Victoria Cooper - Certified Canine Behaviourist & Mentor

21/02/2025

This is a sensitive post
I get many dozens of enquiries on social media, in the groups I run, and in social gatherings or at the hairdressers, or other places where people know my job - they ask me to advise them in their dogs behaviour problems.
Many say “how do I fix …. XYZ”
Or “ I want to nip it in the bud”

I understand that people are often desperate for help
But whilst I’m always happy to offer support and simple suggestions for subjects such as crate training or house training a puppy, recall tips or diet suggestions, general dog training advice - but I can’t legally and neither would I respond to an in depth behaviour problem. It would be irresponsible and unprofessional to do so and could put a person or dog at risk especially with complex problems that involve aggression or health concerns.

There are many pet owner led groups where other dog owners answer questions or give their opinions on what worked for them - I don’t allow that in my behaviour groups as it’s too risky in my opinion. Pet owners, whilst well meaning, are not qualified to give behaviour advice.

It might be that people can’t afford to pay for a professional, or they don’t understand their dogs behaviour and think that a quick answer will fix it . Maybe they are worried and frustrated about their dogs behaviour so they are looking for quick solutions.
But Behaviour problems need to be assessed by a qualified accredited professional.
There are so many aspects of behaviour that needs to be looked at in depth to make an evaluation of the causes.

Quick fixes don’t exist and taking advice from an unqualified person can be costly .

🐾 (As my friend Karen from Dog Solutions sometimes starts her posts... this may an unpopular post but here goes...)

As a dog professional, I can say we’re often asked for free advice.

Here's the thing: it costs us thousands of dollars and man hours to obtain and maintain our professional qualifications. This is an ongoing cost.

But, more importantly, giving advice without knowing the full picture is unprofessional and unethical.

Every dog is different, and everything affects behaviour! We need a lot of information before offering expert advice:

Breed, age, and parentage 🐕

Socialization (too little, too much, unsuitable ?)

Home environment: diet, sleep, play, interactions, enrichment 🌟

Health, exercise, stress, temperament 🏋️‍♀️

Family dynamics - including other animals - and changes 🤔

The list goes on...

Would you expect a doctor to diagnose without seeing you? Or a mechanic to fix your car without looking at it?

Sure, friends and family members may give free advice based on their own experience, but that doesn’t mean it’ll work for YOUR dog. Let's prioritize professionalism and ethical care for our pets! 🙌🐶

21/02/2025

Fantastic! Come on England - we are lagging behind in animal welfare!! Ban E collars. Regulate the dog training industry. Stop using animals for money making sport and entertainment !

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: GREYHOUND RACING TO BE BANNED IN WALES 🚨

Together with our coalition partners, we are today celebrating a major victory for animal welfare in Wales, as the Welsh Government announces a ban on greyhound racing.

Earlier this afternoon, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies MS/AS announced that greyhound racing would be banned in Wales, fully protecting greyhounds from the risk of injury and death as result of their participation in commercial racing.

Our founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Waddon, reflects on the journey to this historic decision.

“Our Amazing Greys partnership project at Valley Greyhound Stadium highlighted systemic welfare issues with greyhound racing in Wales. In 2021 when the track announced its intention to become a licensed Greyhound Board of Great Britain track greatly intensifying the volume of racing, we knew we had to act and we launched our Senedd petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales.

Over 35,000 dog lovers signed the petition, and as it progressed through the Petitions Committee we were joined by Greyhound Rescue Wales, Blue Cross UK, Dogs Trust and RSPCA (England & Wales) to form the Cut the Chase coalition, giving the campaign a strong and united voice.

In December 2022, the Petitions Committee published their report, with the majority of the Committee supporting a ban. With strong cross-party support, the petition was debated in the Senedd in March 2023, and it was announced that views on greyhound racing would be included in a wider consultation on the licensing of animal activities. The consultation launched in December 2023, and in December 2024 Welsh Government published their response, stating that a decision on greyhound racing would be made in Spring 2025.

Earlier this afternoon, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs announced that greyhound racing would be banned in Wales, bringing an end to the entirely preventable injuries and deaths of the dogs involved in greyhound racing.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the public for supporting the campaign, and also to the Petitions Committee, chaired by Jack Sargeant MS at the time. We also want to say thank you to the stalwarts of the campaign, Jane Dodds AS/MS, Luke Fletcher AS/MS, Carolyn Thomas MS and Dr Altaf Hussain MS who all played a significant role in rallying strong and unwavering cross-party support for the ban.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary year, there is no better anniversary present than this historic decision which we hope will lead the way in ending greyhound racing in the rest of the U.K. and Ireland.

