Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear, helpful answers to the most common questions about our services.
Our “Barkery”
Where Do Your Gourmet Dog Treats Come From?
Our dog bakery is on-site, and your dog enjoys a free sample every time they come in to sniff around! We bake FRESH birthday cakes, K9 cupcakes, and other delicious, tail-wagging 'SOFT treats daily! We also have crunchy/crispy decorated biscuits in our bakery that do not require refrigeration and last about 8 weeks! Give us a call at least 4 days in advance, and we can make your pup’s birthday cake FRESH and to order with their name personalized on it!
Can I Get a Last-Minute Cake?
Our bakers do make extra-small round and small bone-shaped cakes (these are the most popular). These cakes are already decorated with a pink and blue border, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY is written on them for pickup on a first-come, first-served basis. They are baked fresh and frozen immediately for walk-ins to pick up when available.
What Are the Cakes and Frosting Made of?
Our pastry bakers use only human-grade 100% NATURAL ingredients such as real peanut butter, sweet potato, eggs, whole wheat flour, OR grain-free chickpea flour, etc., plus fresh Greek yogurt with milk and buttermilk powder for the frosting. Everything we make is wholesome and healthy for your pup.
Is It Safe for My Dog to Have Such Human-looking Treats?
Our treats, YES!! Our baked goods contain NO sugar, NO salt, and NO preservatives!! All treats should be given in moderation and not used as a meal replacement. YES, humans can eat them too, but remember, it’s not a sweet treat! If your dog has allergies to anything specific, ask our knowledgeable staff, and we can find the right treat for your pup!
How Long Do Your Fresh-Baked Items Last?
We bake daily and freeze everything immediately, so there is no downtime on the freshness when you get your treats home! The frosting does require refrigeration overnight, so you can safely shop or dine out for hours at a time once you purchase your pup a treat. Our SOFT Baked Items will stay fresh in the fridge for several days (cakes up to a week), and if you prefer to have your purchase last longer, just keep them in the freezer. We recommend that you let our goodies get to room temperature before serving them so that they're nice and soft when your furbaby gets to eat them. From frozen, our small treats take only 15 minutes to thaw, a refrigerated birthday cake takes only 1 hour to get to room temperature (recommended for serving), and if you get a frozen cake, leave it out for at least 2 hours to get to room temperature—that is when it is the softest and best to serve.
Do You have Frozen Treats to Cool off My Dog on Hot Days?
YES!! We have small freezers with goodies like “pupsicles,” frozen “dogurt” treats, brothsicles, and other goodies. These are seasonal and often change for everyone to get to try new things every time they visit. Chilling out at TOP DOG is easy with our frozen treats!!
Grooming by Appointment and SELF Wash Bath!
SELF Wash Stations—TOP DOG is sooo CLOSE to DOG Beach—Just 1 Mile (1.61 km) South!!
Our brand-new tubs (both large and small) are available for walk-ins straight from the dog beach! No appointment necessary, just first come, first served. The pricing includes everything you need for your dog to walk out looking and smelling great!! We provide you with the same shampoos and conditioners our groomers use (plus oatmeal and hypoallergenic versions), a towel to use, blow dryers, brushes, ear cleaner with cotton balls, and your choice of amazing-smelling spritzes to smell great afterward!
Remember, our self-wash closes ONE (1) hour before the shop closes, so make sure you are here before then to start your self-wash time.
Where Do You Keep My Dog When He Has a Grooming Appointment?
Your pup is always kept safe in one of our doggie playpens until it is time for his beauty treatment. We will call you when your dog is ready, or even earlier, so that you know exactly what is a good time to come pick them up after their groom is done. We have a minimal $5 fee for every 30 minutes (the first 30 minutes are complimentary) to hold your dog AFTER they are ready for pickup.
How Do the Groomers Handle Dogs With Itchy Skin?
Our groomers each handle everything for your dog, from bathing to nail trims to haircuts of your style choice, so they can develop a loving relationship with your dog and keep your dog (and you) happy. They will get to know your dog’s skin and style and use the appropriate products. We also have plenty of grooming supplies here for sale, including the best shampoos, itchy skin remedies, spritzes, and other conditioning fragrances, and ALL NATURAL flea treatments.
What Paperwork Do I Need to Bring My Dog in for a Bath or Haircut?
We need to have a copy of your dog's up-to-date rabies medical records on file and we can make a copy to keep here. We also do require that you provide the name and number of your vet for emergencies and so that we can call them to get a faxed copy if needed. You will also sign our grooming agreement that you know your pet is up to date on all shots and vaccines and does NOT have fleas. This protects your baby and all the other fur babies here at TOP DOG so that everyone is kept safe and healthy.
Walk-in Nail Trims Available
We recommend that you call FIRST to make sure the groomer is in and available before you bring your pup over for a nail trim. We will advise the best time to “slip in” the nail trim since no appointment is required, but there could be a wait based on the groomer’s schedule otherwise. If you have a nervous dog, please try to give your pup some CBD or take them on a very long, brisk walk so they are more relaxed for the trim process.
Boutique Shop
Location Info
Our shop is located just one block north of Main Street and the HB Pier!! We are right off PCH and 5th Street (before Walnut), looking across at the Shorebreak Hotel. There are THREE parking spots right in front (24-minute green zone) and plenty of metered parking around us, or FREE parking in the neighborhood (from 6th Street and north). Beach parking lots are right on PCH across from us, too, if you plan on making a day of it! Remember that beach parking can be tight on summer weekends, so plan accordingly.
What Items Do You Sell in Your Shop?
We are the “One Stop Shop” for everything “Dog”!! From top-of-the-line toys to 100% natural chew sticks and treats, we have it all. We use a lot of local vendors who hand-make collars, birthday candles, bow ties, as well as other upscale products that are “Made in the USA.” All our dog foods and treats are top-of-the-line rated and all-natural, as TOP DOG only carries dog food kibble and other freeze-dried meats that are sourced in North America. Nothing edible is ever sourced from India or Asia, as we adhere to the highest quality standards.
What Kind of Chew Sticks Do You Have?
We have a variety of things good for your dog to chew on and for their dental health. From collagen sticks to meat & rice chews to a variety of 100% meat sticks (including bully sticks, tendons, fish skins, yak cheese, etc.). Some of our huge JUMBO and long-lasting bully sticks come from South America, and we mostly carry the LOW ODOR bully sticks, which are much cleaner and hard to find in other shops.
SENIOR DOGS and PUPPIES also need to chew a lot, and we have wonderful items for them, like Earth Animal’s rice/meat sticks that are softer for sensitive/puppy teeth and very easy to digest. Ask our knowledgeable staff for recommendations based on your dog’s size and age!!
What Specialty Items Do You Carry That Are Unique?
We carry several lines of very TOUGH TOYS that are going to give you more bang (playtime) for your buck. With heavy-duty material and double stitching, these toys are durably made for chewers to enjoy. While NO toy is indestructible, we always recommend that you put the toys away after play so that your dog does not chew them out of boredom. Instead, keep them busy with our great meaty chew sticks and bones!
We also have a variety of birthday-themed toys to celebrate your pup’s “barkday”, and there are plenty of leather toys, balls, rubber/treat stuffers, and soft plushies too!
We carry a full line of bones, antlers, and even water buffalo horns to keep the heavy chewers satisfied. Come check out our amazing selection!!
We have many lines of TOP DOG-branded products that are incredible!! First, we make the BEST and most functional dog bandanas you can find. They are called “Cool Reflections,” and these bandanas keep your dog cool in the summer/heat with a pocket for ice cubes!