Cooperative Care: Building Trust Through Everyday Care

Recently, several AGaG members attended a seminar hosted by A Sound Beginning Program featuring Laura Monaco Torelli on the topic of Cooperative Care. The presentation focused on a challenge many foster homes and adopters know well: how to help dogs tolerate necessary care without creating fear, stress, or conflict.

For many rescue dogs, routine procedures such as nail trims, ear cleaning, brushing, medications, or veterinary handling can quickly become overwhelming. Some dogs have little prior handling experience, while others may already associate restraint and medical care with fear or discomfort.
Cooperative care offers a different approach.

At its core, cooperative care teaches dogs to willingly participate in husbandry and veterinary care instead of simply enduring it. Rather than forcing a dog through a procedure, the process focuses on trust, communication, predictability, and small achievable steps.

One of the most important themes from the seminar was that many handling struggles are not signs of a “bad dog.” Often, the dog is simply overwhelmed.

Laura described how dogs are frequently pushed into situations they are not prepared for, react emotionally or defensively, and are then labeled as fearful, stubborn, or aggressive. Over time, both the dog and caregiver begin dreading routine care.

Cooperative care attempts to “tip the scales” back toward success by slowing down the process and reinforcing small wins.

For example, instead of immediately attempting a full nail trim, training may begin with simply showing the clippers, briefly touching a paw, or rewarding calm behavior around the sound of a Dremel. The same approach can be used for ear care, oral care, injections, grooming, basket muzzles, and veterinary handling.

One particularly interesting concept discussed was consent-based handling. Dogs cannot verbally consent, of course, but they can learn predictable behaviors that communicate comfort and willingness to continue.

Examples included the following:

• Resting the chin on a towel or platform
• Standing calmly on a mat
• Remaining voluntarily engaged during handling

If the dog disengages or moves away, the handler pauses and reassesses rather than forcing the procedure forward.

The presentation also emphasized that medical and behavioral care often overlap. Pain, skin sensitivity, chronic ear infections, orthopedic issues, and previous medical trauma can all influence how comfortably a dog participates in handling.

One important reminder was that medication support is not failure. In some cases, veterinarian-prescribed pre-visit medications can significantly reduce stress and help prevent traumatic experiences.

For many AGaG members, the biggest takeaway may simply be this: slow down.

If a dog struggles with handling, that does not necessarily mean the dog is difficult or intentionally resistant. Often, the dog is communicating discomfort, confusion, fear, or lack of preparation.

A few practical starting points include the following:

• Keep sessions short and successful
• Pair handling with high-value rewards
• Watch body language closely
• Stop before the dog becomes overwhelmed
• Break procedures into smaller steps
• Include your veterinarian in the plan

Progress may feel slow initially, but repeated small successes often produce far better long-term results than repeatedly forcing stressful procedures.

A special thank you to Julie Dorsey-Oskerka and A Sound Beginning Program for hosting the seminar and supporting DuPage County Animal Services through the fundraiser connected to the event.

Resources:

Laura Monaco Torelli
https://www.lauramonacotorelli.com/

Laura’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@lauramonacotorelli

Karen Pryor Academy Cooperative Care Course
https://karenpryoracademy.com/live-classes/#lmt

A Sound Beginning Program
https://asoundbeginningprogram.com/