Camp Bow Wow

I just recently started bringing my two 1 year old rescued pit bulls to Camp Bow Wow as they both suffer from separation anxiety when I am at work. I have been involved in dog rescue for over 5 years, and specifically pit bull rescue for the past 4 of those years, since founding my own rescue organization. If there is anyone in this world who is picky and peculiar about the care in which their dogs are in, it is me. I am always hesitant to bring my dogs to places like this simply because of the stereotype that surrounds the breed. While my dogs are the kindest, most gentle and playful pups I know...we always get stares when we go to boarding and daycamp facilities because people automatically assume the worst. \r \r I have been so happy thus far with Camp Bow Wow in Durham. Not only were my dogs welcomed with open arms, they did a thorough temperament test with each of them to ensure that they would be good candidates for day camp (and they passed with flying colors). Their responsibility, awareness, and attentiveness to the dogs and all of the personalities that come through the door (K9 of course) is extremely impressive. I am able to watch the web cam at work and I see that my babies are running, playing, socializing and getting attention from the counselors. I see a lot of posts regarding the customer service and the quality of the camp. First of all, what a lot of people need to remember is that it is NOT an easy job to keep up with all of the needs of every dog in camp. There are dogs who have to take meds, have allergies, or have simple behavioral challenges that need to be attended to. If you have ever felt as though the front desk was ""short"" or ""asked a question that you already specified on paperwork"", please realize that they are trying to be responsible and cover all bases to ensure that the animals are all documented and receive the individual care that they need.\r \r When I pick my pups up after a day of daycamp, they immediately crash out in the back seat. Their behavior is excellent for a solid 48 hours post because they have been exercised, stimulated and most importantly, been given affection and attention when I was not home to do so. Camp Bow Wow has been my savior for my very active and very social pit bull babies. One of mine even knew 2 new commands when I picked him up last week.\r \r Many people should know that this location is soon moving to Miami Blvd (only a mile or so away from the current location) and an entire new camp is being built. You should definitely give Camp Bow Wow a try. It is a great solution for dogs who do not manage well at home while mom and dad are at work. I have been very happy and I am as picky as they come! more

My golden loves camp bow wow! She can't wait to get inside and play then she comes home tired! more

The individual who mans the desk (a middle-aged lady) needs to take more classes in administering better service. We were boarding our two dogs for 8 nights and when my sister called to make the arrangements, that same lady didn't even attempt to make the entire process easy. One of our dogs had already passed their required ""interview"" day to ensure that he can get along with the other dogs in the day care. Our other dog, did not yet have her interview day (but she was scheduled to have one). My sister called to ask if there can already be a kennel reserved for both dogs as they are both small and would stay in one large kennel area together. The lady emphatically stated that since one of the dogs has not yet undergone her interview day that she cannot sign up both dogs for boarding. My sister stated that she understood, but that could she already reserve a larger kennel (large enough for two dogs) with just the one dog who has passed his interview, in anticipation of the second dog passing her interview and boarding as well. The lady kept stating brusquely that this cannot be done, even when my sister explained that our other dog has an interview scheduled already. On the day that we delivered them there, my sister and I asked if we may see the kennel that our dogs will stay in. This same lady manning the front desk pointed at a window overlooking into a room and stated, ""Just look through there and they'll be in one just like it."" We looked in through the window and saw a small kennel with only one small sleeping area. Another kinder service-oriented employee informed us that the kennel that the two dogs will stay in will be larger and gave us the dimensions, stating that there will be two sleeping places for the dogs. When we gave the dogs to other unsmiling employees, my sister attempted to give them the bag containing the dogs' food and belongings. We were told to give it to the lady at the front desk, as she'll inventory it. My sister placed the bag in front of that lady, and the lady not glancing at us stated brusquely, ""Hold on now, just a minute."" She then asked us, ""What are your feeding instructions for the dogs? Do they have any allergies?"" My sister asked her, ""But I thought we already filled that out on the paperwork you required for us to complete?"" The lady answered her, ""Honey, we've got a million of those sheets, so I'm gonna ask you again."" Then the lady asked, ""Now, when did you want to pick them up?"" My sister replied, ""I thought I already mentioned prior that we will pick them up on so and so date and time."" ""Did you want them to have a bath and have their nails done when you pick them up?"" ""Well, yes, we already payed for the bath in the billing..."" ""Oh yeah, you paid for the bath. But you did not pay for the nails."" ""Well then, how much for their nails to be clipped?"" ""Twenty dollars for them each."" ""No, thank you."" The entire interaction ended with the lady stating unsmilingly, ""Have a good day."" more

My pup Petey is a bit on the energetic side and so to help encourage him to stay calm in non-calm situations, I enrolled him in Play and Train classes with Melissa at this Camp Bow Wow location. Melissa is calm and confident and was not daunted by my pit bull pup. I watched the videos of their sessions and was impressed at how quickly her positive, rewards-based training got results. I definitely recommend her classes to others more

We love Camp Bow Wow! Clean facility, friendly staff who take the time to get to know the dogs that come to camp. You can even view your dog on their webcam feed. We know our dog will be well taken care of whether we board him overnight or take him to day camp. more

Camp Bow Wow in Durham has been a lifesaver for both my 'active' dog and my personal sanity. The counselors are very hands-on and always friendly. They've even taught my dog multiple tricks that she would never learn at home. We both love CBW. more

The staff at Camp Bow Wow is amazing! They are very attentive to my dogs and provide a great place to play and socialize. My dogs love the place and practically drag me in the door when we arrive! more

I discovered Camp Bow Wow in Durham (RTP/Brier Creek area) several years ago and can't say enough good stuff about them. My dogs at the time were Louise and Edna, both of whom were happy around other dogs but a little retiring; they loved the place. My current two are Buford and Pearl who are NOT retiring and they love it too. They separate the dogs into more active, less active, and somewhere in between so each personality type has a space with like-minded buddies. I can't say enough positive things about this place for day care (mine spend 3 days a week there) and for boarding. more

