Cooper and Kids

Cooper and Kids Making dogs and their families happier and safer!
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09/08/2026

Jumping puppy or overexcited dog? Here's what to teach your kids instead of running or screaming.

Standing like a tree (still, arms in, eyes down) helps diffuse those high energy moments and buys you time to step in and support your dog calmly.

Practise this simple freeze game at home so it becomes second nature. That way, if your child ever feels overwhelmed around a dog, they've already got the skills.

Want more practical safety strategies? Our online programs are linked in bio.

Happy 14th Birthday to the dog who changed my life. 🤍Fourteen years ago, I had no idea that a little golden retriever pu...
06/08/2026

Happy 14th Birthday to the dog who changed my life. 🤍

Fourteen years ago, I had no idea that a little golden retriever puppy would become my best friend, my children’s constant companion, and the inspiration behind an entire business.

There is no Cooper and Kids without Cooper.

He has taught me more about dogs than I ever imagined possible. He sparked a passion that became a career, helped shape the way I raise my children, and has touched the lives of thousands of families through everything we now teach.

The kids don’t remember life without him. He has been there through every milestone, every cuddle on the couch, every game in the backyard, every tear, every celebration, and every ordinary day in between.

This birthday feels different. We know our time together is precious now, so we’re soaking up every cuddle, every gentle tail wag, every slow walk, and every moment we are lucky enough to have with him.

Our hearts are already breaking, but they are also so incredibly full.

Happy Birthday, Coop. Thank you for everything you’ve given us. You have been the best dog, the most patient friend to our kids, and the reason Cooper and Kids exists.

We love you more than words could ever say. ❤️

Dogs don't usually bite "out of nowhere." They whisper before they shout.Long before a growl, snap or bite, many dogs wi...
04/08/2026

Dogs don't usually bite "out of nowhere." They whisper before they shout.

Long before a growl, snap or bite, many dogs will quietly tell us they're feeling uncomfortable.

A lip lick.
Turning their head away.
A yawn when they're not tired.
Freezing.
Moving away.
Whale eye.
A tense body.

These are your dog's whispers.

The problem is they're often subtle, easy to miss or mistaken for something else. So when those whispers aren't heard, your dog may feel they need to speak louder.

That is why learning your dog's body language is one of the most important things you can do for your family.

❤️ Be your dog's biggest advocate. When you notice those whispers, step in. Give them space. Redirect your child. Remove the pressure. Help your dog before they feel they need to shout.

The goal isn't to stop a growl. The goal is to make sure your dog never feels they have to use one.

💬 Which of these "whispers" surprised you the most?

Save this post so you know what to look for, and share it with someone who has kids and dogs.

03/08/2026

Cooper and Kids was featured on Channel 10! 🐶💙

A huge thank you to larashannon, Pooches at Play, Channel 10 and NexGard Spectra Australia for having me as part of this segment. It was such a privilege to share my passion for helping families raise happy, confident dogs while keeping kids and dogs safe and happy together.

If you missed it, you can stream Pooches at Play – Series 11, Episode 1 now on 10 Play at 10.com.au.

I'd love to know if you watch it! 💙

“We honestly cannot thank you enough.” 🥹❤️Messages like this never get old.Before Oliver arrived, Ellie and her family c...
02/08/2026

“We honestly cannot thank you enough.” 🥹❤️

Messages like this never get old.

Before Oliver arrived, Ellie and her family completed our Baby Prep Package, which includes three personalised consultations together, plus access to our online Baby Prep Program. Together, we created a plan to help Reuben feel safe, calm and confident before his whole world changed.

Fast forward to bringing Oliver home…

Reuben is sleeping soundly, happily settling on his bed when asked, enjoying pram walks and calmly sharing his home with his newest little family member.

Is it still early days? Absolutely.

Will they continue to actively supervise, use good management and support Reuben as Oliver grows and changes? Without question.

Because preparing your dog for a newborn is just the beginning. As babies become rolling babies, crawling babies, toddlers and children, their needs and behaviour change, and our dogs need our support through each stage too.

