The Top 5 Pet Trends from Melbourne’s Dog Lovers Show

Behind the Scenes 09 May

Wow – over the last weekend, dog lovers from across Australia swarmed to Melbourne to visit the inaugural Dog Lovers Show. It was heaven for every dog lover. After visiting every single one of the hundreds of exhibitors, here are the 5 Top Trends I took away…

INNOVATIVE TREATS

Say goodbye to the common dog treat. With dog owners sniffing out healthy treats, the focus is now on fresh, natural ingredients and innovative recipes – such as Pupcorn, Doggie Donuts and home made muffin kits. Stand out stalls included:

Diamond Dog Food & Bakery (pictured) – With a treat range featuring scores of original recipes, they have something for every dog. Their focus on fresh, natural ingredients is a huge plus.
Barkday Pawty – Creating handmade treats for pets, they also cater for pet parties – handling everything from cakes, treats, decorations and set up.

DESIGNER BEDDING

Portable, washable yet stylish bedding was at the forefront of the show. The trend towards travel beds, removable bed covers, and ergonomic design showed that owners are moving towards adaptable products without forsaking aesthetics. Stand out stalls included:

Dogtired – Launching at Dog Lovers, their lightweight, portable dog beds were truly a highlight featuring form and function.
Hey Pup – These innovators of the washable dog bed sheet cover show no signs of slowing down, introducing new colours into their bed cover range, and expanding into collars and toys.
ID Pet (Pictured) – A new release brand, ID Pet specialises in a product range featuring custom printed dog beds, leads, collars, clothing and toys. With a range of designs and bespoke products available, they’re one to watch.

RESCUE MATCHING

While rescue organistions have been matching the right owners to the right dog for a long time now, the dedicated rescue centre at Dog Lovers was a one-of-a-kind feature allowing Pet Rescue to work alongside breed specific rescue groups – all with the same goal of finding forever homes for rescue dogs. Stand outs included:

Pug Rescue & Adoption Victoria (Pictured) – With their gorgeous faces, and matching pink adoption bandanas, I don’t know how anyone could say no to these guys!
Kays Greys – Focused on finding forever homes for greyhounds, this group highlighted the plight of these gentle dogs exploited by the racing industry.

CREATIVE COLLARS

Decorative collars are exploding in Australia right now, with a focus on fashionable bow ties, special event collars and modern patterns. Stand out stalls included:

Remy & Co – Dedicated to collars alone, Remy and Co are the go-to place for stylish, modern collars made in Australia and abroad. Their range is expansive and has something for every dog.
Dharf (Pictured) – With an array of custom doggie bow ties, collars and bandanas, Dharf uses a range of patterns and designs from classic seersucker to modern neon. They also offer a bespoke service for weddings and special events, so your dog always looks their best.
Kelly and Sam – Another new launch, this boutique range features classic collars in pink, mint and lilac – making them ideal for preppy puppies.

LIFESTYLE TRAINING

Throughout the show, demonstration performances kept the crowds entertained. Lifestyle training shows were easily the most popular, from working dog demonstrations to training lectures, the spotlight was on allowing your dog to use their natural instincts and talents in positive, fun training sessions. Standouts included:

Farmer Dave - Former Big Brother contestant, Dave Graham, showed off how giving your dog a job allows them to use their natural instincts of herding.
The Wonderdogs (Pictured – photo by RoseHip Vital)- Celebrity vet, Dr Katrina Warren and trainer, Kelly Gill, took crowds through the paces of the positive reinforcement training that goes into creating the ‘Wonderdogs’. With take home tips, they highlighted how dog training is all about consistency and fun for your dog.

Did you visit the Dog Lovers Show?
What were your highlights?

Review: The Sleepypod Air

Product Reviews 12 Apr

By Sarah Dickerson

We’re in love, and we want to shout it from the rooftops! It does exist… a pet carrier that can do it all, AND it’s so plush that Coco actually volunteers to lay in it. Volunteers. Hallelujah! What is this spectacular product called, you ask? It’s the Sleepypod Air, and it’s pretty much the most convenient and practical pet accessory ever.

PERFECT FOR TRAVEL

The Sleepypod Air is airline approved! It can easily retract in size by folding the ends in, allowing your pet to have maximum space during the flight, while still being able to fit under airline seats during take offs and landings. Even better, you don’t have to lug your pet around on your shoulder while walking to your gate. Even though Coco is only 12lbs, she gets heaver after a few minutes walking. The carrier has convenient suitcase trolly pockets! Just unzip the pockets, stack and slide onto your suitcase handles, and start rolling. SO EASY.

Traveling by car? The straps on both sides allow you to safely and securely fasten the carrier in a car too! And how could we forget about treats? Large zipper pockets are great for easily accessible treat storage.

SPACE EFFICIENT

Not only is this roomy for your pooch, but it’s space efficient for you! Once unzipped, the sides collapse flat and flush, and can easily be store in tight spaces. How amazing is that?

Dog Travel Carrier | Pretty Fluffy

COMFORTABLE AND PRACTICAL

The Sleepypod Air provieds maximum comfort for you and for pet, whether traveling or just on the go. The padded strap can be worn on your shoulder or can be adjusted for cross-body (which is my favorite). Coco found the plush bedding to be extra enjoyable. Most dogs, I’m sure, share similar taste in bedding; soft, cushiony, and plush. If your dog does too, then this bedding is a match made in heaven.

