Cooper and Kids

03/06/2026

Bringing a new puppy home is a HUGE transition.

Ginger has just left everything she has ever known — her mum, littermates and familiar environment. So expecting her to immediately feel comfortable being shut in a crate alone would be incredibly overwhelming.

Instead, we focused on helping her build a positive emotional association with the crate through gentle crate games, exploration, food, toys and rest — while staying nearby so she felt safe.

This is something so many people miss:
Independence is not created through flooding or forcing separation.

It is built through safety, trust and secure attachment first.

When puppies feel supported, understood and safe… they are far more likely to relax and settle independently over time.

A crate should never just be a “place we put the dog.”

It should feel like a safe space your puppy chooses to rest in.
Slow now = easier later 🧡

Get in touch if you need help with this.

Mel xox

31/05/2026

Honour a dog’s space bubble.
Because dogs deserve bodily autonomy too.

I really wish we could shift society’s expectations around dogs.

Just because a dog is cute, fluffy or standing quietly does not mean they want to be touched — especially by people they don’t know.

So many dogs are constantly expected to tolerate uncomfortable interactions simply because they are dogs. But dogs have feelings, preferences and boundaries too.

We teach children about consent and respecting personal space — dogs deserve that same respect.

Imagine how much safer and happier our communities could be if we stopped expecting dogs to “put up with it” and instead learnt to listen to what they are communicating.

Not every dog wants a pat.
Not every dog wants to say hello.
And that’s okay.

And this is something we need to be teaching our children too — helping them learn that respecting a dog’s space, feelings and communication is a normal and important part of safely living alongside them.

27/05/2026

This is tonight!! A free webinar run through the Pet Professional Guild Australia You still have time to register!

Register here for this free webinar https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/event-6682895

Free webinar!
Living with kids and pets doesn’t have to feel uncertain. In this practical panel, we’ll look at how to read your pet’s body language, understand the behaviours children bring into the space, and make simple changes at home that reduce risk. You’ll leave with a clearer idea of what to watch for and what to do next.

Register here for this free webinar https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/event-6682895

26/05/2026

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things a family can go through. 💔

For so many children, a dog is their first best friend, their comfort, their shadow, their safe place.

When the time comes to say goodbye, it can feel overwhelming trying to navigate your own grief while supporting your kids through theirs too.

This carousel was created to help guide families through those conversations with honesty, compassion and connection — because grief is not something we need to “fix”, but something we move through together.

A huge thank you to for sharing her expertise and helping families better understand the grief and bereavement that can come with losing a beloved pet. 🤍

As many of you know, our family is currently navigating the impending loss ourselves with Cooper being unwell, and it has given me an even deeper understanding of just how emotional and difficult this season can be for both parents and kids.

If you know someone navigating this season right now, please share this with them. 🐾

24/05/2026

The more I work with both kids and dogs… the more I realise how similar they really are.

Fear, punishment and intimidation might shut behaviour down in the moment — but they don’t create trust, emotional safety or genuine learning.

Kids and dogs learn best when they feel safe.
When they feel understood.
When they know someone is guiding them instead of controlling them.

Connection matters.
Trust matters.
Relationships matter.

And when we build relationships based on safety and respect, “good behaviour” becomes the by-product — not the goal. 🤍

21/05/2026

Still buzzing after speaking at the Australian Veterinary Association Conference 🤍

I always get nervous before things like this… but I think that just shows how much I care.

This work matters so much to me — preventing bites, educating families, and helping vets know there are resources and support out there.

So grateful to be able to share this message.

And a big thank you to those who came along to support me — it meant more than you know 🫶

17/05/2026

There is nothing quite like those first days at home — a whole new rhythm, a whole new dynamic, and a whole lot of adjusting for everyone… including your dog 🤍

The homecoming period (a concept from our friends at ) moves us away from the idea of one big “introduction,” and instead focuses on giving your dog time and space to gradually adjust. Because this isn’t a moment — it’s a transition. And when we slow things down, prioritise safety, and build positive associations over time, we set everyone up for success 💫

A special shoutout to Bec & Becky and their gorgeous new baby Oscar 🍼
And to Benji — the sweetest sensitive soul. The love, awareness and effort you’ve both put into supporting him through this big life change has been so beautiful to watch. I know it's not always easy, and it can feel exhausting at times - but it's about progress, which you are definitely making, not perfection. And this is exactly what it looks like to truly support your dog through change 👏⁠

14/05/2026

Now this is proactive parenting.
Happy kids. Happy dog.

This isn’t about being “over the top” or “too careful.”

It’s about understanding that kids and dogs have very different needs — and setting your home up in a way that supports both.

A safe play space for your kids.
A calm, pressure-free space for your dog.

No constant hovering.
No mixed messages.
No hoping for the best.

Just clear boundaries, smart setup, and a whole lot less stress for everyone.

This is how we prevent problems before they even start.

If you’ve been wondering how to make life feel calmer and safer with kids and dogs — this is your sign to start with your environment first.

Reach out if you need help setting this up in your home 🤍

12/05/2026

Kind words like this mean everything 🤍
Helping families feel confident, supported, and safe with their dogs is always the goal.

If you’d love support like this for your family, send me a message or check out my programs via the link in bio ✨

09/05/2026

To the mums 🤍

The ones doing a million invisible things before 9am.
The ones holding it all together (even when it doesn’t feel like it).
The ones raising kids, raising dogs, raising tiny humans and trying to raise themselves at the same time.

To the dog mums —
the ones who know every look, every sigh, every tail wag…
you’re not “just” a dog mum. You’re their whole world.

To the mums doing both — kids and dogs —
juggling snacks, school runs, muddy paws, training, chaos and cuddles…
it’s a lot. And you’re doing better than you think.

And to those who find today hard —
missing your mum, grieving, navigating complicated relationships,
or wishing things looked different…
thinking of you 🤍

However today feels, I hope you find a moment that feels good.
A quiet coffee, a deep breath, a walk, a cuddle (with your dog if you have one 🐾).

Happy Mother’s Day
Love from Mel xox