when life allowed.

Dudley has not only changed my every day, but allowed me to meet the wonderful array of owners and dogs, that inspired me to make Barkley Manor a reality.

I have a background in sales and marketing and worked in London for 13 years in media and digital TV. I moved to New Zealand 7 years ago, after falling in love with this amazing country and after several years launching a new mobile media business into Australia and the USA, ( managing to visit numerous overseas doggie daycares along the way ) I finally decided to make Auckland my full time home.

As the owner of Barkley Manor, my commitment is to make Barkley Manor a truly special place; where dogs can truly be dogs, owners can be assured of the ultimate in care and quality, and our staff can live their career dream. I hope our Grey Lynn facility is the first of many, and look forward to showing you all around.

Kelly Silk Pack Leader

Eli - Black Labrador

My top dog - 9 years old

Jeanette a.k.a. Aunt Netty

Hi my name is Jeanette known as Aunt Netty. Mac my gorgeous boy has been with Barkley Manor for nearly 2 years. I used to drop Mac off in the morning thinking how lucky he was, and how lucky the girls working at Barkley Manor were.

Now I am the lucky one too ! I am the lady who pops up over the reception desk when you least expect it. I love the interaction I have with our 2 legged clients, just as much as I enjoy our 4 legged clients. I recently launched a Food Club and would love to tell you more. My goal at Barkley Manor, is to help it run smoothly for the staff and clients, and have some fun while doing this. Please pop in anytime to check us out.

Libby Joyce - Pack Leader

My name is Libby Joyce I am 19 years old and I love dogs! I have just finished studying A certificate in Canine Behaviour and Training at Unitec, Mount Albert. As part of the course i was required to do work experience at a dog related industry and so found out about Barkley Manor. They gladly took me on and in the end I got to know and to love all the dogs. After my work experience was over i was offered a full time position as a junior pack leader at Barkley and couldn't be happier! Barkley Manor Doggy Daycare is a truly great environment to work in. Dogs are my passion I love getting to know each and every one of their personalities and caring for them every day.

Seiko Ishida - Pack Leader

Hi my name is Seiko. I am from Japan.

I passionately love animals and working as a Vet Nurse in Japan, made me more interested in working with them and in particular understanding the health and behavioural needs of dogs. On arriving in New Zealand I wanted to build on this knowledge and studied the Canine Behaviour and Training Course at Unitec. After Unitec I managed a boarding kennels and cattery in Albany for almost two years.

I am very happy to see dogs get a lot of attention and stimulation at Barkley Manor and get a new experience for myself. I look forward to meeting you and your dogs and will enjoy watching your dog make a lot of friends and learn new things here in daycare.

Hi my name is Kelly, I have an 9yr old Black Lab named Eli who I’ve had for 3yrs. His family was going overseas and as hard as they tried, they sadly could not take him. He has his own paddling pool at home that he loves to lay in on the hot summer days, especially after a long walk, loves cuddles, and is now a body guard and best friend to our 11yr old cat bassie.

I studied a Certificate in Canine Behaviour and Training at Unitec and was really excited when I heard about Barkley Manor. I have always wanted to work in a dog daycare and love the environment that Barkley Manor sets. I look forward to working with your dogs and making sure that their day is fun filled with plenty of cuddles and attention.

Vacancies

PUT YOUR BEST PAW FORWARD… And join a New Zealand first in dog care.

Caring for a variety of dogs from stylish schnauzers to loyal labradors, Barkley Manor is a brand new daycare providing care, exercise, training and grooming for dogs of all ages during the day. If you love dogs, have energy to burn and enjoy a challenge then we may have a role to suit you. From pedicures to picking up poo, Barkley Manor does it all.

If you have a good sense of humour, want to work with a team of people who are passionate about animal welfare and are looking for a role where you are able to live a dog’s life, we want to hear from you. Customer service skills and patience are essential. In addition you will have a ‘can do’ attitude and enjoy ‘mucking in’ when required.

You will receive training in understanding and managing dog behaviour and play. You will have the opportunity to develop in areas such as grooming, dog handling, dog training and people management and will further develop your customer service skills.

Current Vacancies - updated February 3rd 2010

Experienced Dog Groomer - are you best in show ?

Our grooming salon is located in a beautiful large open space where clients can watch our staff at work. What sets us apart is our passion for offering quality, not only providing the ultimate in dog grooming techniques, but also a focus on styling dogs the way their owners like.

Our reputation and client base have grown and we are looking for an experienced and passionate Groomer - someone who not only wants to hone their creative skills but who has a natural affinity with the dogs in their care. At Barkley Manor we believe dogs should be dogs, and that grooming is as much about health and happiness as it is about a 'look'.

Ideally with over 2 years experience, you must have competent scissoring and clipping skills, have worked with all variety of breeds, and have a flair for being creative. We are looking for someone who wants to join a team that are dedicated to going that extra mile- someone who is keen to set themselves apart from the norm and be part of an exciting business that will grow and grow.

If you think this is you, please forward a CV and covering letter to krista@barkleymanor.co.nz

Gallery

Barkley Manor Gallery

We love showing you what we do every day - well more accurately we love showing you how much our four legged friends enjoy themselves. Here is a sample of the most recent pictures, for more click here and it will take you to our dedicated Photo Website.

www.flickr.com

Class of 2009/2010 School Photo Project

Well in true style our ever increasing class of kids rose to the challenge of our 'Graduation Cap' styled school photos - click here to see the class of 2009 / 2010 in their full glory.

www.flickr.com

Class of 2008 School Photo Project

What fun we had ... over 200 of our students lined up to have their official school photo taken. With their hair combed and their Barkley Manor tie on they all sat beautifully ( well not all the time' ) as we captured our Class of 2008. Here is a sample of the most recent pictures, for more click here and it will take you to our dedicated Photo Website.

www.flickr.com

School Report Cards

To accompany each set of photo's we also worked long and hard to compile our first set of Report Cards - and what a reception they received!! It has been the cause of much conversation as our parents digest the year their loved one has had. We saw it all from the parents; comparing grades with other parents , laughing at the antics and best known traits of their four legged family member, some marvelled at their cherished one's achievements, some nervously laughed at their lesser grades, everyone smiled at the list of friends that their child had made , and all shared their pride with everyone and anyone !

We are so proud of our four legged clients and we look forward to the next report card later in 2009.