Shoes, rugs, and furniture, meet your new worst enemy: the puppy. If you're struggling to find patience while house training or managing...
Read more →
Blog
Life Lesson from Copper: Why Patience Is the Only Rule for Raising a Puppy
10 Unexpected Holiday Dog Behavior Changes (and Expert Tips to Manage Stress)
The holiday season can feel like chaos to your dog, leading to unexpected stress and anxiety. Learn the 10 subtle signs of...
Read more →
How to Talk to a Mental Health Professional About Getting an ESA Letter
Talking to your mental health professional about an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can feel daunting. This complete guide provides scripts, a legal...
Read more →
Interview With GeorgeTheSheepie
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,...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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,...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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....
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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?...
Read more →
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,...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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,...
Read more →
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....
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
Meet the Westie: A Breed Guide to West Highland White Terriers
Loyal, low-shedding, and packed with terrier personality, the Westie is a small dog that fits big-city life. Here's a complete guide to...
Read more →
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,...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
A Lovable Herder: A Breed Guide to the Collie
Loyal, gentle, and famously good with kids, the Collie is far more than Lassie. Here's a full guide to the breed's two...
Read more →
The Small But Mighty Maltese: A Breed Guide
Source Updated August 2026 The Maltese is the quintessential lapdog. These pups have long, flowing white fur and a petite frame perfect...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
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...
Read more →
The Gray Ghost: A Weimaraner Breed Guide
Striking, silver-gray, and famously devoted, the Weimaraner is a high-energy sporting dog that bonds hard and hates being left alone. Here's a...
Read more →
