Bark N Barrel LLC

Bark N Barrel LLC Your friendly neighborhood BNB for all things Dog! Offering: Daycare, Pack walks, and boarding

šŸŒŸ Happy New Year! šŸŽ‰ I know, I know ā€“ Iā€™m a little late to the party, and Iā€™ve been MIA for a bit. But letā€™s be real, the...
01/13/2025

šŸŒŸ Happy New Year! šŸŽ‰ I know, I know ā€“ Iā€™m a little late to the party, and Iā€™ve been MIA for a bit. But letā€™s be real, the holidays around here are always wild, and Iā€™ve been taking some much-needed time for myself before jumping into the new year. šŸ˜Œ

While everyone else is setting goals, Iā€™ve decided to focus on mindset shifts for 2025.

šŸ™ŒāœØ Instead of chasing outcomes or pressure, Iā€™m shifting how I approach both my business and my life. Here are 6 key mindset shifts Iā€™m embracing this year for my dog business:

1ļøāƒ£ My prices reflect my experience, energy, and the outcome I deliver, not just my worth. This year, Iā€™m setting clear boundaries around value. šŸ’”

2ļøāƒ£ Social media is a tool for my business, not my whole business. Iā€™m letting go of the pressure to be ā€œeverywhereā€ and focusing on quality over quantity. šŸ“²

3ļøāƒ£ My style of working with dogs will evolve as I do. Iā€™m open to change and growth, always learning, adapting, and improving my methods. šŸ¾

4ļøāƒ£ Iā€™m here to build connections and a supportive community, not just to grow followers or collect likes. Authentic relationships over numbers every time. šŸ¤šŸ’–

5ļøāƒ£ Making time for myself is just as important as my work. Iā€™ll prioritize self-care and recharge so I can show up fully for my clients and dogs. šŸ§˜ā€ā™€ļø

6ļøāƒ£ Sharing my journey and authentic energy is just as important as sharing my life with dogs. Iā€™m more than my work ā€“ and I want to share all parts of who I am with you. šŸŒ±

Hereā€™s to a year of growth, evolution, and staying true to who we are. šŸ’« Cheers to 2025! šŸ„‚

šŸŒ• MINIONS!!!!! TONIGHT WE STEAL THE MOOOOONNNNN!!!! šŸŽƒ Happy Halloween! Letā€™s talk about keeping Halloween safe and stres...
10/31/2024

šŸŒ• MINIONS!!!!! TONIGHT WE STEAL THE MOOOOONNNNN!!!!

šŸŽƒ Happy Halloween! Letā€™s talk about keeping Halloween safe and stress-free for our dogs.

This is a night full of excitement, but for many dogs, the constant doorbell rings and strangers at the door can be overwhelming.

So, letā€™s get into a few safety tips to ensure your pupā€”and your trick-or-treatersā€”have a smooth Halloween.

šŸŽƒ Plan Ahead: If your dog tends to go into ā€œalert modeā€ when people come to the door, there are two main strategies to consider:

šŸ¾ Create a Safe Space: Set up a comfortable area away from the door, like a crate or a quiet room, where your dog can relax. Add some calming music, dim the lights, and give them something soothing to chew on.

šŸ’€ Tag Team Approach: Have one person manage the candy, and another person handle the dog on a leash. Reward your pup for staying calm, practicing commands, or simply observing without reacting.

šŸ‘» Set Boundaries: Halloween costumes can be confusing and even scary for dogsā€”masks, wigs, and hats make it hard for them to recognize familiar shapes. Avoid letting your dog greet trick-or-treaters unless youā€™re absolutely sure theyā€™ll stay calm, friendly, and relaxed.

šŸ Be Responsible: Your dogā€™s safety and the safety of your visitors is in your hands. Prevent any potential mishaps by keeping them secure and managed throughout the evening.

šŸ¾ The Power of Core Values in Your Business šŸŒŸAs entrepreneurs, our core values are the foundation of our businesses. The...
10/23/2024

šŸ¾ The Power of Core Values in Your Business šŸŒŸ

As entrepreneurs, our core values are the foundation of our businesses. They not only define who we are but also guide our decisions and actions.

If you donā€™t know and live by your core values, your business may struggle to scale and stay aligned with its mission.

šŸ For me, the cornerstone of my business is honesty.

