Dog

Welcome to the Sparky Steps Pack!

We are dedicated to bringing you the best in pet care guidance, professional training tips, local Chicago updates, and helpful resources for pet parents. Love writing about pets? We are always looking for fresh perspectives, advice, and heartwarming stories from guest contributors.

Write For Us →
Best Books About Dogs Turned Into Movies
Best Books About Dogs Turned Into Movies
After reading books about dogs, watch the best adaptations out there! This guide offers great recommendations for the whole family.
Read more →
How to Walk a Senior Dog with Arthritis Safely
How to Walk a Senior Dog with Arthritis Safely
"Movement is medicine for an arthritic dog—the goal is just to find the right dose." Many loving pet parents make the mistake...
Read more →
Mini Schnauzer vs Schnauzer: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Mini Schnauzer vs Schnauzer: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Learn about the difference between a schnauzer and a mini schnauzer in this guide, so you can figure out which one is...
Read more →
Choosing a No-Pull Harness Without Causing Pain: What Ethical Trainers Recommend
Choosing a No-Pull Harness Without Causing Pain: What Ethical Trainers Recommend
This article offers guidance on choosing a safe, comfortable harness for your dog to reduce pulling, prevent choking, and protect your dog's...
Read more →
Giant Schnauzer Size Comparison: Understanding This Impressive Breed
Giant Schnauzer Size Comparison: Understanding This Impressive Breed
This guide offers helpful tips about caring for a Giant Schnauzer. Learn everything there is to know about the breed so you're...
Read more →
Top 10 Dog Breeds That Can Handle the Snow
Top 10 Dog Breeds That Can Handle the Snow
This guide offers information about the many different dog breeds that thrive in cold weather. After reading this article, you will have...
Read more →
Apartment Living with a Cocker Spaniel in Chicago: A Real-Life Survival Guide
Apartment Living with a Cocker Spaniel in Chicago: A Real-Life Survival Guide
Cocker Spaniels make absolutely fantastic urban companions as long as their physical and emotional needs are met. With a solid routine, a...
Read more →
Grey Ghost Weimaraners: Understanding the Silver Phantom of the Dog World
Grey Ghost Weimaraners: Understanding the Silver Phantom of the Dog World
This is a helpful guide to learn everything you need to know about Grey Ghost Weimaraners for people looking to adopt or...
Read more →
The Royal Treatment: How to Care for High-Energy Spaniels in the City
The Royal Treatment: How to Care for High-Energy Spaniels in the City
Meet Prince William and Kate's dog Otto! Discover why high-energy sporting breeds like the English Cocker Spaniel need royal treatment in Chicago...
Read more →
Shelties Herding: Understanding Your Shetland Sheepdog's Natural Drive
Shelties Herding: Understanding Your Shetland Sheepdog's Natural Drive
This is a guide to common behaviors for Shetlies, such as herding, where they come from, and how to handle them at...
Read more →
How Many Different Types of Cocker Spaniels: Understanding the Breed Variations
How Many Different Types of Cocker Spaniels: Understanding the Breed Variations
This is a helpful guide on the different types of Cocker Spaniels. Learn about their breed variations to help you decide which...
Read more →
Do a Mitzvah Project With Dogs: Bring Joy to Pets in Need
Do a Mitzvah Project With Dogs: Bring Joy to Pets in Need
This article explains what a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah is, and how to incorporate helping animals in need as part of...
Read more →
Keep Your Dog Safe While Watching the Game
Keep Your Dog Safe While Watching the Game
Learn about how to keep your dog safe on game day. There are many foods served at sporting events that are dangerous...
Read more →
Why Where Your Dog Sleeps Matters More Than You Think
Why Where Your Dog Sleeps Matters More Than You Think
This article is about the importance of your dog's sleeping habits. Read on to help your dog find a good bedtime routine.
Read more →
The Black Boston Terrier For Sparky Steps
The Black Boston Terrier For Sparky Steps
This article is about how to properly care for a Black Boston Terrier. It has lots of health tips on nutrition, exercise,...
Read more →
Advanced Dog Training Techniques for Busy Pet Owners

