Ruff Ruff! My name is Cooper

Cooper's Story...
Cooper is a five year old, 28 pound, red & white, active, social yet independent basenji boy who responds very well to training. He is looking for a calm, regimented, adult-only home with a secure yard and a clear and consistent leader who will maintain boundaries. While he enjoys chillin' in the yard, regular runs with his leader will be greatly appreciated. Cooper has done well with many canine ...companions, but prefers those that are easygoing. It appears that prey animals (including cats) would not be safe with Coop, though he has never actually managed to catch anything.

Cooper likes to have his own little corner or space that he can use as his own little retreat, where he can be left undisturbed. Though he has learned to back off of his food on command, he should be fed in his own 'room' (exercise pen or crate) to minimize his stress during feeding, particularly if there are other canines around. He does enjoy socializing with everyone, but needs his safe zone for times that he may feel stressed. He has been very good with all children he has met while being fostered, including a baby, but the activities of children would keep Cooper too excited. He does need to be able to get to his safe zone away from children after he is done socializing.

Cooper enjoys greeting all guests, then needs to be able to go off to his own space. Cooper does attach to his humans, but he doesn't often show it well. He isn't a real cuddly guy, but he does enjoy squishing up against his human on a couch or comfy chair for some relaxing tv time. After he has his fill, he goes to 'his' spot (a chair or special dog bed). He does enjoy special time with his human while getting a soothing ear rub and will get upset if his human doesn't give him attention that Cooper comes to expect. Cooper doesn't want to be forgotten even though he seems so independent at times.

Cooper is healthy, but he does have physiological reactions to stress. His thyroid values have elevated and he has had skin rashes when he's stressed (even fun stress, like fun canine visitors can make him scratch himself, so it is best that he takes some breaks from the fun). When the stress is removed, his body returns to normal. He should always be kept on quality food to minimize stress on his system. He needs a relaxed family.

Cooper has learned to make good eye contact through training. He does require a very clear leader to make, keep and use that contact. He will test his leader. Though he does not do it now, he has been known to counter-surf and will break into a garbage can. Everything must be kept tidy to minimize his temptations. Fluffy and frilly items have great appeal to Cooper, so they should be kept out of his reach.

Cooper is available for a $200 adoption fee to the right home now. If you are interested in Cooper and feel you can provide the exercise and the relaxed environment that he needs, please contact us at flbasenji@gmail.com . Cooper's DNA test for Fanconi has been ordered.