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Monday 10am - 4pm Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Cooper and Kids, Mornington Peninsula, Mornington (2025)

10/11/2025

Saying goodbye to a beloved senior dog is one of the hardest parts of sharing life with them 💔🐾
But end-of-life care isn’t just about time — it’s about quality of time.

With Cooper now 13, we’re in that delicate space of weighing up the joys he still has —
✨ Food (always 😅)
✨ Gentle walks
✨ Play & wrestling with Scout
✨ Cuddles and being part of family life

And also acknowledging the harder parts —
💭 Cognitive decline
🐾 Arthritis
😔 Anxiety
🦻 Hearing loss
🌙 Some nighttime incontinence

It’s not about pretending those challenges don’t exist.
It’s about looking at the whole picture — his happiness, comfort, connection, and dignity.

Right now, Cooper still has more tail wags than tough days. And for us, that means quality still outweighs quantity 🧡

We have worded up the kids too on respecting him as he ages - especially as he's lost his hearing and has some arthritis. As pain can impact behaviour- and with no hearing he can't hear them approaching. All important to educate kids about to prevent bites and keep that beautiful relationship.

If you’re navigating this stage too, you’re not alone. There’s no perfect formula — just love, honesty, and doing the very best for the dog who has given you their whole heart. Whenever in doubt, make sure to consult with your vet.

Also, my boys are just shredding the palms here without ingesting them. It's so important to be incredibly careful that your dog does not ingest as it can cause a blockage. So always supervise. And always check the plants you have in your garden to ensure nothing is poisonous for your dog.

09/11/2025

Meet Darcy 🤍 The sweetest new pup — and already set up for success!

Darcy’s family started learning before she arrived home, and wow… what a difference that makes 👏🏼✨

Bringing home a puppy is magical AND overwhelming — especially with kids in the mix.

When you’re sleep-deprived, juggling routines, toileting, biting, and excited little humans… it’s not always easy to try and learn dog training from scratch.

Preparing ahead means:
🐾 A calm, confident start
🏡 A safe setup for pups + kids
🧠 Understanding puppy needs & behaviour before big emotions hit
👶🏼 Teaching kids how to interact safely & kindly
💛 Building trust from day one — for the whole family

My Self-Paced Online Puppy Programs gives families everything they need before the chaos begins — so those early weeks feel exciting instead of stressful.

We have a puppy program specifically for families with kids and a separate one for everyone else.

If you’re planning to bring home a puppy soon… start now. Your future self (and your puppy) will thank you 🐶✨

Ready to feel prepared & confident?
📲 Join the program before your pup comes home!
https://cooperandkids.com/online-programs

05/11/2025

Once you’ve decided on the right breed, the next step is finding the right breeder — and this part is just as important. 🐾⁠
⁠
A good breeder doesn’t just breed dogs — they raise family members. ⁠
⁠
Look for someone who:⁠
💛 Prioritises temperament and health over looks⁠
🏡 Raises pups in a home environment, not a kennel⁠
🩺 Health tests both parents and can show results⁠
🧠 Starts early socialisation and positive exposure⁠
🤝 Cares about where their puppies go and asks you just as many questions⁠
⁠
Be wary of red flags like:⁠
🚫 No health testing⁠
🚫 Puppies available all the time⁠
🚫 Pressure to “buy now” or meet somewhere random⁠
⁠
A responsible breeder will support you for your dog’s entire life. Choosing right means setting your new family member up for the best possible start.⁠
⁠
For more guidance on how to choose ethically and responsibly - get in touch with me. Or check out our articles in the resources section on our website.
⁠
Mel xox

05/11/2025

Once you’ve decided on the right breed, the next step is finding the right breeder — and this part is just as important. 🐾

A good breeder doesn’t just breed dogs — they raise family members.

Look for someone who:
💛 Prioritises temperament and health over looks
🏡 Raises pups in a home environment, not a kennel
🩺 Health tests both parents and can show results
🧠 Starts early socialisation and positive exposure
🤝 Cares about where their puppies go and asks you just as many questions

Be wary of red flags like:
🚫 No health testing
🚫 Puppies available all the time
🚫 Pressure to “buy now” or meet somewhere random

A responsible breeder will support you for your dog’s entire life. Choosing right means setting your new family member up for the best possible start.

