A happy dog on a walk with a force-free Dances With Dogs walker.
Finding the right dog walker in Miami isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trusting someone with your best friend’s safety, well-being, and happiness. With so many options in Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, and surrounding areas, how do you know you’re making the right choice?
As a multi-certified dog trainer and owner of Dances With Dogs, I’ve seen what happens when dog walking goes wrong. Here’s what every Miami dog owner should look for—and what red flags to avoid.
What to Look For in a Professional Dog Walker
1. Dog Training Expertise on Staff
Green Flag: The company has certified dog trainers who train their walking staff.
Red Flag: Walkers receive minimal training or learn “on the job” with your dog as practice.
Why it matters: A dog walker who understands canine body language, stress signals, and positive reinforcement techniques can prevent incidents before they happen. They’ll notice if your dog is uncomfortable, overstimulated, or needs a break—skills that only come from professional training education.
At Dances With Dogs, every walker is personally trained by me, a graduate of both Karen Pryor Academy and CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. Our team doesn’t just walk dogs—they understand them and advocate for them.
2. Force-Free, Positive Methods Only
Green Flag: The company explicitly states that it uses 100% force-free, positive-reinforcement methods with no aversive tools.
Red Flag: They use prong collars, choke chains, or “corrections” to control dogs on walks. Or, worse yet, they don’t mention their methods.
Why it matters: Aversive tools can cause fear, anxiety, and aggression. In Miami’s busy neighborhoods, a dog walker who uses intimidation tactics can create dangerous situations and cause long-term behavioral damage.
Our philosophy: If your dog pulls on leash, we teach polite leash manners using positive methods—not pain or fear.
3. Employees, Not Contractors
Green Flag: All walkers are W-2 employees, insured, background-checked, and directly supervised.
Red Flag: The company uses independent contractors or gig workers with minimal oversight and zero training.
- A different walker every time (no relationship-building with your dog)
- Minimal vetting or training requirements
- No direct oversight or quality control
- Unclear liability if something goes wrong
4. GPS Tracking and Transparent Reporting
Green Flag: You receive GPS-tracked routes and photo reports after every walk.
Red Flag: No proof of service, or you’re just supposed to “trust” the walk happened.
Why it matters: Transparency builds trust. You should know exactly where your dog went, how long they walked, and see photos of them happy and engaged.
5. Customized Services Beyond Basic Walks
Green Flag: The company offers tailored services such as adventure walks, leash-manners training walks, separation anxiety support, and behavioral enrichment.
Red Flag: One-size-fits-all walks with no customization for your dog’s needs.
Why it matters: Every dog is different. A high-energy Labrador needs something different than a senior Chihuahua or a reactive rescue. Professional dog walkers should adapt to your dog, not force your dog to adapt to their system.
At Dances With Dogs, we offer everything from basic neighborhood walks to adventure-style outings, plus integrated training for dogs who need to work on pulling, reactivity, or confidence-building.
6. Long-Term Client Relationships
Green Flag: The company has clients who’ve used their services for years—even decades.
Red Flag: High turnover, inconsistent walkers, or a revolving door of staff.
Why it matters: Longevity speaks to trust, quality, and consistency. Many of our clients have been with us for over 10 years because they know their dogs are in expert hands.
7. Professional Certifications and Memberships
Green Flag: Staff hold certifications from recognized organizations (Karen Pryor Academy, CATCH, Fear Free, etc.), and the company is a member of professional groups like APDT, Pet Professional Guild, or Pet Sitters International.
Red Flag: No credentials, certifications, or professional affiliations.
Why it matters: Certifications mean ongoing education, adherence to ethical standards, and a commitment to best practices in animal care.
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
- No insurance or bonding – If something goes wrong, you’re liable.
- Unwillingness to meet your dog first – A professional walker should always do a meet-and-greet.
- Vague answers about training methods – If they can’t clearly explain their approach, that’s a problem.
- No emergency protocols – What happens if your dog gets injured or sick on a walk?
- Poor communication – If they’re hard to reach before you hire them, it won’t get better after.
Why Dances With Dogs Is Different
We’re not the biggest dog walking company in Miami—but we’re the most qualified. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Trainer-led team: Every walker is trained by a double-certified dog trainer (me!)
- Force-free philosophy: No aversive tools, ever
- Professional employees: Fully insured, background-checked, and directly supervised
- Comprehensive services: Dog walking, dog adventures, training, pet sitting, separation anxiety support, and more
- GPS tracking and photo reports: Full transparency on every walk
- Customized care: From adventure walks to polite leash manners training
- 20+ years of trust: Serving Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Kendall, Cutler Bay, and South Miami since 2002
Ready to Find the Right Walker for Your Dog?
Don’t settle for a dog walker who just shows up and clips on a leash. Your dog deserves a professional who understands behavior, prioritizes their well-being, and treats them like the individual they are.
Contact Dances With Dogs today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your dog’s needs and how our trainer-led team can give them the exercise, enrichment, and care they deserve.