Advanced Dog Training Techniques for Busy Pet Owners

This article offers insight into how to give your dog advanced training designed for busy pet owners. It's a great read for...
Read more →
When Dog Care Becomes Too Difficult In Old Age
When Dog Care Becomes Too Difficult In Old Age
This article offers guidance for elderly people about when it's time to find a new home for their dog due to the...
Read more →
Dog Instagrams: Creating Pawsome Content Your Followers Will Actually Love
Dog Instagrams: Creating Pawsome Content Your Followers Will Actually Love
This article offers helpful advice on how to create a fun and interesting Instagram account for your dog. Discover techniques for taking...
Read more →
Discover the Best Dog Parks in Albany Park
Discover the Best Dog Parks in Albany Park
This article is about the best dog parks in Albany Park, Chicago. It's a guide that offers readers valuable information about the...
Read more →
Why Some Dogs Calm Down After Play and Others Spiral
Why Some Dogs Calm Down After Play and Others Spiral
In this article, it offers insight into why some dogs settle down after playtime while others dogs remain extremely energetic. After reading...
Read more →
Take Your Dog to Volunteer: Therapy Dog Benefits & Requirements
Take Your Dog to Volunteer: Therapy Dog Benefits & Requirements
Learn about volunteer opportunities to do with your dog. There are many different options in the Chicagoland area. Whether it's taking your...
Read more →
How Dogs Feel Love From Their Owners: The Science Behind Your Bond
How Dogs Feel Love From Their Owners: The Science Behind Your Bond
In this article, you will discover the science behind bonding with your dog. Learn about what happens in their brains when you're...
Read more →
Albany Park Pet Owner's Resource Guide
Albany Park Pet Owner's Resource Guide
This article is about the best places to take your dog on a walk in Albany Park, a beautiful Chicago neighborhood. It...
Read more →
Food Safety Tips for the Jewish Holidays
Food Safety Tips for the Jewish Holidays
While it’s tempting to share a holiday meal with your pet, ingredients like onions, garlic, and raisins pose serious health risks. Discover...
Read more →
Coping with Crisis: Supporting Anxious Dogs When Routines Fall Apart
Coping with Crisis: Supporting Anxious Dogs When Routines Fall Apart
Routine is more than just a schedule for a dog; it's a way to stay alive. In the wild, being able to...
Read more →
Why Transparency Matters When Bringing Home a Puppy
Why Transparency Matters When Bringing Home a Puppy
One of the happiest times a family can go through is bringing home a new puppy. Understanding the puppy's origins is the...
Read more →
How to Train Your Dog to Love Wearing a Muzzle
How to Train Your Dog to Love Wearing a Muzzle
Using a well-fitted muzzle is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in situations where biting may be a risk, like...
Read more →
Stop Dog Marking: Understanding the Real Reasons Behind This Frustrating Behavior
Stop Dog Marking: Understanding the Real Reasons Behind This Frustrating Behavior
Learn about dog marking solutions for a cleaner home. In this article, it explains why people experience this issue in their indoor...
Read more →
Black and White Boston Terrier: Health, Care & What Makes Them Special
Black and White Boston Terrier: Health, Care & What Makes Them Special
You know that dog with the tuxedo markings? The one that looks like he's ready for a fancy dinner party? That's the...
Read more →
What Should I Look for in a Dog Walker in Chicago
What Should I Look for in a Dog Walker in Chicago
The care required by pets often brings out the parental instincts in even the best of us. And while you might have...
Read more →
Best Quality and Safe Dog and Pet Services in Chicago
Best Quality and Safe Dog and Pet Services in Chicago
If you're looking for quality and safe dog and pet care services in Chicago, Sparky Steps is the best fit for you....
Read more →
Caring for Anxious Dogs: How Pet Sitters Create Calm, Trusting Environments
Caring for Anxious Dogs: How Pet Sitters Create Calm, Trusting Environments
Anxious dogs depend on steady, predictable energy from the people around them. When their owners are away, pet sitters step in as...
Read more →
Papillon Dog Care Tips Every Owner Should Know
Papillon Dog Care Tips Every Owner Should Know
If you’ve ever seen a small dog with butterfly-like ears, a fox-like face, and an elegant appearance, chances are it was a...
Read more →
Dog helper