For more guidance on how to choose ethically and responsibly - get in touch with me. Or check out our articles in the resources section on our website.

Mel xox

04/11/2025

🐶✨ How to talk to other people's children about interacting with your dog... ⁠
⁠
This is one of the questions we had sent in when we asked what you guys wanted to learn about... ⁠
⁠
So, here are some friendly tips:⁠
⁠
- Start with a smile: Greet the child and introduce your dog calmly.⁠
- Explain simply: Use age-appropriate language to teach dogs are friends and need gentle handling.⁠
- Read your dog's body language: Teach kids to observe signs like tail wagging, relaxed posture, or ears forward to see if the dog wants to interact or prefers to be left alone.⁠
- Teach about consent: Remind kids that we only interact with the dog if the dog wants it. If the dog shows signs of discomfort, we must leave them alone.⁠
- Respect boundaries: Not all dogs like pats, hugs, or kisses. Sometimes waving or blowing a kiss is enough.⁠
- Use treats or toys: Often, treats or a favourite toy can be a better way to bond than physical affection.⁠
- Demonstrate calmly: Show kids how to pat softly and respectfully if your dog wants to be patted..⁠
- Be patient: Some kids may be nervous; reassure them and take your time.⁠
⁠
Talking openly and kindly helps children learn to interact safely and respectfully with dogs! 🐕💙

02/11/2025

Before falling in love with a cute face online, make sure the breed truly fits your family’s lifestyle.

Choosing compatibility over cuteness, means everyone wins — especially the dog 💛

✨ Need help choosing a breed that suits your family? I’d love to help.
Get in touch.

Mel xox

30/10/2025

Tips to Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable on Those First Few Walks with Your New Baby

Walking with your dog and an empty pram at when you’re pregnant is a great way to prepare for the exciting changes ahead. It’s an important step to help your dog feel safe and confident as your family grows.

Here are some tips:�
🐾 Assess Safety First: Before heading out, evaluate if walking with a pram is safe for you, your dog and your baby. For some dogs, pulling or reacting to the pram or triggers in the environment can be unsafe—if you’re unsure, it’s okay to seek professional help to prepare safely.�
🐾 Maintain Routine: Keep your dog’s daily walks consistent to reduce stress and help them feel secure.�
🐾 Introduce the Pram Gradually: First introduce it in the home - not moving. Then introduced the movement. Stay calm and praise your dog. Make sure your dog is comfortable around the program before going out for a walk. Then walk with the empty pram, praising and rewarding your dog to build positive associations.�
🐾 Slow Exposure: Slowly introduce your dog to new items, scents, and routines related to the baby, well before the big arrival.

A gentle reminder:�Every family is different, and it’s perfectly okay if walking with a pram isn’t suitable for your dog. The key is to assess your situation and create a plan that keeps everyone safe and comfortable. If you need help with this process, make sure to get in touch.

Looking for more guidance?�Both our private consultations and our online program, "Getting Your Family Ready for Life with Dog and Baby," offers everything you need to confidently prepare your dog and your family for the new arrival—ensuring a smooth, joyful transition. https://cooperandkids.com/service/dog-and-baby-sessions/

Get in touch to learn more.

Mel xox

27/10/2025

📣 🐶🐾 Calling all Dog Professionals (breeders, trainers, vets, vet behaviourists, dog minders, dog walkers, groomers, etc)

Want to learn more about our Online Puppy Programs?
https://cooperandkids.com/online-programs/
�All programs are online and self-paced, so families can work through them in their own time. They’re packed with loads of engaging content—text, images, videos, and animations!

And I'd love to give you a sneak peek!

If you think these programs would help your clients, I’d love to show you around, explain what’s included, and answer any questions you might have!

Details for our two sessions:
Wednesday October 29th at 7pm AEDT
Friday October 31st at 12pm AEDT

Comment below or Send me a dm with your email address and which session you'd like to join.

If you can't make the time but are keen - let me know.

Mel xox

27/10/2025

🎃🐾 Halloween can be fun for families — but it’s not always fun for dogs!

Strange costumes, doorbells, noisy kids, and treats everywhere can make this spooky season stressful. Not all dogs enjoy dressing up, trick-or-treating, or lots of visitors — and that’s okay!

