Cooper and Kids

Cooper and Kids Making dogs and their families happier and safer!
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Is your dog nervous around kids? 🐶👧👦Many dogs feel unsure about little humans — they move fast, make loud noises, and do...
29/09/2025

Is your dog nervous around kids? 🐶👧👦
Many dogs feel unsure about little humans — they move fast, make loud noises, and don’t always respect space.

The good news? With awareness, management, and gentle guidance, you can help your dog feel safe and your kids learn empathy and respect.

💡 Key steps:
1️⃣ Notice your dog’s signals — lip licking, yawning, turning away, hiding, or growling.
2️⃣ Give them space — use safe zones, baby gates, or playpens.
3️⃣ Teach kids respect — calm, gentle, hands-off interactions.
4️⃣ Build positive associations — treats, play, or praise when kids are nearby.
5️⃣ Know when to seek professional help — if your dog continues to show fear or stress, that’s where we can step in. We specialise in helping families create safe, happy relationships between dogs and children.

Every dog and child is different, so patience and understanding are key. 💛

Don't wait for something to go wrong. Get in touch today.
Mel xox


🚨 ⚠️ Dogs on the beach?  Beware of puffer fish! 🐡I’ve been seeing them everywhere on our local beaches lately (Morningto...
27/09/2025

🚨 ⚠️ Dogs on the beach? Beware of puffer fish! 🐡

I’ve been seeing them everywhere on our local beaches lately (Mornington Peninsula way).

Puffer fish are highly poisonous, even the washed up ones. If your dog even just licks one or worse- eats one, it’s a veterinary emergency. They can cause seizures, tremors, paralysis, or worse.

💡 What you can do to keep your dog safe:
1️⃣ Teach “leave it” — this solid, reliable cue can prevent your dog from investigating or picking up dangerous things.
2️⃣ Work on recall — make sure your dog comes back to you promptly, even with distractions, always using positive reinforcement.
3️⃣ Management — when in high-risk areas, use a leash or avoid the beach altogether if you’re unsure it’s safe.

⚠️ If ingestion is suspected:
Rush your dog to the vet immediately. They may need to be induced to vomit, put on fluids, and treated to prevent severe reactions.

Safety first — prevention is always easier than emergency care. And if you need help with training these important cues- make sure to get in touch.🐾❤️

🌟 Client Love 🌟Nat (Mac’s human) shared the kindest words about her experience working with us, and it’s exactly why I d...
25/09/2025

🌟 Client Love 🌟

Nat (Mac’s human) shared the kindest words about her experience working with us, and it’s exactly why I do what I do—helping families and their dogs live together safely, happily, and with understanding. 🐾💛

Every dog, every child, every family is unique—and I feel so grateful to be trusted to guide you on your journey. Thank you, Nat, for letting me be part of Mac’s story. ✨

If you’d like support for your own dog and family, I’d love to help—please reach out anytime. 💬

💡 Hugging doesn’t always mean love to a dog.What looks sweet to us can actually feel very uncomfortable for them. In thi...
23/09/2025

💡 Hugging doesn’t always mean love to a dog.

What looks sweet to us can actually feel very uncomfortable for them. In this photo, the child’s two arms around the dog are trapping him—leaving no safe way to move away. This isn’t a lack of love, it’s a lack of understanding.

✅ A safer alternative? One-handed patting.
It gives the dog freedom to step away if they choose, while still allowing for connection and affection.

Teach kids things they CAN do with your dog that your dog will enjoy and appreciate.

As parents, it’s your job to teach and model safe, respectful behaviours so your kids and dogs can truly enjoy each other’s company. 🐾👦❤️

Thinking of adding a puppy to your family? 🐶❤️ Timing is key! Here's a few points to consider before bringing home that ...
18/09/2025

Thinking of adding a puppy to your family? 🐶❤️ Timing is key!

