Pups are like a member of the family, and we only want the best for our loved ones. If you’re after a bit of a splurge for the hound, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to pamper your puppy. After all, doesn’t man’s best friend deserve a touch of luxury?

1. Food

Gone are the days of a measly bowl of kibble. Humans have access to gourmet meals and organic ingredients, so why shouldn’t our four-legged friends? The Pet Chef, Australia’s first take-away pet restaurant, has compiled a menu of high quality, freshly sourced snacks for dogs. The menu includes tasty treats such as turkey, beef kidney, chicken, and seasonal vegetables. Also available are minced raw beef cheek and “a touch of tongue,” because our adventurous pets deserve exotic options as well. If you’d like your mutt to eat like a king, international designer Versace offers a Barocco pet bowl for $754 AUD.

Source: Flickr.com

2. Shelter

Slumber is an important part of any canine’s life, so why not make it as luxurious and comfortable as possible? Online Australian pet provider Lavish Tails has many options so your your dog sleep in style. Specifically made to match the interior of your home, Lavish Tails offers customised designer pet beds. Handmade in Germany from certified organic European fabric, these plush pavilions cost a pretty penny.

Source: Flickr.com

3. Travel

Traverse in style with luxury travel accessories for your pooch. Louis Vuitton offers a chic pet carrier, outfitted in the signature monogram print that runs $3,100 AUD. Waterproof and scratch resistant with a washable lining, your pup will be the most pampered at the park. For the more independent hound, Louis Vuitton also makes a dog leash from cowhide leather and golden brass pieces.

Source: Flickr.com

4. Accessories

What dog doesn’t like a bit of bling? Diamond Dogs Australia has handcrafted, Swarovski crystal-encrusted jewellery for your most fancy furry friend. Made with technical expertise, extensive knowledge of various breeds and only the best materials, Diamond Dog collars are meant to last a lifetime. Browse the Crystal Collection for posh pooches, or the Country Collection for rugged, hunting hounds.

Source: Flickr.com

5. Pampering

Spoil your pet with some spa time. Pet Resorts Australia specialises in luxury getaways. Think of it as a classy doggie vacation. The five-star accommodation includes a team of animal lovers ready to cater to your pup’s every whim; heated floors, trampoline beds and morning cuddles are part of the everyday itinerary. Food options include pasta (penne or bow-tie), salmon, and ‘roo mince. Your dog will spend the days splashing around the 14 metre lap pool, chewing on an array of endless toys, brushing up on the latest training techniques and getting fluffed to perfection at the grooming table.

Source: Flickr.com

By Chloe Denyer

There is not a lot that compares with having fun at the local park or at the beach with your fur babies. Dogs are clever, intuitive, playful and loving and enjoy the interaction of social play with other dog and human friends, often times you will notice your dog picking up little traits and tricks after a run with his buddies around the local leash free park.

One evening last summer I was at our local park watching my Lab x, Chilli, playing with long-time pal, Rocky the fox terrier, when Rocky did the most wonderful thing. A young girl was playing Frisbee with her golden retriever and Rocky saw the disc sail past in the air and took chase, beating the retriever to the destination, he jumped about a meter in the air and caught the Frisbee! Rocky’s owner and I were dumb struck as this was a first, he trotted back to his owner and I and dumped the Frisbee at our feet as the young lady ran over, we all had a laugh about it but it got me thinking, maybe I could teach Chilli how to play Frisbee…? What a wonderful way to help him burn off that extra energy and it’s a little more creative then throwing a ball, so I set to forming a plan to teach my beautiful boy how to catch a Frisbee. Here’s what I came up with….

1.     Choosing a Frisbee

Ok so this should be easy, right? Turns out it’s not as easy as it seems. I started with a cheap people Frisbee, it was hard plastic and in hindsight too large, so this failed miserably and ended in Chilli trying to eat it… So I went to my local pet supply and asked for one,  there are quite a few great ones on the market that are designed for dog’s mouths, not people hands and average between $9 and $19. What you need to look for is a softer more flexible compound, flexible enough to be able to bend the edges so it doesn’t cause any damage to your dog’s teeth. It also needs to be small enough for your dog to grab; you can actually get different sizes for different breeds!

2.     Introducing the Frisbee

Introducing the right Frisbee gave a better outcome. We started by incorporating it in with all of Chilli’s favourite toys, along with the tug-o-war twist and my old trainer left over from naughty puppy days. He started carrying it around the yard and house and we knew then he had adopted it as his.

3.     Learning the basics

Once Chilli was comfy with the Frisbee we began to try more “Frisbee specific” stuff. I would get him to grab it from my hand then request it back. I started rolling the Frisbee along the ground and encouraging Chilli to grab the rim while it was rolling vertically, then we’d have a little tug-o-war and when he released I would start again. Gradually I introduced commands into the mix. When I rolled the Frisbee along the floor, I would use the command “Catch” as he was about to grab the Frisbee in his mouth. This taught him familiarity of the command and association with the act.

4.     Praise!

This particular task came pretty easily to Chilli, with this one I was lucky and Labradors are retrievers after all. Other things early on such as potty training and a time we look back on as the “chew everything stage” not so much and it was during those puppy times (and then some) we learned the subtle art of praise. Our dogs love us unconditionally, when we praise them it’s like the adoration is reciprocated and they remember! In the beginning whenever Chilli would “Catch” on command he got an extra big cuddle and lots of smoochy mummy talk about how great he was, the intensity of that gradually decreased as he became more experienced with the action but there was always a pat and a “Good Boy!” (In smooch mummy voice, of course), there still is now. This showed him it was a good thing to do; he was doing the right thing.