The Cut the Chase coalition’s priority has always been the welfare of the dogs involved in greyhound racing, and we remain committed to ensuring that this is not negatively impacted by the ban.

The coalition has sent an open letter to both Valley Greyhound Stadium and the Greyhound Board of Great Britain offering our support with displaced greyhounds needing rehoming both during the transitional period, and after racing ceases at the stadium.”

19/02/2025

For all of you who have adopted rescue dogs or dogs from overseas. It’s really important to understand that many of these animals are feeling very stressed, anxious and vulnerable. It can take many months for them to settle into a new environment, learn to trust you and form a bond. Research shows it could take much longer than the common advice of 3 months.
Every dog is an individual

GIVE THEM TIME to adjust and don’t expect too much too soon

Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding but complex journey, with the adjustment period playing a crucial role in both canine welfare and owner experience. New research from the University of Lincoln explores this transition, finding that many dogs take longer to settle than previously suggested. While adoption literature often cites a period of a few weeks to three months, this study found that over half of owners observed adjustment lasting beyond four months.
Key behavioural indicators of adjustment include changes in social contact, activity levels, and routine learning, with extreme behaviours—such as excessive attachment or avoidance—moderating over time. Owners also noted concerns around fear, reactivity, and separation-related behaviours, highlighting the need for tailored support.
These findings suggest that rehoming organisations should provide longer-term guidance for adopters, helping them navigate challenges and ensuring better welfare outcomes for dogs. Understanding that adjustment is a gradual process can support retention, strengthen human-animal bonds, and reduce rehoming failures.
Reference: Moyer, B.J., Zulch, H., Ventura, B.A., & Burman, O. (2025). A qualitative exploration of owner experiences following dog adoption. Animal Welfare, 34, e9. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2025.4

17/02/2025

THIS is why I ALWAYS ask and assess for pain in my behaviour consultations. Pain is not always obvious
Dogs are masters as masking pain - in fact all animals mask pain as they don’t want to express vulnerability
Your dog doesn’t have to be yelping or hiding away in their bed if they have pain
They are often stoical and will continue going out, pulling or jumping about or appearing ‘ok’ even when they are not comfortable.

Did you know that 80% of behaviour cases has an element of undiagnosed pain?
I’ve worked with numerous dogs whose behaviour was anxious, aggressive, or reactive. Some dogs became sound sensitive or afraid of traffic, or they even began redirecting frustration on the lead or lunging and barking at other dogs or strangers

Most of these dogs had undiagnosed pain, with either spine, hip or elbow problems . Several cases last year ranging from reactive terriers to scared rescues and aggressive Rottweilers had undiagnosed joint problems and had been to trainers before consulting with me who had used punishing methods to ‘correct’ unwanted behaviour which is unethical, unkind and unfair on the dog.

This is why it is SO important to enlist the help of a qualified accredited and ethical behaviour professional who will analyse your dogs behaviour in depth, and work in triage with your vet or a physio if necessary to meet the dogs needs at every level and not just try to suppress the unwanted behaviour using force (or leadership and pressure as they euphemistically label it !)

Be careful who you choose to help you with your dog. Force is not the answer. Behaviour dies t happen in a vacuum - there is always an underlying reason.

This Week’s Myth:
"Pain can always be objectively measured based on physical findings."

FACT: Pain is what the patient says it is.

This groundbreaking statement comes from Margo McCaffery, a renowned medical nurse and pain educator, who first defined pain this way back in 1968—and it’s still true today!

Pain is a personal experience that can’t always be fully explained by physical tests or images. Instead, we must listen to our canine patients and treat pain based on what they express, and this requires a level of understanding of our dog's body language and behaviour, which can be often misinterpreted!

This approach goes against the traditional idea that physical evidence alone should dictate pain management, proving that understanding our dog's experience is key to effective care.

Let’s bust these myths together and make life better for our pups! 🐕✨

Sign up to our FREE course on how to recognise if your dog is in pain:
https://www.cameducation.co.uk/course/is-my-dog-in-pain

16/02/2025

Being KIND and GENTLE isn’t weak - it’s a superpower. Embrace it

I've swithered about whether to write about this topic but it's been on my mind for a while so here goes nothing....🏳️‍🌈

"𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥/𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥/𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘢𝘺"

I've heard variations on this comment a number of times over the years. Isn't it interesting and depressing in equal measure on a number of levels...?

