About Central Bark Rochester

Lenny is a native of Rochester, growing up in the community. After highschool, he left Rochester to go to college at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing. He worked for a family owned steel company in the Milwaukee area for 6 years and obtained his MBA while working during that time. Lenny met his (now) wife in Milwaukee and learned they were both from Rochester!

During their time in Milwaukee, Lenny and Emily fostered a dog, and had two cats before adopting their pit/Foxhound Mix, Baxter, in 2016. They had both been animal lovers their whole lives, and Baxter presented some unique “challenges” that quickly got them into learning about dog behavior, training methods, and overall dog care. It was at that time that they began bringing Baxter to Central Bark – Westside in Milwaukee and fell in love with the program and what Baxter was gaining from his time there.

After they were married in 2017 the time came for them to make the decision to move back home to MN. With Lenny’s passion for animals and desire to be a business owner, he set his sights on opening a doggy day care in Rochester. After learning Central Bark was a franchise and exploring the different options, he knew that Central Bark was the only fit for him and aligned with his and Emily’s passions and love for dogs whole care. They have been open since June of 2019!

“We welcome you to join our Central Bark family.”

Lenny & Emily, Central Bark Rochester Franchise Owners

Meet the Team

Abby

Store Manager

Hi! My name is Abby and I have been the store manager with Central Bark since April of 2019 (before we even opened!). Although I came to Central Bark with a retail background professionally, I have always had a passion for dogs and caring for them. I absolutely love seeing all the happy pups walk through our door with excitement to start their day along with sharing details of their day during pick up. Watching our staff build relationships with our dogs is something I look forward to each shift. I have a beagle rescue named Maybelline (May for short). She is the sweetest and most loving dog. When not at Central Bark I enjoy spending time with May, frisbee golfing, fishing, making plans with friends/family to celebrate special events or vacation and watching football (Go Vikes!).

Katie Hayward

Assistant Manager

Hi there! My name is Katie, and I am the Assistant Manager, resident photographer, and pug-lover of Central Bark Rochester. I started my time here in September 2020 as a Canine Care Specialist and moved my way up until I eventually landed myself in the best job ever! I have the pleasure of snapping pictures of all the wonderful dogs in our care everyday and posting them on our various social media accounts (that you should totally go and follow)! Along with that, I also write the report cards for Dog Boarding, Stay-n-Plays, and Enrichment Sessions/Training Tutors. You may have also heard me on the radio talking about how great of a place Central Bark Rochester is!

My favorite part about working for Central Bark Rochester is getting to make so many new furry friends! I have a very genuine and strong love for each dog that I meet and would move the Earth for them (or at least give them a little extra peanut butter in their Kong). I have always been my happiest when I’m with animals and Central Bark has given me so many incredible opportunities to show my love for them.

At home, I have a little Pug named Twila and a cat named Luma. They’re my favorite girls and I love them with my whole heart! We’re pretty much attached at the hip and I couldn’t imagine doing life without them. I hope to have many more furry (and amphibian) friends in the future! Until then, I’m thrilled to be taking care of yours.

Awards & Achievements

KTTC TV’s 2021 Fan Favorite for Pet Services

Our Family Photo Album

Forrest L

Grooming A+++ I brought my older, thick-haired matted mini Aussie in recently.After multiple failed attempts to try and clean him up with those $30-60 clippers - and other local groomers that just completely botched him.. -I decided that he’s best left with the pros and CB seemed to be great. [...]

Madi M

Our pup has been going to Central Bark for daycare & grooming for over a year now, and we are so happy June can call this her home away from home. The Central Bark team is so sweet & accommodating. June always is so excited as we pull into the [...]

Billy M

Staff always has a smile and they genuinely enjoy being with our dog. We primarily use their grooming services and haven’t had an issue.

Kalan S

Central Bark is the epitome of Top Notch. From ownership to employees, their biggest focus and concern is the health and happiness of your dog. The Enrichment Day Care program helps your dog grow and improve everyday. Lola is a big fan of the treats and dog food options but [...]

Angela H

Amazing, friendly staff who go above and beyond for the dogs and their owners. Locally owned with Midwest service and hospitality

Rhonda A

Bow wow everybody. My name is Petey and I have to tell you that I have the best time at Central Bark! I get so excited when mom tells me I get to go play I nearly break the glass door trying to get in. I’ve met a lot of [...]

Becky M

Everything about Central Bark in Rochester is excellent. The staff are so welcoming and accommodating. Christine the groomer is simply fantastic and not only loves our pup, but is a skilled and careful groomer. Our pup needs special grooming to ensure she stays mat and tangle free. Christine is knowledgeable [...]

Caroline B.

My Poppy gets so excited when she knows she is going to Central Bark! Lenny and all his staff are great! I think they love her as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dog parties cost?

The cost of your party depends on what you need to celebrate your occasion. You can rent space in our facility to celebrate, then bring in your treats and decorations. Or you can have us plan and run your entire event, complete with a special treat, party favors, hats, decorations, and more.

Call today to learn more

What is positive reward-based dog training?

Positive reward-based techniques help puppies and dogs develop essential life skills and behaviors that will enrich their lives at home and day care. These methods set dogs up to succeed and reward them for performing desired behaviors. Rewards are tailored to the dog’s preferences and can include food treats, time to play with a favorite toy, or verbal praise.

After decades of experience using reward-based training, we know it’s the most humane and effective way of training dogs and addressing unwanted behaviors. It’s the best way to build a loving, trusting bond that enhances your relationship between you and your dog for a lifetime of happiness together.

At Central Bark®, our focus on positive reinforcement has never wavered. We continuously update our skills and policies to stay at the forefront of new advances in behavioral science and positive reinforcement techniques.

Learn more about our training classes.

Visit our Dog Blog for more helpful tips

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

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

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.