Working with dogs brings unique challengesā€”accidents happen, dogs may get sick, and sometimes difficult decisions are necessary. These situations can be daunting, but honesty has always been my guiding light through the storm.

šŸŽƒ Clients who choose services like mine understand the inherent risks.

They know that even with all safety measures in place, unexpected events can occur.

What truly matters is how we respond to those challenges. By being upfront about incidentsā€”what happened, how it happened, and whyā€”it fosters understanding and empathy.

The unknown can be terrifying; it often leads to anxiety and speculation.

So, to ease those fears, communicate openly. Share everything: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let your clients know what steps youā€™re taking to address issues and prevent them in the future. If you donā€™t have the answers, itā€™s crucial to seek training and knowledge.

šŸ‘» Trust is the bedrock of any successful business. People are more forgiving of mistakes when honesty is at the forefront.

They cannot, however, forgive dishonesty or the dreaded phrase, ā€œI donā€™t know what happened.ā€

So, if youā€™re in the dog business or any field, remember: be honest, even when itā€™s tough.

Those hard conversations can build lasting trust and loyalty with your clients.

šŸ¾šŸ’–

šŸ¾ Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and that includes the bond we share with our dogs! šŸ¶āœØ Dedicating i...
10/16/2024

šŸ¾ Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and that includes the bond we share with our dogs!

šŸ¶āœØ Dedicating intentional time to connect is pure gold.

It might sound surprising, but one of the keys to creating a safe environment for our furry friends is establishing clear rules, boundaries, and limitations.

Dogs thrive on structure!

šŸ”āœØ Think of it as providing them with a sense of securityā€”like having a safety net that keeps them feeling grounded.

Structured leash walks and household rules (like no jumping on humans, pulling on the leash, or barking at the mailman) help them understand what to expect.

When dogs perceive their environment as unpredictable, they may feel responsible for everything around them, leading to increased stress and anxiety. šŸ˜Ÿ

By being a confident leader, you give your dog the trust and guidance they need to feel secure.

This not only enhances their well-being but also strengthens your bond. Remember, a happy dog is a well-guided dog! šŸ’–

āœØ My life and business truly leveled up when I made some powerful shiftsā€¦.šŸŽƒ I learned to say ā€œnoā€ when it matteredšŸ’€ stop...
10/15/2024

āœØ My life and business truly leveled up when I made some powerful shiftsā€¦.

šŸŽƒ I learned to say ā€œnoā€ when it mattered

šŸ’€ stopped taking on clients who didnā€™t align with my core values

šŸ‘» let go of bending over backwards for those who didnā€™t appreciate me

šŸ I gave myself a permission slip to thrive!

šŸŽƒ Stopped my emotional addictions

šŸ‘» Told my ego to take a backseat

šŸ Stopped comparing myself to other businesses

I became more aware of:

āœØ My intentions
āœØ Where I was directing my energy
āœØ Staying true to my core values
āœØ Being brave and authentic
āœØ Pursuing passions beyond my love for dogs
āœØ Making time for myself

Leveling up isnā€™t just about the dollarsā€”when you follow your core values and share your passion for what you love, the success will follow!

šŸ¾ True success is a feeling, and to achieve that, you need to set boundaries that honor who you are.

šŸ”„ Remember, itā€™s all about creating a business that reflects your truth! Keep shining and stay authentic!

09/25/2024

Piper really knows how to relax for her sessions šŸ’¤

āœØ Pulsed Electromagnetic Field has helped in managing her pain, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility! šŸŒŸ šŸ”— in bio

If I could completely erase one belief about dogs from the human brain, it would be this: that love and affection alone ...
09/05/2024

If I could completely erase one belief about dogs from the human brain, it would be this: that love and affection alone can ā€œsaveā€ them.

šŸWe often project our human emotions onto our dogs, thinking that endless love and cuddles are the key to making them happy or well-behaved.

But hereā€™s the thingā€”they see us as the ones needing help when we do that.

šŸ¾Yes, dogs are adorable, fluffy, and incredibly smart. They sense our energy, mimic our behaviors, and pick up on so much more than we realize.

But affection canā€™t be the only way we communicate with them. In fact, dogs thrive on something we sometimes overlookā€”rules and boundaries. I could tell a million people that their dog would love and respect them more if they added structure to their relationship, and most would think Iā€™m exaggerating.

