Carrie Pallardy The leash is a helpful tool for any dog owner. Clipping one on allows you step outside with your...
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Blog — Carrie pallardy
About Carrie Pallardy
Welcome to the author archive for Carrie Pallardy. At Sparky Steps, we know that exceptional pet care is built on shared knowledge and community collaboration. The articles featured below highlight the unique expertise, personal experiences, and genuine love for animals that our contributors bring to the table.
Our Voices & Editorial Ethics
Whether Carrie Pallardy is a core team member walking dogs on the streets of Chicago, a local pet professional, or a passionate guest writer, all of our published content aligns with our core mission. We proudly champion positive reinforcement (R+), force-free handling, and science-based animal welfare. The insights you find here are grounded in real-world experience and a deep respect for animals.
Join Our Pack
By sharing their voice, writers like Carrie Pallardy help us give back and empower pet owners to advocate for their furry family members. Please browse the articles below to read their work! If you have a unique perspective or a heartwarming story to share, we are always looking for new voices to join our pack as guest contributors.
How Do You Manage Your Dog’s Leash Aggression?
How to Train Your Dog to Do Tricks
Carrie Pallardy Source Why stop at the basics? Training your dog doesn’t have to end after you have mastered commands like...
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Training Your Dog: The Importance of Socialization
Carrie Pallardy Source Whether you are bringing home a puppy or an adult dog, proper socialization is an essential part of...
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How Do You House Train Your Puppy?
Carrie Pallardy Accidents in the house are a normal part of having a puppy, but dog owners eagerly await the day...
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6 Steps to Crate Training Your Dog
Puppy & Adult Training A Safe Space of Their Own: The Ultimate Guide to Crate Training Demystify the crate training process, avoid...
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Going for a Walk: How to Teach Your Dog Leash Etiquette
Carrie Pallardy Source One of the best parts of having a dog is stepping outside and stretching your legs together. You...
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The Beginner’s Guide to Sit and Stay
Sit and stay are the foundation of training your dog. While these are relatively simple commands, they require a good deal...
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A Guide to Recall Training for Your Dog
Carrie Pallardy Source Does your dog come when you call? Reliable recall is an essential part of training your pet. You...
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The Tallest Dog: An Irish Wolfhound Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source Irish Wolfhounds take their names from their history of hunting large game, including wolves. While their stature...
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The Dog Behind the Spots: A Dalmatian Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source Dalmatians are a beloved breed of dog easily recognizable by their white coats with black spots. While...
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At Home on Land and in Water: A Breed Guide to the Portuguese Water Dog
Carrie Pallardy Source The Portuguese Water Dog might not be as a big of a name as a Golden Retriever or...
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The Dog Behind the Fluff: Meet the Bichon Frise
Carrie Pallardy Source With its white fluffy coat, the Bichon Frise is one of the most recognizable lap dog breeds....
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The Mighty Akita: A Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source Akitas are a large working breed of dog, easily distinguishable due to their upwardly curled tails and...
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Canine Agility: A Breed Guide to the Belgian Malinois
Carrie Pallardy Source The Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah) breed might not be a household name, but action flick fans will probably...
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Meet the Westie: A Breed Guide to West Highland White Terriers
Carrie Pallardy Source “West Highland white terrier” is quite the mouthful for a dog breed. The name belongs to a small,...
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A Noble Hunter: A Breed History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Carrie Pallardy Source Rhodesian Ridgebacks are sometimes mistaken for Vizslas. Both breeds have similar close, burnished coats of copper and lithe,...
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The Big and Beautiful Newfoundland: A Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source From afar, you might confuse a Newfoundland for a small bear. These enormous dogs have long, shaggy coats...
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A Noteworthy Nose: A Basset Hound Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source If you are a fan of classic Disney movies, you might recognize Sherlock Holmes’s dog from “The...
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A Lovable Herder: A Breed Guide to the Collie
Carrie Pallardy Source Lassie is high on the list of famous dogs, starring in a long-running TV show and several...
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The Small But Mighty Maltese: A Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source The Maltese is the quintessential lapdog. These pups have long, flowing white fur and a petite frame...
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The Different Kinds of Spaniels: A Brief Breed Guide
Those floppy ears and soulful eyes are hard to resist, but not all Spaniels are created equal! From the apartment-friendly Cocker Spaniel...
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The Gray Ghost: A Weimaraner Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source The Weimaraner is a popular breed, and you might recognize their soulful eyes from the work of famous...
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A Smart and Tireless Breed: A Guide to the Border Collie
Carrie Pallardy Source Border Collies routinely top the list of the smartest dog breeds. The Border Collie Chaser actually earned...
