High-end hounds and cossetted canines are having to learn new tricks in this pesky lockdown. Not only are the legs being walked off them on a daily basis but home, usually partially deserted at given times, is a now constant whirl of activity. There are endless Zooms, round-the-clock supervision and no sneaky snoozing in the master suite.

The life of lockdown dogs is harder than it seems. Their owners’ tempers are frayed. No one is going to the office or school or gym or golf or even for a coffee; teenagers are acting out, mothers haven’t a second to themselves and men, having taken possession of prime real estate at home to WFH, have extended their dominion to rule every kitchen.

How are dogs and their owners faring in lockdown? We invited owners to share, and want you to share too … tag @theglossmag in your pictures and videos on Instagram and use the hashtag #GlossyDogs.

Lorraine Keane and Chip and Pom

Presenter and brand ambassador Lorraine Keane shares the story of her two adopted dogs Chip and Pom …

“We have two dogs and I couldn’t imagine a life without them. Chip is an eight-year-old Yorkshire terrier. We adopted him from Wicklow Animal Welfare, run by the fabulous Fiona Gammell. I have had Yorkshire terriers my whole life so I know they are great family dogs; they are very affectionate and clever. I always introduce him as the son I never had!

Slipper is almost six and is a Pomeranian. My daughter Romy always wanted a Pom after seeing The Secret Life of Pets. In fact she had chosen the name years before we had an actual dog. Though I feel bad saying she was not a rescue, the only reason we went to a breeder was because Pomeranians were difficult to find in Ireland at that time. Now dog rescue homes have all breeds imaginable. The breeders we bought from in Limerick were very professional. They even had a live camera on the puppies every day from midday to midnight, so Romy could see her puppy from about a month old until she was vaccinated and ready to join us.

Our favourite walk is on the beach where we live at Seapoint, Monkstown in Co Dublin. Slipper loves to swim, whereas Chip is nervous of the water – but they both love to chase each other on the sand. We also love walking in the mountains in Rathfarnham where I am from – Hell Fire Club, Massey’s Wood, Ticknock Hill.

A dog – or two – really completes a family. They bring the best out in everyone because of their warm, friendly nature. They love you unconditionally. I know non-dog lovers will think I’m batty but Chip and Slipper are honestly like babies to me, especially because I didn’t have the large brood of children I would have liked. Lockdown has made me appreciate them even more. They aren’t cheeky, they don’t leave the house in a mess, nor do they need lifts anywhere – ever! At the moment the jury is out on the dogs versus teenagers question… I’ll get back to you with my verdict!” @lorrainekeaneofficial

Maura Rath and Punta

Maura Rath, founder of Yoga With Maura, is hoping to train her Hungarian Vizsla to be a helper in her yoga studio …

“I grew up in a house that always had a family dog or two, so my love for dogs began at a very young age. That said, our dogs were always kept outdoors, so having my own puppy has been a whole new experience, particularly since the breed my partner and I selected is extremely needy. Hungarian Vizslas are often called “Velcro” dogs.

I fell in love with the breed many years ago, when I worked in New Zealand, and hoped one day to own one. They are not as common as other dogs here in Ireland and don’t often come up for sale. My sister-in-law spotted an advertisement for some Vizsla pups, and once I twisted my fiance’s arm, we applied and were put on a waiting list. Fortunately we were lucky to get Punta. She has a gentle, playful nature and is full of energy. She can definitely test your patience. I think she is very well behaved given that she is a puppy, though my partner might disagree.

Punta has been such a gift. I am an outdoorsy person so pre-Covid, I would always be walking or hiking with a friend, but that hasn’t been possible since lockdown. It’s been so good to have Punta as she really is the best company. She has brought light in these times, keeping us entertained. Training her has also been a great distraction from everything that’s been going on. I am from a big family so I found the first lockdown a lot harder being away from family but Punta has been keeping me busy. We love taking her for a walk in the woods and around Fernhill gardens. We have also met some lovely new puppy owners in our local area.

Punta is an active dog, but when I practice and teach yoga virtually, she loves it. I hope to train her to become a therapy dog, as she loves cuddles and is very affectionate. She will be the perfect addition to a yoga studio, once normal classes resume.” @yogawithmaura

www.yogawithmaura.ie