But giving your dog the best possible start before your baby arrives can make those first precious weeks feel so much calmer and less overwhelming.

Congratulations again, Ellie, Reuben and welcome to the world, baby Oliver. ❤️ Thank you for trusting me to be part of such a special chapter in your family’s life.

If you’re expecting a baby and have a dog, don’t wait until your baby is home to start preparing. Get in touch now or head to our website to purchase our online baby prep program! https://cooperandkids.com/product/getting-your-family-ready-for-life-with-dog-and-baby/ Your future self (and your dog!) will thank you.

30/07/2026

It takes just seconds for a dog bite to occur, particularly with children. So, do you know the warning signs, and what good interactions between dogs and children really look like?

This weekend on Pooches at Play, Mel Ritterman from Cooper and Kids discusses how to read your dog's body language, provides her top tips to help kids and dogs interact safely, and discover simple ways to protect your family's health around pets.

Brought to you by NexGard SPECTRA, next level parasite protection.

Watch live or stream:

📺 Saturday 1pm on Channel 10
💻 Sunday at 4pm on 10drama
📱 Stream Series 11 on 10.com.au

NexGard Spectra Australia

Dogs don't need more rules. They need more opportunities to be dogs. 💙So many of the behaviour struggles we see aren't b...
29/07/2026

Dogs don't need more rules. They need more opportunities to be dogs. 💙

So many of the behaviour struggles we see aren't because dogs are "naughty" or "stubborn."

They're often because they're living in a world that doesn't always allow them to do the things dogs were designed to do.

Dogs need opportunities to sniff.�To explore.�To chew.�To forage.�To problem-solve.�To rest.�To use their bodies and their brains.

Enrichment isn't about keeping your dog busy or spoiling them. It's about meeting their behavioural needs.

When we start meeting those needs, we often see calmer dogs, fewer unwanted behaviours, stronger relationships, and happier families.

Before asking, "How do I stop this behaviour?" try asking, "What need might my dog be trying to meet?"

Sometimes, that simple shift changes everything.

💙 Save this post for later and share it with someone who loves dogs.

28/07/2026

Should your child be walking the dog on their own?

It is a question I get asked a lot, and my answer is usually... no. But it all depends on the size and strength of the dog, your child's age and confidence, the environment you will be walking in and how good your dog is when walking. Getting this one wrong can put both your child and your dog in a genuinely risky situation, so it is not just about thinking it through, it is about knowing exactly what to look for and putting the right preparation in place first.

I have broken down exactly what to check for and how to prepare before you hand over the lead. Read the full article here - https://cooperandkids.com/child-walking-dog-alone/

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“It’s more than a puppy training package — it’s about setting your family up with a well-mannered dog for life.”Rev...
26/07/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It’s more than a puppy training package — it’s about setting your family up with a well-mannered dog for life.”

Reviews like this mean the world to us. 💜

When families bring a puppy home, they’re not just raising a dog. They’re building a relationship that will hopefully last for many years to come.

Our goal is never just to teach a puppy to sit, stay or come when called. It’s to help families understand their dog, prevent common problems before they begin, and create a calm, positive foundation for life together.

Thank you Kate for your beautiful words and for trusting us to help guide you and Wren through those early puppy months. We can’t wait to watch her continue to grow. 🐾

Tolerance should not be tolerated.If your dog puts up with hugs, tail pulls, being used as a pillow or getting crowded w...
24/07/2026

Tolerance should not be tolerated.

If your dog puts up with hugs, tail pulls, being used as a pillow or getting crowded while they eat, that is not the same as them being happy about it. Dogs are incredibly good at coping quietly, and that is exactly what makes it easy to miss the signs until it is too late. Learning to read their body language is one of the simplest, most powerful things you can do to keep your kids and your dog safe and actually thriving together, not just getting by.

Ready to move from tolerating to thriving? Visit our website to check out our online programs.

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Mornington Peninsula
Mornington, VIC
3930

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