Camp Bow Wow in Baltimore: Group Training and Daycare for Dogs
Camp Bow Wow is a franchise dog daycare and training facility that operates drop-in daycare, boarding overnight, and group obedience classes under one roof on the Southside, combining exercise and socialization for dogs that can handle group settings alongside structured training instruction.
What it actually is
Camp Bow Wow functions as both a daycare operation and a training school, though the two services operate on separate tracks and require different assessments. Dogs attending daycare spend time in indoor and outdoor play areas supervised by staff; those enrolled in training classes participate in group obedience work scheduled during set time slots. Unlike boarding-only kennels, the facility is designed around active interaction rather than crate time, and its training program centers on group classes rather than board-and-train private instruction where a trainer works with your dog full-time while you are absent.
Services and pricing
Daycare drop-in rates in Baltimore run approximately $35 to $40 per day, though the facility often offers package deals that lower the per-visit cost if you prepay for multiple days. Overnight boarding costs roughly $50 to $65 per night depending on room type and dog size. Group obedience classes (typically 4 to 6 weeks of one-hour sessions) range from $150 to $300 depending on the class level and whether it covers basic manners, intermediate skills, or problem behaviors. The facility requires an initial assessment ($50 to $75) before a dog attends daycare or boarding to evaluate temperament and rule out aggression toward other dogs. All dogs must be current on vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, bordetella) to participate. Prices are subject to periodic increases; confirm current rates directly with the facility before committing.
How it compares to other Baltimore training options
Camp Bow Wow's group-class model differs markedly from board-and-train programs like those offered by independent Baltimore trainers, which run $2,000 to $4,000 for two to four weeks and put your dog in the trainer's care full-time. A group class is cheaper and keeps your dog at home, but you attend classes and practice between sessions; your dog does not get intensive daily training from a single expert. For daycare alone without training, independent facilities such as doggy daycare centers scattered across the city may charge similar daily rates but typically do not integrate group instruction. Larger training clubs in the Baltimore area (including some affiliated with the American Kennel Club) also offer group obedience classes at comparable pricing but may have longer wait lists or less flexible scheduling. Camp Bow Wow suits owners who want convenience, all-in-one service, and don't mind group-class instruction; it does not replace one-on-one private training for serious behavioral problems or for dogs that fail the group-play assessment.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Camp Bow Wow works well for social, medium-to-high-energy dogs whose owners need regular daycare and want basic obedience instruction in a structured, accessible format. It also suits owners who work full days and want their dog to exercise and socialize rather than sit in a crate. The facility does not suit dogs with resource guarding, aggression toward other dogs, or anxiety in group settings; these dogs will not pass the initial assessment and should pursue one-on-one training elsewhere. Dogs under 4 months old are typically not accepted for group daycare. Very small toy breeds and senior dogs with low exercise tolerance may find the environment overstimulating or tiring, though the facility may accommodate them in smaller play groups if assessed as suitable.
What the first visit involves
Before your dog attends daycare or boarding, you complete a written form covering medical history, behavior, and previous training. The facility then conducts a face-to-face temperament assessment, often a brief play session with staff to observe how your dog responds to other dogs, handlers, and new space. If your dog passes, you schedule a daycare or overnight stay. For training classes, you typically attend an orientation before the first class to discuss goals, training philosophy, and what to expect. You will be asked to bring your own treats and collar (usually a flat or martingale collar, not a retractable leash).
Hours, parking, and logistics
Camp Bow Wow operates Monday through Friday (typical hours 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with reduced hours on Saturday). Sunday hours, if offered, should be confirmed with the facility. The Southside location has parking available on-site. Drop-off and pick-up times are staggered throughout the day. Weekend boarding is available, though availability during summer and holidays fills quickly. Call ahead to reserve overnight boarding rather than showing up without notice.
For a Baltimore dog owner balancing work commitments with a dog's exercise and training needs, Camp Bow Wow consolidates two frequent services under one roof and schedule, reducing the friction of juggling multiple vendors while holding dogs to a baseline of social competence.