But hereā€™s why it matters: Dogs donā€™t want to be in chargeā€”they want to follow. By giving them clear boundaries, youā€™re showing them that youā€™re the leader they can trust.

šŸŽƒIf you only shower your dog with love, treats, and unlimited freedom, theyā€™ll start seeing you as a playmate instead of someone they need to listen to. This is when problems arise: destructive behaviors, nonstop barking, leash reactivity, and even resource guarding. Itā€™s not because theyā€™re bad dogs

ā€”itā€™s because they donā€™t feel secure.

šŸ‚Rules and boundaries create an environment where dogs feel safe and secure. When they know whatā€™s expected, they can just enjoy lifeā€”running, exploring, rolling in the grass, being a dog.

Sure, you might have that one-in-a-million dog who listens no matter what, but for most, structure is the key. Whenever people ask me how I manage to get dogs to walk calmly on a leash, coexist peacefully in daycare, and generally just behave,

my answer is simple: rules, boundaries, and structure. Without them, it would be chaos.

Ooohhhh look at that CHONKY dog, itā€™s so cute, right? Well, hold upā€”Iā€™m about to drop some truth bombs, straight from th...
08/20/2024

Ooohhhh look at that CHONKY dog, itā€™s so cute, right? Well, hold upā€”Iā€™m about to drop some truth bombs, straight from the heart.

NOPE, itā€™s not cute, itā€™s actually pretty sad. We humans are 100% in control of how much our dogs eat. It doesnā€™t matter what type of food you feed them; even the cheapest dog food can lead to a healthy weight if given correctly.

Those feeding amounts on the bag? Theyā€™re designed to empty your wallet, not keep your dog healthy. The better the food quality, the less you usually need to give. Just like us, our dogs can suffer from being overweight: diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, arthritis, hypertension, kidney problems, and the list goes on. And all of that, minus cancer, is preventable!

If youā€™re giving your dog table scraps, cut back on their regular food. Adjust their portions based on their energy levels. A beach day? Sure, give them a little extra. Couch potato day? Dial it back.

Is your dog always acting hungry? Try veggies, or maybe just donā€™t fall for their tricks! Look at your dogā€”do you see an indentation at the hips? Can you feel their ribs with light pressure? Are they struggling on walks? Just LOOK.

Most ACL tears, which can cost 5-7k in surgery, are from overweight dogs whose legs just couldnā€™t handle the extra pounds. Or yes it can be pure accident too!

YOUR šŸ‘ CHONKY šŸ‘ DOG šŸ‘ needs you to do better so they can live a long, healthy, happy life! Dogs will eat till they popā€”donā€™t kill them with love by overfeeding.

I am never scared to tell my clients their dog needs a diet, mainly because of my bond with my clients, but also for the love I have of their dogs and their health.

*And hey, if youā€™ve tried everything and your pupā€™s still chonky, go talk to your vet!*

Walking your dog should be boring! Yes, you read that rightā€”boring. But hereā€™s why thatā€™s actually a good thing.When it ...
08/12/2024

Walking your dog should be boring! Yes, you read that rightā€”boring. But hereā€™s why thatā€™s actually a good thing.

When it comes to pack walks, boring is better because it means your dog is calm, relaxed, and getting exactly what they need.

These walks are all about giving your dog a chance to socialize, explore new sights and smells, and get some much-needed physical and mental exercise. Itā€™s their time to just be a dog, without all the chaos and stress.

I want to create a zen-like atmosphere during these walks.

If you find yourself dreading walk time because of anxiety or worry, it might be a sign that thereā€™s something deeper going on that needs addressing.

Walking your dog shouldnā€™t feel like a chore or something youā€™re anxious about. If it does, pause for a moment. Your dog picks up on your energy, and starting off stressed is never the right foot.

Ask yourself: Whatā€™s making these walks stressful? Is it leash pulling, reactivity, or fear of other dogs or people? Whatever it is, try to work on these issues at home first, or consider reaching out to a trainer for help.

Because at the end of the day, walks with your dog should be a fun, relaxing experienceā€”not something to dread.

Make your walks a time for calm, connection, and yes, a little bit of boredom. Your dog will thank you for it! šŸ¾

Rosa

When I first started my dog walking business, I was a bundle of nerves and self-doubt. Imposter syndrome hit me hard. I ...
07/18/2024

When I first started my dog walking business, I was a bundle of nerves and self-doubt.