5.     Puppy steps

One of the most important things I can tell you is to start small….

A long throw means a harder throw and if your dog tries to get to the Frisbee too early, it may damage their mouth or teeth, misjudging means a potential wack in the face too.  Starting with small (a meter or so) throws between the 2 of you and gradually increasing the distance means you have a better chance of you dog picking it up. Also starting in your nice quiet yard as opposed to the dog park where there are so many smells and noises, may be an idea.

6.     Final hurdle….

So you have been practicing at home for a few weeks, you think it’s time you took it up a notch, off to the dog park! First, make sure not to take a new Frisbee, use the one you’ve worked with at home, it has your dog’s smell all over it and they can identify it. Remember that your dog will do the same thing they always do in that environment, if you normally open the car door and Rufus bolts for the nearest tree and then cavorts with Butch from 2 doors down and the local boys for a while, that will still happen because that’s part of the normal routine. You have to make this a part of that routine, let you dog do their thing and run off the first bout of energy, then when they’ve settled a little you can give tossing the Frisbee a go.

Remember the steps:

1. Choose the right Frisbee
2. Introduce it properly
3. Start with the basics
4. Lots of praise
5. Take it slow
6. Take it to the park!

Chilli and I get out as often as possible and we love it!

Growing old has its own problems, but one of the biggest drawbacks is the loneliness that claims so many of our dear elderly; an unwelcome companion that can lead to depression if not taken care of, not to mention the risks of physical injuries and other accidents, especially if they have to stay alone. Fortunately, dogs for elderly people can really help.

Often-times one does hire a helping hand, maid or caretaker, but nothing beats the warmth and companionship that is found from man’s best friend, and rightly so. Dogs can fit into all kinds of household; adjust to your personality and schedule, don’t take holidays and can travel anywhere with you. Research has indicated that dogs help lower blood pressure of older people, even increase lifespan. Dogs provide constant companionship and a sense of security, work as a support for the invalid and most of all give you the warmth and love you seek.

Dogs Offer You a Routine

Dogs need to be taken care off just as they take care of you in their own way. First and foremost, they love a routine; daily walks, a time to play, a time to eat and sleep. This also benefits you by giving you a sort of routine; something to look forward to as you wake up every day. Also, an early morning walk in the dog park will give you a chance to meet people, old and young; a place where you can sit and chat about your canine buddies with other dog owners, exchange life stories and make you feel refreshed as well.

Dogs Offer Fitness

Old age is a constant reminder of how you cannot do the things you did when you were a teen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t retain your fitness. A regular walk with your dog will also keep you fit and healthy, even if you’re not walking for miles. If you’re home-bound or have to rely on a walker/wheelchair, even then, you can make your way outside to feel the fresh morning sun as you let your pet go about his business.

Advice for Choosing your Dog

Old people have special needs; huge dogs like a Great Dane or a Saint Bernard might be wonderful as pets, but how logical is it for someone above sixty who lives alone, to have them? Older people won’t be as agile or able to pick up larger weights, and though they might need someone to guard their homes, they need companionship, love and a friend even more.

Typically, smaller dogs do well for this category; what one calls a lap dog. They’re easier to walk, easier to carry around and be transported. Also, friendly dogs that enjoy human company and being cuddled, petted or groomed are better choices. However, there are exceptions for every rule; hence it’s best if you research your preference well and then buy your furry friend.

Here are the top five breeds we think make the best dogs for elderly people:

1. Terrier

The Jack Russel, Boston, Yorkshire and Scottish Terriers are great dogs for the elderly. Small, compact, docile, loving and naturally protective of their home and owners, these little dogs are perfect for those who love having a ball of fur lounging around their feet, or snoozing in their laps almost all day. They do need regular exercise though; a small walk will work wonders.

2. Pug

Not only is the Pug adorable in its mini-cuteness, but this playful little dog is a great joy to have around. They’re funny and love to play, but their best feature is the absolute love and adoration that they shower on their owners.

3. Shih Tzu

Originating from Tibet and China, the Shih Tzu is a calm and affectionate dog; though their long, silky coats can require regular grooming, it’s quite a relaxing feat given their patient nature.

4. Toy Poodle

Perfect for elderly women who love fussing over their pets and take pleasure in their grooming and caring, the Poodle is a breed who likes the company of people and dislikes that of other dogs. Poodles hate being ignored and require lots of attention, or they’ll sulk and be miserable; another reason why so many women prefer this breed.

5. Chihuahua

Small does not always mean puny. The Chihuahua’s vigorous barking makes up for its size. They’re excellent pocket dogs and can be carried around in a bag, basket or tucked under your arm; protective and vigilant, you’ll always know even if a stray squirrel so much as pokes its nose at your door.

Of course, these are just a few top examples for the variety of dog breeds that can serve well as a pet for the elderly genre. There are many more in this category, and one can choose theirs, based on some basic research and personality preference. A female dog is always a better choice for they’re less arrogant and generally diminutive and make for better pets for the single retiree, rather than aggressive male dogs. All in all, keep your situation in mind before you choose your canine companion.