Hiring a dog walker should make your life easier—not add more stress. But in a city like Atlanta, where your time is limited and your dog deserves the best, it’s easy to fall into some common traps when choosing care.
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we’ve supported hundreds of busy dog parents across Atlanta by providing reliable, loving, and enrichment-focused walks. Whether you’re traveling or just juggling work and family life, here are three big mistakes to avoid when hiring a dog walker—and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
We all love a deal—but when it comes to your dog’s care, cheap can come with hidden costs. Many budget walkers are uninsured, under-trained, or inconsistent. That means missed walks, poor communication, or worse—safety risks for your dog.
What to do instead:
Look for value and trust, not just the lowest rate. At Praline’s Backyard, every walk is GPS-tracked (double-tracked, actually), includes detailed updates with photos, and is delivered by trained, background-checked team members who treat your dog like family. That kind of peace of mind is priceless.
Mistake #2: Not Asking the Right Questions
A quick “Are you free this week?” isn’t enough. Your walker should know your dog’s energy level, quirks, preferences, and any medical needs. Without asking the right questions, you may find out too late that the fit just isn’t right.
What to do instead:
During your Dog Lifestyle Consultation (what we call our meet & greet), be sure to ask:
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How do you handle shy, senior, or reactive dogs?
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What’s your emergency plan if something goes wrong?
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Will my walker be the same person each visit?
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How do you keep me updated?
At Praline’s Backyard, we guide you through all of this with a personalized onboarding and a “Happy Home Guarantee.” No dog is “just another dog” to us.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Meet & Greet
A friend’s referral or online reviews are helpful—but not enough. Your dog needs to meet the walker, feel safe, and build trust. Skipping that step can lead to fear, anxiety, or even refusal to walk.
What to do instead:
Always schedule a professional consultation. At Praline’s Backyard, we require it. It helps us get to know your dog, go over your routine, and answer any questions—so everyone feels confident from day one.
The Bottom Line: Dog Walking Shouldn’t Be a Gamble
You’re trusting someone with your dog’s care—and your peace of mind. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can find a dog walker who understands your dog, respects your home, and shows up when they say they will.
Looking for the Best Dog Walkers in Atlanta?
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we do things differently. Every walk is tailored to your dog’s needs—whether they’re high-energy, senior, or somewhere in between. Our walkers are trained, background checked, insured, and Fear Free Certified, and we go beyond just walking—we build relationships.
Serving the Atlanta Metro area
Book your Dog Lifestyle Consultation today HERE
Because your dog deserves more than a potty break—they deserve care that feels like home.