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.

Rebecca Roberts and Pigley

Rebecca Roberts, creative director at Hedgeroe Home, has a soft spot for her Jack Russell called Pigley  …

“As a family we have always had dogs for as long as I can remember, but Pigley will always be extra special. He’s the first dog my husband, Fred, and I have owned since we got married.

Pigley, or Pig, as he is known in the family, is now two and a half, or 17 and a half if you ask him. He has such an affectionate nature and is simply happy as long as he can be with us every single moment of every day. I admit he might have become a little spoiled during lockdown.

When he isn’t in the garden with me chasing tennis balls, his favourite pastime is barking at any animal on the television. Sometimes we tease him by putting on the film The Secret Life of Pets.

I’ll admit we did get Pig as a puppy, though were careful to make sure we could see both parents and the rest of the litter at their family home in Wicklow. Hearing of some terrible stories during lockdown, especially about puppy thefts, we’ve promised each other we will adopt a rescue next. In January this year we helped my Granny adopt a middle-aged Jack Russell called Gizmo from the Wicklow Animal Welfare. I rather think Gizmo has landed on his paws with all the love and attention he is receiving. Unfortunately, my mother in-law’s labrador, Paddy had to be put to sleep late last year. Some homes don’t feel like the same without a furry friend, and it is the first time in our lifetimes that there has not been one resident with her.

During more normal times, both Pigley and his best friend, Monkey, my parents’ Jack Russell, spend lots of time in the Hedgeroe shop in Carrickmines. They greet clients with a waggy tail and offer plenty of interior design advice. They know which are the comfiest armchairs to snuggle up in!

Since lockdown began, Pigley has certainly been earning his keep. We started making video content for our social media as a bit of fun and Pig is always happy to make a star appearance. If I’m honest I’d struggle to be without Pigley, I often wonder who needs who the most. I have always found that a dog will offer unconditional love and happiness in a home.” www.hedgeroe.com @_rebecca_roe

Rebecca Roe photographed by Kildare Village

Lorraine Dwyer and her Golden Retriever, Sandy

A recent move to a new neighbourhood and the onset of the pandemic triggered the acquisition of a much-loved canine member of the household for PR Director at Wilson Hartnell, Lorraine Dwyer and her family …

“I grew up with dogs, and always wanted one for our family, but the time never seemed right. It didn’t seem fair to leave a dog home alone all day while we were out at work. But last summer we got word of a litter of Golden Retriever puppies that had been born in Tipperary and whose breeder was looking for homes for them. Two friends had siblings from a previous litter and we loved their gorgeous, child-friendly nature. Working from home made the timing attractive to settle a puppy into our lives. Our two eldest children were thrilled, but our youngest was unconvinced. After collecting Sandy on our way home from our holidays, he spent the first two weeks perched on the kitchen island out of puppy’s reach, gradually gaining courage and then completely falling in love with her!

Despite our reading books on training, implementing the tips we have gleaned and teaching good habits, it seems that when food is being prepped and cooked, a spell comes over Sandy and everything she’s learned goes out the door. If we turn our backs for a second, Sandy treats herself to meals we have prepared for ourselves – marinated salmon fillets one evening, a birthday cake another day.

She has chewed on everything from toys, shoes, sunglasses, scarves and hats to skirting boards. We’ve learned you can’t be too precious about your possessions or house. We can’t put on a coat or hat but she thinks it’s walkie time. She does suffer from fear of missing out and wants to come everywhere with us, which isn’t always possible, and it breaks our hearts to hear her whimpering.

We’ve come to love our sunrise and evening walks with Sandy; she’s been brilliant for ensuring we get our fresh air intake, vitamin D and our steps especially in the lockdown. Sandy has helped us meet so many lovely new neighbours with dogs. She is so lucky to have her gorgeous sisters Belle, Macy and Bella living close by – when they meet up, they have a ball and know they are related!

Sandy sits on my feet when I’m on Zoom calls with clients and colleagues, she’s even joined in on occasion, charming everyone!

I’m looking forward to going back to our beautiful offices in Ely Place in due course, it’s always been dog friendly and our pets are welcome to visit. Sandy will love it!”