We also love the all around mesh zip that allows her to see out of both sides, as well as the top of the carrier. This way she doesn’t miss a beat, and we all know how nosy Coco is! Another practical feature that we love is that both mesh openings can be snapped into place, allowing your pooch to come and go as they please. This is great for when we are visiting relatives or friends, we can snap the mesh door so that it stays open, and Coco has a place to call her own when she gets bored.

EASY TO CLEAN

We all know how dusty those little paws can get, and should we even talk about treat crumbs? The removable plush bedding makes cleaning a piece of cake! Their cozy spot can transform from dusty to clean in no time flat.

WHAT WE LOVED:

It’s so stylish! The Sleepypod Air is available in 5 great colors: Jet Black, Dark Chocolate, Orange Dream, Glacier Silver (shown in photos), and Strawberry Red.
Airline approved. Makes air travel a breeze through clever design.
Multifunctional – great for plane travel, car travel and as a luxe crate for hotel stays or at home!
Collapses flat for easy storage.
Plush bedding is attractive to the most hesitant doggie travellers!
Easy to clean removal bedding.

BEST FOR:

Dogs up to 15lb / 7kg.
Dogs who enjoy the safe surrounds of their own ‘den’.
Pet owners travelling by plane or car.
Dog owners wanting stylish yet practical solutions to pet travel.

Want a Sleepypod Air of your own? Head over to their product page to order yours today! CLICK TO BUY

Sarah xo

AUTHOR: Sarah Dickerson is a visual designer and photographer from the Midwest who loves animals, all things English, rainy nights, cozy backyard gatherings, twinkling lights, and festive weddings. To see more of her work, visit her website and blog, Chic Sprinkles.

Dogs of the Blogs: Dog Milk

Dogs of the Blogs 04 Apr

As a long time reader of Dog Milk, I’m so happy to be sharing a glimpse behind the scenes of this slice of the internet where modern dogs and design meet. Every week managing editor, Capree Kimball, finds the coolest products for savvy pet owners who are after a bit more form and function for their fidos. Plus could her dogs, Wrigley and Smash, BE any cuter? (You have to say that last sentence in a Chandler Bing voice for full effect – that’s on order!) Let’s meet them…

Who: Capree, Wrigley and Smash
Where: Managing Editor at Dog Milk, Deputy Editor at Curbly
In A Nutshell: Dog Milk was brought into this beautiful world in 2010, inspired by Design Milk founder and editor Jaime Derringer’s love for her two modern pups. She felt that there needed to be a place where modern dog owners could discover new products and find what was beyond the chain pet stores. Whether it’s an innovative pet feeder, cool dog tee, or a modern dog bed, we continue to bring the most cutting edge and modern design to dog lovers everywhere!

Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in 2007 as a way to share and curate all the incredible things I found on the Internet, mostly art, design, and playful products for the modern home. I had just purchased my first home, and was so excited by the idea of decorating and developing my own unique aesthetic!

What is your most popular blog post to date?
Our two-ingredient treat recipe has been a big hit! It’s ridiculously easy to make and there are endless ways to customize it based on your dog’s needs and likes.

Tell us about Wrigley and Smash…
Wrigley is a 5 year old Miniature Schnauzer and one of the most sensitive and emotionally in-tune dogs on the planet. Plus, he’s got some killer good looks. Smash is an (almost) 4 year old Shih Tzu and a total ham! He’s always happy (and hungry) no matter what.

If you had to describe your dogs in three words, you’d say….
Wrigley: sweet, sensitive, intelligent
Smash: goofy, mellow, happy

If Wrigley and Smash were superheroes what would their names and powers be?
Smash would be “Space Pig”, no question. His special ability would be turning anything he touched into strawberries, his favorite food.

Wrigley would be “Bossy Beard”, a dog that could employ mind control powers to manipulate any living person into rubbing his belly.

How are the dogs involved in your blog?
Wrigley and Smash are both involved with testing out exciting new products for our reviews, as well as modeling for some of our DIY projects!

What is your favourite blog/website and why?
I’ve been super obsessed with the site HomeMade Modern lately! They feature really incredible DIY projects for the home that are surprisingly easy and affordable. They’re doing stuff you don’t see on most other sites.

What is your #1 tip for other bloggers?
Write about what you love and what you’re passionate about, don’t just follow trends! Be true to your yourself and your own interests.

Capree’s TOP 5 Pretty & Fluffy picks…
1. Cross Blanket by Pia Wallen (Pictured)
2. Pooch Posse Cardigan from Anthropologie
3. Urbanest Bed from LoveThyBeast
4. Horse by Zoe Pawlak
5. Dogleg Diner by Doca Pet (Pictured)

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Shop It: Viaggio Pet Bed + Travel Mat

Shop It! 26 Mar

I’m super smitten with the fab new Australian brand Sasha & Me. My favourite pick at the moment? Their Viaggio Pet Bed and Travel Mat. This two in one combo is the kind of bed I think Oprah’s dogs would have to take them between their LA-Hawaii-Chicago homes (if I didn’t have a sneaking suspicion that Oprah’s dogs probably have their own apartments).

Sleek, stylish and oh-so comfy looking, the Viaggio simply lays flat when your dog needs a snooze and then can be rolled up and secured with it’s simple cotton tie when it’s time to move on. I can see countless uses – travel, picnics, office dogs, car trips… Perfect for luxe pups and on the go owners.