Here's a few points to consider before bringing home that adorable new furry friend:

✨ Wait until your kids are at least 4-5 years old—older kids can better understand how to interact safely.
✨ Be aware that puppies and babies/toddlers together can be really hard work and even risky — young children developmentally lack the awareness to read a puppy’s body language and to follow your directions and instructions, which can lead to total chaos and even accidents or bites. Hence why we recommend waiting until your child is older.�✨ Ensure your family can commit time for training, supervision, and play.
✨ Make sure you’re financially ready for this big commitment - think training, grooming, vet bills, food, equipment, etc.�✨ Make sure your home is puppy-proofed and provides a safe, calm space.�✨ Avoid big life changes like moving house or welcoming a new baby—stability matters!�✨ Choose a puppy whose energy level matches your family's routine.

This list could go on and on! So make sure to get in touch if you need help with this tricky decision.�
Remember, raising a happy, well-mannered and confident dog takes time, love and patience.

Mel xox

Crawling babies often head straight for the dog — which can be overwhelming and even frightening for our furry friends. ...
15/09/2025

Crawling babies often head straight for the dog — which can be overwhelming and even frightening for our furry friends. 🐾👶

That’s why it’s so important to set up safe spaces and teach both dogs and kids how to interact respectfully.

✨ Tips to help your dog when baby starts moving:
- Use baby gates and playpens to create safe zones for both dogs and babies.
- Always supervise interactions — never leave your baby and dog alone together.
- Learn to understand dog body language so you know how your dog is feeling around your baby.
- Give your dog an inviting, comfy spot away from the action when they need space.
- Reward calm behaviour around your baby to help build positive associations.
- Teach your baby early on to respect the dog’s space.

By giving your dog choice and space, you’re helping build trust and keeping everyone safe and happy. 💛

✨Happy 11th Birthday to our beautiful Harper ✨Harper is the one who first made me a mum, and I couldn’t be prouder of th...
14/09/2025

✨Happy 11th Birthday to our beautiful Harper ✨

Harper is the one who first made me a mum, and I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing young person she’s becoming. She’s kind, caring, funny, smart, and so empathetic 💕

Her love for dogs (especially Cooper and Scout 🐾) is so special, and she’s the most incredible big sister to her brothers. Harper is a true social butterfly who loves being with her friends, and more than ever, her passion for netball has taken off — watching her dedication and enthusiasm inspires me every day. 🌸🏐

Harper lights up every room she walks into, and I feel so lucky to be her mum. Here’s to celebrating Harper today and everyday 💖

🐾 Should dogs be allowed on the bed? My answer… YES! (As long as it works for you and your family ✨)You can absolutely t...
09/09/2025

🐾 Should dogs be allowed on the bed? My answer… YES! (As long as it works for you and your family ✨)

You can absolutely teach your dog to wait for an invitation before hopping up, if you prefer.

The only times I say “no” to bed-sharing:
🚫 If the humans don’t want it
🚫 If there’s any growling or resource guarding happening on the bed
🚫 If a newborn or child is sleeping there too

At the end of the day, why do we get dogs? To love them and have them be part of the family 💛 And studies even show that sharing your bed can have benefits for both humans and dogs—as long as everyone’s sleep stays peaceful.

So if you love a snuggle buddy at night… go for it! 🐶🛏️✨

Tell us what you think? Do you let your dog on the bed with you?

Happy Father’s Day 💙Today’s a big shout out to all the dads – human dads, dog dads, stepdads, and grandads. Thank you fo...
06/09/2025

Happy Father’s Day 💙
Today’s a big shout out to all the dads – human dads, dog dads, stepdads, and grandads. Thank you for all the love, laughs, and support you give your families every day.

I’m so grateful for Jase – the best dad to Harper, Paxton, Brooklyn, and our two goldens, Cooper and Scout 🐾. We’re so lucky to have you. Life with three kids and two dogs isn’t always calm or quiet… but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

And of course, a special thank you to my own dad – for everything you’ve done (and still do) for us. And my father in law. Plus my beautiful grandfathers who I am still so lucky to have in my life. Couldn’t ask for better role models for my kids. 💛

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Mornington Peninsula
Mornington, VIC
3930

Opening Hours

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

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