Imposter syndrome hit me hard. I questioned my qualifications, but deep down, I knew this was my passion.

Friends, family, and even strangers often asked how I could make a living walking dogs. Their doubts could have easily held me back, but I decided to push through the fear.

I told myself, ā€œIā€™d rather give it my all and fail than never try at all.ā€

When I began, it felt like nobody really knew what they were doing, and help was hard to come by due to egos and gatekeeping. Even now, I sometimes face uncertainty, but Iā€™ve learned enough to keep myself and my furry clients safe.

Fear can be a formidable obstacle, but itā€™s also a gateway to amazing things. You just have to take the leap.

Everything extraordinary lies on the other side of fear. So, whatever your dream is, go for it! šŸ¾āœØ

šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø Helping Your Dog Cope with Fireworks šŸ’„ šŸ¾ Fireworks can be a nightmare for dogs. If your dog is scared of fireworks, y...
07/03/2024

šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø Helping Your Dog Cope with Fireworks šŸ’„

šŸ¾ Fireworks can be a nightmare for dogs. If your dog is scared of fireworks, youā€™re not alone.

šŸ©ŗ While sedatives prescribed by your vet can help, itā€™s best to plan ahead and call your vet at least two weeks in advance.

šŸŽ¶ For immediate steps, creating a secure environment is key. Place your dog in a crate, cover it with a blanket, turn on a fan, and play an action movie to mask the noise. Give them a nice long walk before dark to tire them out.

šŸ¦“ Interactive toys like stuffed Kongs, CBD treats, and brain-stimulating toys can be beneficial during stressful times. Itā€™s crucial not to over-comfort them.

Your dog can pick up on your stress, which can increase their anxiety. Act as if everything is normal; the less attention you draw to the situation, the better.

šŸš« While itā€™s natural to want to coddle and soothe your pets, dogs interpret this differently. They may see your concern as a sign that something is indeed wrong, reinforcing their fear. Instead, they need you to be a calm and confident leader.

šŸ‘šŸ» Guide them with a reassuring presence, but not through excessive attention or praise, as this can reinforce their anxious behavior.

šŸ˜° In stressful situations, dogs need leadership, guidance, and reassurance through actions they understand, not human emotions.

šŸ‘ By staying calm and composed, you can help your dog navigate through their fear more effectively.

**Letā€™s Talk Off-Leash Dogs!**1. If your dog doesnā€™t have a reliable recall, put it on a leash.2. I donā€™t care if your d...
06/26/2024

**Letā€™s Talk Off-Leash Dogs!**

1. If your dog doesnā€™t have a reliable recall, put it on a leash.
2. I donā€™t care if your dog is friendly.

My packs are friendly, but I wonā€™t allow an off-leash dog to enter our pack uninvited. This could cause me to lose the trust of my pack. I am here to be a leader and ensure their safety, and I will do ANYTHING to protect them!

So, what should you do when an off-leash dog approaches? In the past two weeks, weā€™ve encountered off-leash dogs twice.

My dogs always walk behind me, never out in front, so I can be a barrier for any approaching dog, person, or child. I lead the pack to protect them if necessary.

When an off-leash dog approaches, I stop and call out to the owner. If the owner cannot recall their dog, I get loud and assertive to scare the dog off. Usually, the dog will slow down when it sees the pack. I shuffle my feet and make a ā€œchhhhhā€ sound to deter the dog from approaching.

Throughout this, I keep my pack calm and behind me. I do not let my pack engage because IT IS NOT THEIR JOB!

If that doesnā€™t work, I use my compressed air can (pictured above) and spray toward the ground. The air can chased off both off-leash dogs these last two times. It is not mace or anything harmful. It is simply compressed air that makes a ā€œCHHHā€ sound, usually startling the off-leash dog enough to make it go away or run back to its owner.

In my 10 years as a pack walker, I have had only one dog enter the pack, and it was a puppy that was not a threat.

It is my job to protect the dogs in my care, and I am not afraid to use any means necessary to do that. These dogs trust me, and letting a ā€œfriendlyā€ dog disrupt us is a huge no in my book.

Itā€™s Not the Tool, Itā€™s the Human Using It100% true: the effectiveness and safety of any training tool depend on the han...
06/24/2024

Itā€™s Not the Tool, Itā€™s the Human Using It

100% true: the effectiveness and safety of any training tool depend on the handlerā€™s knowledge and skills.