A few tips to keep your dog safe and happy:
🐶 Watch their body language — if they look tense, skip the costume.
🏠 Give them a quiet, safe space away from the door and visitors.
❌ Don't take them trick or treating with you.
🍫 Keep chocolate, lollies, and xylitol out of reach.
👧 Teach kids not to scare or chase dogs in costumes.

Respecting your dog’s needs is the best treat you can give this Halloween! 💛

26/10/2025

Tips to Help Your Dog Stop Jumping on People (Especially Kids)

Firstly, it’s important to understand why your dog is jumping—are they excited, nervous, anxious or just trying to greet you? Identifying the reason can help tailor your training approach effectively.

Management is key:
Using a lead or gates can help prevent your dog from practicing this behaviour when you’re unable to supervise directly. Consistent management helps reinforce good habits.

Here are some helpful tips:
🐾 Stop accidentally reinforcing the jumping: Turn your back and avoid eye contact when your dog jumps. Only give attention when all four paws are on the ground. Pushing, shoving down, eye contact and saying "No" can all be forms of reinforcement without you even realising it.
🐾 Reward calm behaviour: Use praise and treats when your dog greets politely without jumping.
🐾 Teach the "find it" game: Toss a treat on the floor and say “find it” to encourage all paws stay on the ground. It’s a fun way to reward calm, focused behaviour.
🐾 Get down to their level before they jump: Sometimes dogs just want to jump to get close to us - especially when greeting us. So bending down to their level to say hello can be a really effective way to reduce the jumping.
🐾 Involve children safely: Teach kids to ask your dog to sit or wait before approaching, and supervise all greetings to keep everyone safe. A sit is an incompatible behaviour to jumping, helping your dog learn to stay calm and grounded when greeting people.

Remember:
Consistency, management, and positive training make a big difference. If you're finding it difficult, Cooper and Kids can help you develop a personalised training plan to ensure respectful greetings—helping everyone feel safe and comfortable. Especially with kids in the mix.

23/10/2025

A puppy’s personality and health are influenced by both their genetics (nature) and the environment you provide (nurture).

To give a new dog the best start in life, it’s essential to do your homework before bringing them home.

Here are some tips:
✅ Research reputable, ethical breeders who prioritise health, temperament, and responsible breeding practices. Make sure to visit them. Make sure to ask lots of questions.
✅ Ask about health and behaviour testing and socialisation to ensure your puppy comes from a responsible, loving and nurturing environment.
✅ Prepare your home and family. There is so much you can do before bringing your puppy home to get ready. Don’t wait for things to go wrong. Learn how to raise a happy, well-mannered and confident puppy before you have your puppy.
✅ Spend time understanding breed characteristics so you can make sure this is the right breed for you. And then learn how to meet their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Dogs are a different species to us and it’s important to understand this from the start.

At Cooper and Kids, we believe that responsible pet ownership begins with education and preparation. By making informed choices and investing in your puppy’s future, you’re helping create a loving, trusting and mutual relationship that lasts a lifetime.

If you need some help with this- please make sure to get in touch.

Mel xox

22/10/2025

Does Your Dog Know You're Pregnant?
Many pet owners wonder if their dog can sense the upcoming arrival of a baby. The good news is that dogs are incredibly intuitive and sensitive to changes in their environment and your behaviour. They might notice shifts in your routine, scent, or energy levels even before you share the news!

Here’s what to consider:�🐶 Behavioural Changes: Your dog may become more clingy, alert, or cautious as they pick up on your changing emotions and routines.�🐶 Scent Recognition: Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell and may detect hormonal or scent changes in your body.�🐶 Preparation Tips: Don’t wait until the baby comes. There is SO much you can do ahead of time to reduce stress and get the whole family ready.

Want to learn more?�Preparing your dog for a new family member is SO important. We offer packages to help families - in person or on Zoom. Plus we have an online, self-paced program called "Getting Your Family Ready for Life with Dog and Baby." It’s packed with all the tips and strategies you need to prepare your dog and your family for this exciting new chapter.
https://cooperandkids.com/service/dog-and-baby-sessions/

Reach out to book in or learn more about how we can help.
Mel xox

Cooper and Kids

10/11/2025

09/11/2025

05/11/2025

05/11/2025

04/11/2025

02/11/2025

30/10/2025

27/10/2025

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26/10/2025

23/10/2025

22/10/2025

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Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm