A DAYCARE centre for dogs has celebrated its fifth birthday by raising £300 for an animal charity with a 10 hour 'train-athon.'/

Established in 2016 by dog trainer and behaviourist Heather Stevens, CentreBarks in Richmond offers socialising, forest adventures and day care for dogs.

On Thursday, April 22, the day before its fifth anniversary, trainers completed the 10-hour event with numerous dogs in aid of Saving Yorkshire's Dogs.

“It was mentally tiring for the trainers, but we had some really great dogs to help us throughout the day and it is such a worthwhile cause.” said Ms Stevens.

Situated on the Gallowfields Trading Estate, CentreBarks includes indoor and outdoor activities and exercise, and training for mental stimulation and to promote confidence and life skills. Puppy visits are tailored to help build confidence, teach canine etiquette, and develop meet and greet skills.

CentreBarks also offer grooming services from their hub in Richmond from Louise Harrison, who has been grooming since 2006, set up Grooming at CentreBarks in July of last year. Services are one-to-one in a cage free calm environment and range from nail clipping to full grooms for all types of toy to large dogs. Grooming packages can be created to suit each individual – from dogs with sensitive skin to the nervous and anxious dogs – and they also offer a Zoom & Groom package, a one-hour play session at creche followed by a groom.

With the return to work looming and as we prepare for the end of working from home, lots of pet owners are experiencing feelings of anxiety and concern about leaving pets at home after spending the last 12 months together. Heather and her team are proud to provide relief for those returning to work in a time that can be stressful for both dog and owner.

“As owners prepare their return to working in the office, we are happy to discuss what we can offer their dogs at CentreBarks and put their mind at rest." said Heather.

CentreBarks is rated 5-star by Richmondshire District Council, and offers dogs superior daycare, training and grooming experiences, all under the watchful eye of a team of professional and Canine First Aid trained staff. This daycare centre is probably the only one in the UK with an in-depth working knowledge of canine Functional Characters, which helps to ensure that every dog’s visit is tailored to suit their individuality. A recently published book on the subject, entitled “Beyond the Breed”, is helping dog owners all over the world to understand their pet in a whole new way.

CentreBarks is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Thursday and will be opening on Fridays as of June 4.