Kids & Pets: Reading the Signs

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.

Learning Objectives

Mel is a Certified Family Dog Mediator, an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, a Family Paws® Parent Educator and a Fear Free Certified Professional. Mel’s business, Cooper and Kids specialises in creating safe, happy and positive relationships between babies, kids and dogs. She is a busy mum of three human babies and two beautiful golden retrievers, Cooper and Scout. She absolutely understands the chaos and the juggle that comes with running a busy house with kids and dogs together.

Mel is passionate about making dogs and their families happier and safer. She uses force-free, positive, science-based training and loves helping to educate families on this too.

Mel is a member of the IAABC, PPGA and the APDT.

You can find more information about Mel on her website www.cooperandkids.com or follow her on Instagram or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

Patrina Carter runs Penrith Valley Pet Care, a professional, locally owned pet care service based in the Penrith region of New South Wales, specialising in in-home pet care and cat boarding services. She is dedicated to providing reliable, compassionate, and personalised care to ensure (mostly cats) remain safe, comfortable, and well looked after while their owners are away.

As part of her work, Patrina manages medication administration, claw trimming, and flea and worm treatments and focuses on maintaining pets’ normal routines and reducing stress by providing care in a calm, familiar environment.

Patrina has a strong focus on animal welfare, hygiene, and individual attention, and prides herself on her professionalism, reliability, and treating every pet as if it were her own.

Dejana (Dee-yana) “De” is the owner and lead trainer of Sit Stay Play QLD, established in 2011. She helps dogs and their humans build real-life skills through fun, force-free training that actually works outside the home (not just in the living room). With a background in behaviour and human therapy work, De focuses on practical results, stronger relationships, and creating calm, confident dogs you can actually enjoy taking out in public. She also supports assistance dogs and their handlers through Public Access Testing and beyond, and works alongside a psychologist as an Animal Therapy Assistant. When she’s not training dogs or their humans, you’ll find her deep in her cactus collection, involved with the Cactus and Succulent Society of Queensland, or tending to her two beehives in her much-loved garden.

Heather Engel brings a practical perspective as both a grandparent and experienced dog training professional. She supports families to prepare their homes and their pets for the arrival of a new baby, focusing on simple changes that reduce pressure, support safety, and help everyone adjust more smoothly. Her approach centres on thoughtful setup, flexible routines, and giving both pets and people the space to succeed.