Victoria Cooper Behaviourist Verified listing

Dog Behaviourist Sheffield.

"Always in safe hands"

My Name is Victoria Cooper, and I am a Certified Canine Behaviourist.

I have been interested in dog training and behaviour for as long as I can remember. Having always had dogs since the age of 8, I started a formal study of training and behaviour in 1994 and over the last 30 years have gained extensive qualifications and a wealth of specialist knowledge, and expertise to help you with your dog. I continue to attend seminars and courses to keep up with my professional development and offer you the most up to date education in dog training and behaviour.

Compassionate, Ethical, Kind

My approach to your dog’s behaviour is to act as a guide and interpreter to help you to understand why your dog is exhibiting challenging behaviours and then teach and support you in changing your dog’s behaviour. My aim is to guide you in building a trusting harmonious relationship with your dog using positive, ethical, and compassionate methods.

Specialist Skills

I have specialist skills in reactivity, aggression, rescue, and traumatised dogs. And I have a particular interest in Cockapoo and Doodle crossbreeds after adopting one myself 10 years ago. I’ve had dogs since the age of 8 years old of all breeds and types, but Daisy, my rescue Cockapoo, was certainly a steep learning curve! She had multiple behavioural problems including possessive aggression that needed specialised skills to overcome. Now at 11 years old she is my ‘stooge dog and is a delightful, funny, and clever little companion.

Building relationships

In 1994, I founded People & Dogs, a successful dog training school in Chesterfield and Sheffield where we have trained over 10.000 dogs and supported their families. People and Dogs has just had their 30th Anniversary and has won multiple awards. This is a testament to providing positive, supportive services to local dog owners.

I have also worked as a freelance Behaviour Consultant with the Sheffield (RSPCA) Animal Shelter, been consulted as behaviour expert by Sheffield Dog Rescue and Rain Rescue. I have also been consulted on several court cases as an Expert Witness. I am proud to be the local behaviourist of choice for vet referrals, rescue centres, and other canine professionals. I liaise closely with vets, physios, dog walkers and other dog professionals to ensure we can offer clients a triage of supporting services.

I also offer a mentoring service to new dog trainers or those studying to be and run a successful group for canine professionals with over 1000 international members, to support them in their work, and studies. If you are interested in professional mentoring, click here https://victoria-cooper.co.uk/mentoring/

Reputable Qualified, Accredited

Did you know that the dog training industry is unregulated, meaning anyone can set up as a dog trainer or behaviourist with no formal education, no skills, no background checks, or accountability. This makes it a minefield for owners to choose someone they can trust and rely on to meet their needs and most importantly the welfare needs of their dog.

It is important to be transparent and professional in my work. And so, I ensure that I remain accredited and up to date with my science-led studies to ensure that I can bring the best advice and support to my clients. I am committed to ongoing professional education and development as part of that accreditation.

I am proud to be a full member of the International Canine Behaviourists, About Us | International Canine Behaviourists (icbdogs.com) and a Certified Behaviourist under The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.  I am also a Full member of the Dog Welfare Alliance, https://www.thedogwelfarealliance.co.uk/

A Full member of The Pet Professional Guild and the Pet Professional Network. a Previous member of the APDT since 1994.  I am also an Approved Instructor with the Dog Training College.   And an Approved Behaviourist with Taking the Grr https://www.happypawswithsue.co.uk/taking-the-grrr

These accreditation means you can employ me in the confidence that I am suitably qualified and experienced and that you will be receiving the latest, science led advice and support.