• That using a treat pouch is in any way connected with sexuality
• That gay is (presumably) shorthand for effeminate or weak
• That being gay is perceived as negative
• That being seen to be teaching your dog with kindness is seen as a weakness
• That some men feel vulnerable and open to judgement when they show kindness or gentleness

Is their discomfort with a 'softer' approach due to cultural and societal conditioning which tells them that 'real' men demand respect through physical strength and 'toughness'? That control by dint of strength is more 'manly' than consensual co-operation? That a man being kind or gentle is somehow weak (or, god forbid, feminine...).

I don't know. But I do know that qualities like kindness, empathy & gentleness aren't the preserve of women, or the gay community, or any other subsection of humankind. And they aren't qualities that anyone, of any gender or sexuality, should be ashamed of. They are human qualities which should be valued and admired and seen as positives, not negatives.

Kindness isn't weakness...it's strength and it's for everyone.

14/02/2025

Happy Valentines to all my 💝

As some of you know it’s only 7 weeks ago that I lost my beloved Daisy 🌼 to the shock of hemangiosarcoma. She was 10 years old.
Rob and I got Daisy not long after we met and moved into our own home together. So she featured in every aspect and nearly every photo of our lives together as a couple .
She brought us so much joy 🥹 and we shared so many adventures and laughter together with our funny little girl. This is our first valentine without her. No card from Daisy this year. ☹️But we keep holding onto all the precious memories we have of her. ❤️‍🩹

I’d love to see your loved up photos of you with your loved ones and beautiful dogs . Let’s fill
This thread with LOVE ❤️ 🥰😘😍

10/02/2025

This is a vile piece of equipment that hurts your dogs neck. A grot collar is an inhumane tool. Used to suppress and hurt your dogs neck. From the french word Garrotte

Description “ A garrotte (also spelled garrote) is a device or method used to strangle someone, typically with a wire, cord, or piece of rope. Historically, it was used for executions and assassinations. It can also refer to a method of killing where pressure is applied around the neck to cut off airflow and blood circulation.

In a broader sense, “garrotting” can also describe a form of violent attack where someone is strangled from behind.”

Implications in Dog Training:
• Aversive and outdated: These collars rely on punishment-based techniques rather than reinforcing desired behaviours.
• Risk of harm: They can cause physical injuries (tracheal damage, nerve damage, bruising) and emotional distress.
• Encourages fear and reactivity: Dogs may associate discomfort with their surroundings, leading to anxiety, increased aggression, or learned helplessness.
• Not recommended in ethical training: Modern, force-free trainers avoid these tools in favour of positive reinforcement, which is both effective and humane.

Conclusion:

The grot/French collar is an aversive tool rooted in force-based methods, much like its historical garrotte counterpart. Ethical, science-based training does not rely on causing discomfort but instead focuses on building trust, reinforcing desired behaviours, and addressing the root causes of behavioural issues.

For Dogs Sake - Please do not hand your dog over to a person who uses these tools of pain. Your dog trusts you . We are here to help using kind force free and positive methods .

Incidentally electric shock collars are not yet banned in England - despite a majority vote to have them banned. It’s not been acted upon 😞.

Grot collars should be banned like e collars have. Painful awful devices.
I’ve seen yet another “k9 blah de blah” trainer set up in the area and these are the secret weapon.
They sit behind the ears on the most sensitive parts of the neck, and if the dog pulls they feel extreme pain as the handler yanks the grot lead.
Dog may not pull anymore because it’s too afraid to but all that fear is being suppressed. Then when the fear bomb finally comes out in the form of an attack on other dogs or people the animal gets destroyed 😢

Grot from the French “garrotte” that’s what they used to hang people. We need to have some sense and stop paying people for quick fixes that don’t work in the long term.

10/02/2025

As many of you know I specialise in anxious fearful reactive dogs
… it’s no coincidence that many of these dogs have been neutered too early before the end of adolescence or whilst still in adolescence which is really sensitive time in a dogs development

Hormones are important for ALL animals and play a vital role in bone body and brain development. Can you imagine if we went through menopause at 11 years old or boys lost their testicles?
What would happen to our bodies and brains ?
If your dog is anxious, or has behaviour problems please work with a suitably qualified behaviourist. I am not anti neutering but there is the correct time to do this when necessary or if necessary. Every dog is an individual

The Hidden Impact of Early Neutering on Your Dog’s Behaviour

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—the behavioural effects of neutering dogs too young.

