We interviewed Molly George From Chicago, IL, USA with her pup George, A.K.A. @georgethesheepie on Instagram! Tell us about George! “George is hilarious, loving, sweet, goofy,...
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Interview With GeorgeTheSheepie
The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership
Becoming a pet owner is rewarding, but requires commitment. Get the Complete Beginner's Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership, covering everything from core...
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10 Signs Your Dog Is Stressed (and How to Calm Them)
10 Signs Your Dog Is Stressed (and How to Calm Them) Dogs may not speak our language, but they’re always communicating with...
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Clicker Training vs Positive Reinforcement: Which Works Best?
When training pets, should you use a clicker or rely on verbal praise and treats alone? We break down the key differences,...
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How to Hire the Best Dog Walker in Chicago | Sparky Steps
How to Hire the Best Dog Walker in Chicago | Sparky Steps The streets of Chicago from the bustling Loop to the...
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The Mindset of the Ideal Dog Walker at Sparky Steps
If you truly love both pets and people, are super reliable, entrepreneurial, and are safety-minded — you might be the ideal Sparky...
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What Should You Do if a Dog Bites?
If your dog suddenly bites you, it can feel overwhelming and even heartbreaking.Before you let panic take over, take a deep breath....
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From Solo Walker to Building a Dog Walker Community
In this personal update, Michael Jaurigue, founder of Sparky Steps, shares what he’s learned from a year of solo dog walking across...
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Dog-Friendly Spots in Albany Park That You and Your Pup Will Love
Explore the best dog parks, patios, and pet stores in Albany Park! Discover how to enjoy this pet-friendly gem with your furry...
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Your Trusted Albany Park Dog Walking Service – Sparky Steps Has Your Pup Covered!
Your Trusted Albany Park Dog Walking Service – Sparky Steps Has Your Pup Covered! Looking for reliable Albany Park dog walking services?...
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Best Dog-Friendly Walking Routes in Chicago
🌳 Best Dog-Friendly Walking Routes in Chicago 🐶🛅 Chicago is a dog walker’s paradise! Whether your pup loves sniffing through scenic trails,...
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The Pros and Cons of Professional Dog Walking
🐕 The Pros and Cons of Professional Dog Walking I've been a dog walker for about nine years now. I can't believe...
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Winter Traveling with Dogs: Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Trips
Image by Ralph Klein from Pixabay Winter Traveling with Dogs: Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Trips As the winter season blankets the...
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Winter Health Check: Signs of Seasonal Ailments in Dogs
Winter Health Check: Signs of Seasonal Ailments in Dogs As winter's chill settles in, dog owners in Chicago need to be vigilant...
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Winter Exercise Tips for Dogs: Indoor Activities to Keep Them Active
Winter Woofs: Keeping Your Pup Active Indoors with Sparky Steps As the cold winter winds sweep through Chicago, pet owners face...
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Navigating the Chicago Chill: A Guide to Protecting Your Pup's Paws in Winter
As winter tightens its icy grip on the Windy City, dog owners in Chicago must prepare to face the challenges that...
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The Struggles and Triumphs of Brushing Your Dog's Teeth: A Sparky Steps Guide to Dental Hygiene
Discover the challenges of brushing your dog's teeth and learn how to overcome them with this comprehensive guide from Sparky Steps, your...
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How Do You Manage Your Dog’s Leash Aggression?
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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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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How We Met ❤ Feat. @lordeddardgad
I wasn’t a dog person so to speak before I met my dog Ned. This is how we met: when I...
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How We Met ♥ Feat. @chicagoromeo
I had been looking for the right dog for a long time. And then during the pandemic, I got a lot...
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Interview With Eileen and Watson Belvedere
We interviewed Eileen From Chicago, USA with his dog, Watson Belvedere! Tell us about Watson Belvedere! Watson is a sensitive, independent ‘little man’, clever...
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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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The Pet Lover’s Guide to Albany Park
Source Plenty of neighborhood guides delve into the restaurant, bar, and cultural scenes of Chicago’s neighborhoods, but your pets are more...
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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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Lincoln Square Chicago for Dogs and Cats
Source Pet owners have quite a few features to consider when choosing or getting to know a neighborhood. For dog owners,...
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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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Interview With Alyssa and Herbie
We interviewed Alyssa Lynch From Texas, USA with her dog, Herbie! Tell us about Herbie! "Herbie is a 6 year old terrier mix who...
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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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Interview With Family Vermeulen-De Fauw and Their Pets Roro and Tseetsee
We interviewed Family Vermeulen-De Fauw From West Vlaanderen, Belgium with their pets, Roro and Tseetsee! Tell us about Roro and Tseetsee! “2 beaucerons, French sheperd...
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Interview With Barb and Rudy
We interviewed Barb Natividad From Chicago, IL, USA with her dog, Rudy! Tell us about Rudy! "Rudy is a beagle/American Staffordshire Terrier mix. He loves playing fetch and...
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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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Interview With Sandy And Enzo
We interviewed Sandy From Wolcott, CT USA with her dog, Enzo! Tell us about Enzo! “I lost Enzo 2 years ago. But I keep his...
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