**Pinch Collars:** Can be harsh and harmful if not used correctly.
**E-Collars:** Risk of injury if the dog isnā€™t properly trained.
**Harnesses:** Can cause damage if fitted or used improperly.
**Gentle Leaders:** Can cause harm if not applied correctly.
**Flat Collar:** Can cause damage

Every tool has its purpose and can be beneficial when used with proper training and understanding. However, misuse can lead to problems.

In my pack walk program, I use slip leads. Some might say, ā€œOMG, you could strangle a dog,ā€ or ā€œIt will cause tracheal issues.ā€ These concerns are valid, but only if the tool is used incorrectly.

Hereā€™s why I choose Mountain Dog slip leads:

1. **Safety:** Ensures dogs canā€™t slip out and run away.
2. **Control:** Applies even pressure all around, making it easy to manage the dog. Plus, they can be converted into a gentle leader if needed. Also allows for more control when placed on the neck properly.
3. **Training:** Dogs learn to understand leash pressure. I train them not to pull or hang on the leash, maintaining control without discomfort.

A remarkable feature of these leads is their eco-friendlinessā€”theyā€™re made from recycled mountain climbing rope. I can comfortably manage 12 leashes in one hand, which speaks to their efficiency and design.

Supporting Mountain Dog means supporting a fantastic small business that aligns with my values.

Letā€™s remember: the key to any tool is proper training and usage.

šŸ¾

Dogs have different needs and requirements, just like people. I am not bashing large scale corporate daycares. Letā€™s get...
06/18/2024

Dogs have different needs and requirements, just like people.

I am not bashing large scale corporate daycares. Letā€™s get that out of the way. I am simply saying not all dogs do well when put in a situation with 20+ dogs they donā€™t know.
Dogs like routine, they like structure, they like knowing what to expect.

When you put them in an environment where things change drastically daily, and they have to rebuild bonds with new dogs everyday they get stuck in a tunnel where growth can take a long time, or they revert to fear.

Some dogs get so overwhelmed that their fight or flight is in overdrive and they can never truly relax. Yes they come home tired from all the mental stimulation and running around. But thatā€™s overstimulated exhaustion. Not true fulfillment.

Some dogs do amazing in large daycares, they have fun, they make friends and they thrive.

Some dogs need more structure, one person, and familiarity. They do better knowing what to expect, what dogs they will see and they build bonds with one another.

Each daycare has its pros and cons itā€™s up to you to listen to your dog and know what is best for them!

Address

Guerneville Road
Santa Rosa, CA
95401

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+17074846426

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Our Story

It started with a dream and it turned into a passion-driven reality. It all started when I had to board my dogs while I went away on vacation. I must have looked at 6 different kennels and just didnā€™t seem to find one that matched all of my requirements. The one big thing that none of them had was lots of human interaction. So thats why Bark N Barrel was born. I wanted to create a place where the dogs felt loved by not only other dogs but by people too. A place where instead of my dog running around like a maniac all day, they learned and thrived and progressively got better over time. I wanted a place where my dog felt at home and was surrounded by somewhat familiar things. Sadly a place like that just didnā€™t exist. So I created it. I have created an environment that gives your dog both mental and physical exercise, along with plenty of socialization with well balanced, temperament tested dogs. We help you create a personalized goal plan for you and your dog. So, you can have a worry-free day or vacation knowing that your dog is getting lots of human interaction, socialization, and training, but most of all lots of love and cuddles that they deserve, because they're already missing you. We believe in couches not kennels, queen beds instead of crates, and comfy dog movie nights snuggled up on the couch. We don't have overcrowded play yards, we have a 2-acre private fenced in field for your dog to play on with their friends, freshwater kiddy pools, and a home environment that only Bark N Barrel Dogs have access too. We don't make you log in to a web cam to check-in on your dog, we text or email you daily with pictures and videos to show you how much fun your pup is having. If thatā€™s not enough, weā€™re always just a call or text away. Here at Bark N Barrel we believe that every dog is more than just a pet, they're family. Thatā€™s why we go above and beyond to make them feel like they're a part of our family. So when you think of a dog care provider we want you to think of Bark N Barrel because weā€™re just your friendly neighborhood BNB for all things dog!

XX

Debbie ~ Owner, trainer, dog mom of Bark N Barrel