We’ve all heard that spaying/neutering helps with population control and can prevent certain health issues. But did you know that doing it too early can actually increase the risk of behavioural problems?

Why timing matters:
Hormones play a huge role in your dog’s emotional and behavioural development. When we remove them too soon (before full maturity), we can unintentionally cause:

- Increased fear & anxiety – Early neutering has been linked to heightened sensitivity to stress, making dogs more prone to fear-based reactivity.
- Reduced confidence – Without the hormonal guidance they need, some dogs struggle with social interactions, becoming more insecure or even more defensive.
- Higher risk of aggression – Contrary to popular belief, early neutering doesn’t always "calm a dog down." In some cases, it can lead to frustration-based aggression, especially in males.
- Excessive excitability & poor impulse control – Hormones help regulate brain development, and removing them too soon may contribute to hyperactivity or difficulty focusing.

So when should we neuter?
The best time depends on breed, size, and individual temperament. Larger breeds, in particular, benefit from waiting until at least 18-24 months to ensure proper bone, joint, and brain development. For smaller breeds, a little earlier *may* be appropriate, but it’s always best to discuss with a behaviour-conscious vet.

Neutering is just one piece of the puzzle – while it has its benefits, it’s not a magic fix for behaviour issues. Training, socialisation, and meeting your dog’s mental and physical needs play a far bigger role in shaping a well-balanced companion.

10/02/2025

To my lovely reactive dog clients -
Are we too polite with “I Need Space” jackets?! 🤔🤭 maybe we need a more direct approach 😂

When the “Do Not Pet” signs are a little too subtle...

09/02/2025

SO important to consider our rescue dogs ( or any dogs) emotional states before asking or expecting them to learn new behaviours. Another reason you want to work with an accredited professional who can assess your dogs emotions and not just use force or suppression to reduce unwanted behaviour
I liken behaviour suppression methods to a water filled balloon , if you swish it in the middle the water ( unwanted behaviour) will bulge out somewhere else

Case Study Delilah- Grabbing isn’t always frustration

A few weeks ago, I saw a dog at a shelter called Delilah, she was a lab cross, and the staff were concerned about her grabbing behaviour, she was a young dog described as boisterous and the staff felt she was frustrated which was leading to the grabbing. Often frustration can be linked to grabbing behaviours, where expectations aren’t met, or the dog feels there are barriers to autonomous control. So off I went to meet Delilah, expecting to do some controlled toy play, arousal work and loose lead walking using super bowls. Getting Delilah out of kennels it was clear frustration wasn’t the only emotion the environment was producing, her body language was low and she was avoidant of myself, as well as reacting to noises happening around her. We followed the original plan of using the super bowls, and gradually Delilah to warm up to me and then we were able to play. After a period of play we saw some grabbing but was generally able to manage this using target bowls and a reliable sit.

When we consider frustration as an emotional response to the environment, we often also need to consider conflict, if a dog is worried or uncomfortable but wants to gain access to reinforcement, information or has mixed past experiences which hampers expectations we can often see conflict creeping in. conflict represents the combination of two or more emotions fighting for brain space, in this case Delila was becoming conflicted about wanting to play and gain access to reinforcement our higher arousal positive emotional quadrant and then being worried or apprehensive of me, the environment and other stimuli, representing our high arousal negative emotional quadrant. This combination of conflicting emotions often leaves the dog struggling with what to do, representing an internal barrier which can then lead to behaviours like jumping up and grabbing.

Considering conflict is super important for when we are working with dog, when want to try and reduce negative emotions as much as possible through building relationships, positive experience and reducing stressors. However, a potentially even more important element is when we then introduce these dogs to adopters. Sometimes they can get themselves into situations they don’t feel fully comfortable with, either coming too close to gain access to food and then becoming worried when the food disappears, or potential owners feeling the dog wants to be touched when they are just information gathering.

