Linda Ward, co-owner of Camp Bow Wow, delights in the company of a few campers. (Photo special to The Oakland Press/KATHARINE MICHALAK)

Woof. Arf arf. Bark bark bark. That’s for the campers at Camp Bow Wow.

For everyone else, Camp Bow Wow is a Clarkston-based national franchise of day and overnight camps for dogs. Unlike traditional kennels, Camp Bow Wow — whose motto is, “Where a dog can be a dog” — gives dogs freedom.

“The open play environment makes the difference,” explains Linda Ward, one of the owners and a Camp Director.

To enable the dogs to spend seven hours a day in open play, first time visitors are asked to come for a free interview day. Dogs are greeted, and then interviewed without their masters. Newcomers are then introduced to at least two different dogs, individually, to see how they interact.

With a capacity for 80 dogs, social skills are critical. Campers, whether day or overnight, have their own cabins, each with a cot and blanket, for feeding and bed time. For three hours each morning, three hours each afternoon, and another hour each evening, dogs are free to interact with each other in one of four indoor-outdoor playrooms. Campers in each play area are categorized primarily by size, but also by activity level and temperament, and are always supervised by camp counselors.

“All employees are trained in pet CPR and first aid. There’s a lot to do. We’re constantly cleaning while the dogs are eating so that we can monitor them at their play times so that they can have a clean and safe environment,” Ward explains.

With nearly 60 franchises operating nationwide, the Clarkston franchise has years of corporate experience from which to draw, as well as the personal and business experience of the four co-owners. The co-owners, two of whom are now Camp Directors, were all friends; three were downsized out of their corporate positions.

“We were all animal lovers and dog owners,” offers Patti McDonald, co-owner and a Camp Director.

As further proof of their love of dogs, Clarkston-based Camp Bow Wow is currently providing a home for Princess, their first foster dog. Princess was rescued by the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) and was in need of both socialization and a loving foster home. Camp Bow Wow is providing both, and MARL will soon be looking for a permanent home for Princess.

Princess is the beneficiary of a business synergy as she is currently enrolled in a six-week socialization class, donated by Metamora Canine Academy. Camp Bow Wow is housed in the Advanced PetCare of Oakland building, which also provides space for Metamora Canine Academy’s weekly socialization classes.

One of the perks available to those who send their dogs to camp is the live Web cams which broadcast open play time, allowing clients to take a peek at their pets during the day.

Besides the joy of providing a safe environment for dogs and helping foster dogs find homes, one of the perks for Ward is hearing, “My dog loves coming to Camp Bow Wow.”