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A Bodyguard Breed: A Guide to the Cane Corso
Carrie Pallardy Source The Cane Corso is a large breed that commands attention with its powerful body and regal appearance. Like...
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A Spunky Spaniel: A Brittany Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source Brittanys are a sporting breed of dog. Relatively petite, these pups seem to run on endless energy and zest...
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Herding Talent: A Sheltie Breed Guide
Herding Talent: A Sheltie Breed Guide Carrie Pallardy Source Shetland Sheepdogs so closely resemble Collies that they are often thought...
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A Petite Athlete: A Breed Guide to the Miniature American Shepherd
Carrie Pallardy Source When most people think of a herding dog, the image of a wide-ranging Border Collie or a rugged...
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Small and Sassy: A Chihuahua Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source Chihuahuas may be the smallest breed of dog, but what they lack in size they make up for in...
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A Fluffy Toy Breed: A Guide to the Havanese
Source A Fluffy Toy Breed: A Guide to the Havanese The Havanese is a popular toy breed known for its lively...
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Black and White Style: A Guide to the Boston Terrier Breed
Black and White Style: A Guide to the Boston Terrier Breed Source Boston Terriers have alert eyes, perky ears, and an inviting...
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Behind the Shih Tzu Coat: A Breed Guide
Behind the Shih Tzu Coat: A Breed Guide Carrie Pallardy Source Shih Tzus may be the closed you will ever come...
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Standard, Miniature, and Giant Schnauzers: A Breed Guide
With their bushy eyebrows and distinguished beards, Schnauzers often look like grumpy old men trapped in a dog's body. But did you...
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Puffy Pomeranians: A Breed Guide
By Carrie Pallardy | Updated June 2025 Quick answer: Pomeranians are small (3–7 lbs), double-coated toy dogs with big personalities. They're loyal,...
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Doberman Pinscher: A Breed Guide
The Sleek and Loyal Doberman Pinscher: A Breed Guide Doberman pinchers are working breed of dog that can often be misunderstood. They...
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Breed Guide
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Guide to the Toy Breed Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniels (Cavs if you prefer to eschew...
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Great Danes: A Breed Guide
Gentle Giants: A Breed Guide to Great Danes Great Danes are imposing figures, almost resembling small horses than dogs. But this dog’s...
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Australian Shepherd: A Breed Guide
Despite the breed’s name, Australian shepherds are not actually from down under. But, they do have strong herding instincts. What can...
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Corgi: A Breed Guide
What's the real difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis? Dive into this comprehensive guide covering origins, physical traits, care, and safety.
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Dachshund Breed: A Breed Guide
The Long and Short of It: A Guide to the Dachshund Breed Dachshunds are often called wiener dogs thanks to their...
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German Shorthaired Pointers: A Breed Guide
Dappled Beauties: A Breed Guide to German Shorthaired Pointers Pointing breeds take a regal stance when they catch the scent...
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Boxer: A Breed Guide
The Loyal Boxer: A Breed Guide Boxer breed name might sound pugilistic, but these dogs are more about playing than fighting....
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The Ultimate Golden Retriever Guide: America’s Sweetheart (and Biggest Shedder)
With their trademark "smiling" faces and luxurious coats, the Golden Retriever is America's sweetheart. But there is much more to this breed...
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Bernese Mountain Dog: A Breed Guide
Gentle Giants: A Guide to the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, fluffy dogs. Often weighing more than...
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Rottweiler: A Breed Guide
Behind the Rottweiler Reputation: A Breed Guide Rottweilers have a bad reputation, similar to the misconceptions surrounding pit bulls. Many people...
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Beagle: A Breed Guide
The Beautiful Beagle: A Breed Guide Beagles are cartoon icons thanks to Snoopy and Odie, of Peanuts and Garfield respectively. Outside...
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Poodle: A Breed Guide
The Proud Poodle: A Breed Guide Poodles are known for their fluffy and often elaborately groomed coats. But, there is more than...
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German Shepherd: A Breed Guide
The Loyal German Shepherd: A Breed Guide German Shepherds, affectionately referred to as GSDs, have a long history of human companionship....
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French Bulldogs: A Breed Guide
Fun with French Bulldogs: A Breed Guide French bulldogs are one of the most popular small dog breeds. Often referred to...
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Getting to Know the Vizsla: A Breed Guide
Getting to Know the Vizsla: A Breed Guide Vizslas are a distinct breed, one that is increasingly recognizable thanks to social...
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How to Balance Working from Home and Being a Dog Owner
How to Balance Working from Home and Being a Dog Owner Many people are facing months of working from home. While this...
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