With Delilah, we looked at starting an introduction program looking at using the super bowls as a reliable target for reinforcement and a way of managing arousal, and redirecting Delilah following a period of play. We worked to build both Delilah’s confidence to environmental triggers but also the staff’s confidence in playing in a controlled way, using two members of staff to recall between, to give an appropriate outlet for arousal. We also increased in kennel enrichment such as chewing and licking to try and increase the amount of sleep Delilah was getting.
Gradually we saw a decrease in the grabbing behaviour, and more confidence meeting people and on walks and successfully met an adopter using the new plan.

09/02/2025

Yesterday I went to help a friend to train and exercise her lurcher with a Flirt Pole. The flirt pole is basically a very large chasing / hunting toy a bit like a cat toy. It provides a legal outlet for chasing behaviour within the confines of controlled exercise. It’s also used to teach a dog impulse control ( self control). Fern was acquired by my friend around 6 months ago from rescue. It became very clear that Fern has a high prey / chase drive which is probably why she was in rescue. She is not able to go off lead as she will chase horse riders, birds, cyclists, and potentially sheep which would be dangerous, irresponsible and unacceptable.

To give Fern the opportunity to exercise off lead my friend books secure exercise areas. But we are also working on Ferns recall and her self control around her desire to chase. This is her first experience with a flirt pole and we are just working on her attention on the toy first . As we progress her training we will start teaching her self control and an on / off switch around chasing. She needs to learn several skills that her mum is working on at home including a Down at a distance, a Wait until released, and Watch me. As well as a Get It on cue. We will work on her ability to focus and engage with her mum despite distractions that she might want to chase. This game also gives her a legal play /chase outlet.

This is a game that needs careful consideration so Ideally if you choose to use a flirt pole you should do this under supervision of a suitably qualified professional who understands prey drive and arousal.
Don’t use this system until you fully understand the stages of creating impulse control. Moss Valley Tails Sheffield.

08/02/2025

Yep 👍🏻

Sometimes I find it hard to scroll through social media and often I simply avoid it. I’m always bound to run into a video that makes me feel sad or angry.

Our dogs are not props to gain more likes. They don’t want to be made to dance, teased, pulled around or antagonised.

They’re lives are short, they do everything they can to please us, the least we can do is provide them with a life as free from fear, stress and discomfort as possible.

07/02/2025

Love it 🥰 now ranking second in city street art competition. Sheffield has lots of murals this is one of the best

Sheffield street art now second best in the world!😮

In a surprising turn of events, Street Art Cities have re-ranked their ‘Best Street Art in the World 2024’ (based on public votes) and Peachzz Mountford Russell’s mural ‘Reverie’ has now claimed the No.2️⃣ spot! 🎉🥈🎉

Just featuring in the Top 10 and then coming 4th was an amazing achievement, but to now move into second place is just incredible - massive congrats Peachzz! 👏👏👏

📸 Bright beautiful shot here by

The mural was commissioned as part of Festival of the Outdoors 2024 and was painted back in June over 10 days, before it claimed the top spot for Best of June, which then saw it automatically entered into the Best of the Year category.

The Festival of the Outdoors returns in March 2025 for another month-long celebration of our city’s amazing outdoor scene, greenspace and communities. www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/FOTO

📍Pound’s Park, Sheffield City Centre, S1 4HF

05/02/2025

A heartfelt thank you to my lovely client Pip, who had this made for me to put on my Christmas tree next year and remember my Darling Daisy . I love it . 🥰. Painted by drawings

05/02/2025

Harness fitting dates Bradway Pet Shop who I recommend locally for all training and feeding supplies

This weeks harness and coat fittings

Thursday 6th - 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm or 3pm
Saturday 8th - 12.30pm, 3pm or 4pm

People often ask why they have to make an appointment for a harness or coat, I do it to make it less stressful for your dog, and for me too, if everyone arrived at the same time it would be chaos and I'd feel rushed, I like to take my time, to make it less stressful for your dog or puppy.

I do still do walk-ins, it's just that you would have to wait whilst I fit a harness or put a delivery away! If you book an appointment, you then know you'll be seen on time (though I may have to serve other customers quickly if I'm in my own)

A fitting usually takes around 15 minutes (it can be quicker, or longer, if it involves trying on several harnesses, or if you are getting both a coat and harness)

If your dog is nervous please let me know when booking , as I'll arrange a quieter time.

And PLEASE ensure your dog is clean and not wet or muddy from a walk, I do have a towel if they're just damp from walking from the car, but if they are muddy from a walk, I'm unable to try harnesses or coats on them, sorry!

Thank you
Rachael