Camp Bow Wow has been my dog daycare and boarding of choice for about 4 years now. They've always seemed enthusiastic about their work with dogs, and Her Royal Furriness is always excited to go in and visit with the counselors. Prices have gone up a bit over the years, but what hasn't gone up in price? more

Great dog daycare and boarding. Staff is friendly and my dog always comes happy and best of all, exhausted. If you are concerned, they have real-time webcams for you to check in on your dog anytime. Staff quickly gets to know you and gets friendly with your dog. My dog happily runs off with them when I drop him off, but is always happy and tired when I pick him up. Great value too! more

Camp Bow Wow has given me a piece of mind and our Boxer Brutus an abundance of joy! He LOVES it there. He never wants to come home. Once I can finally get him in the car he passes out!!! I love the webcams because I can check on him throughout the day and it is nice to see him playing but I mostly love how the staff interacts with Brutus and the other dogs. It's so nice when I call in the Staff knows me and they are so excited to see Brutus when he gets in and he just loves being there! When we go out of town I don't worry anymore if he will be happy and safe. more

When we got our baby Brody, a british cream golden retriever, my husband and I wanted to make sure he was socialized and knew how to play with other dogs. We also wanted a safe, fun place for him to go during the day when we were both at work. (We had heard nightmare about puppies chewing thru furniture.) This is how Camp Bow Wow came into our lives. He started as a 6 month old. Brody absolutely loves it there! He gets so excited to hear the words ""want to go to camp?"" runs to the door and wags his whole body. My husband and I can go online and watch him at intervals throughout the day too. The best part... when we come home exhausted from work, Brody is exhausted too. We all sleep well on Camp day. more

We love Camp Bow Wow in Durham! Our 1 year old Boxer gets SO excited when he knows it's a ""camp day."" He runs and plays all day and is exhausted when he gets home. All of the people that work there love him and he loves them back. You can tell they really enjoy the dogs. We like being able to watch him on the camper cam. Overall a great place! more

I have a high energy yellow Labrador Retriever who needs more exercise that I can offer. He LOVES going to Camp Bow Wow as he plays ALL DAY and comes home tired, ready to be a calm family member and focuses better on the obedience training exercises that we are working on in the evening. Plus, when I was traveling, Camp Bow Wow was able to email his records to Nashville, TN, and I had instant day care services for him at their location while I visited with my family. We're so pleased to find high quality, fun day care. Thanks! Pros: Socialization for my dog, lots of play! more

I have been taking my dog here on a consistent basis for several years and have no idea what I would do without CBW!! I have never had ANY negative experiences. It puts my MIND AT EASE to know that when I pick her up she is tired from playing and has been well cared for and looked after. I have never worried about her care or treatment here. If I did, I would not continue to take her. As soon as I mention she is ""going to camp today"" she impatiently sits by the door waiting. She runs inside every time excited to be there and play with her 'friends'. The staff has always been very friendly, attentive and accomodating. I have recommended CBW to so many over the years without hesitation and wll continue to do so with confidence. Pros: very friendly staff, great socialization more

I have been a client for years and have been satisfied with the service and the care my dog has received over the years. Heck, I even recommended this place to other friends who may be looking for a place to board their dogs. In the last year or so, I began to notice a change in their service--i.e., lots of longtime staff turnovers and poor handling of problems by management. I am now unsure about this place, especially after what happened with my dog during a recent overnight stay. There was a sharp object in his kennel and he cut paw very deeply. Instead of notifying me of the problem immediately so I can arrange for pick up and for medical treatment, the staff notified management, who in turn, NEVER bother to notify me of the problem. By the time I went to pick up my dog, his flesh was hanging out of his paw! I had to take him to the emergency vet because it was after hours. I am still waiting for either the manager or the owner to call me back so I can get an explanation why this was allowed to happen. My dog will require one more emergency vet visit to check on his wound (because it is the weekend) before I can take him back to his regular vet. This has already cost me hundreds of dollars. I used to feel great about this place, but I am not so sure anymore. You can almost count this as neglect. Let's see what kind of explanation they are planning to give me. Pros: cameras, play and roaming time for dogs Cons: large staff turnover, poor handling of problem by management more

We take our two dogs there twice a week and they absolutely love it. We also board our dogs there when we travel out of town. They can't wait to run in the door and come home exhausted which is great! more

I started taking my newly adopted shelter dog here several months ago because she couldn't be left alone in the house during the day. She was scared of other people and very nervous when she started coming here but now she loves it! I have to hold her back from racing through the doors! She loves the staff as well, they're super nice and very good with dogs. She also gets a great workout so she isn't so hyper at home in the evenings. It is good to know that I can leave her there where she is safe and having fun so I don't have to worry when I'm at work. Pros: Extremely friendly staff more

I take my dog to Camp Bow Wow for day camp, and she loves it! She’s an active girl, so CBW is a great source of exercise for her. It’s also been very good for her socialization. She was a rescue, and when I got her, she was nervous around her people and in new situations. CBW has really helped her come out of her shell. She’s still nervous in new places, but at CBW, she seems very comfortable and greets strangers enthusiastically. I also appreciate that they have webcams, so I can keep an eye on her during the day. My only complaint is that I think they need more people in with the dogs during playtime. They always have one person, but I think at least two would be better for safety reasons. Pros: good exercise and socialization for dogs Cons: not enough employees supervising dogs more

They care for my dog (who has been going there for more than a year), know her by name and are familiar with her special needs...I am concerned with the turn-over rate though.. Pros: My dog loves it Cons: High turnover more