Cooper - 3 Year Old Border Collie X Toy Poodle

Cooper is a gorgeous 3-year-old Border Collie x Poodle (according to his microchip), although he's only about the size of a Cavoodle. We're searching for a very special home for this beautiful boy; a patient, understanding person who will let Cooper settle in at his own pace and show him the love and security he has always deserved.

Cooper didn't have the best start in life. When he first came into care, he was an incredibly timid, frightened and anxious little dog who had experienced very little positive socialisation with people. He spent his early weeks hiding at the back of the yard, too scared to come inside.
Over the past few months, Cooper has slowly begun to trust his foster carer. He now comes inside and outside, chooses to stay close to his person, and enjoys simply being near them. Watching his confidence grow slowly has been so rewarding, and with the right home, we know he will continue to blossom. He is still very wary of men and unfamiliar people and needs gentle introductions without any pressure, or somewhere he can escape to feel safe. He will often go to his foster carers bedroom when he feels overwhelmed.

He hasn’t been out walking on a lead yet, as the world outside is still quite overwhelming for him. Building his confidence will need to happen slowly. He is doing well with his toilet training. He prefers to toilet outside and has had very few accidents indoors. Because he is still gaining confidence, he won’t ask to go out, so he will need someone who can take him outside regularly or teach him to use a doggy door.

While Cooper isn’t a cuddly lap dog, once he feels safe, he will happily lay next to you on the lounge and will even let you pat him gently. He sleeps on his doggy bed in his foster carer’s bedroom and occasionally will jump up on the bed for a little snooze. Sudden approaches still frighten him, so he needs someone who will let him come to them in his own time. Like a lot of dogs, he will bark when outside if he sees people or dogs passing by.

Cooper absolutely loves the resident dogs in his foster home. They have become his safe place and have helped him learn that people can be kind, gentle and loving. Because of this, having another calm, friendly dog in his forever home is essential.

Cooper's perfect home
Cooper is looking for a calm, predictable home where he can continue building his confidence.
His ideal family will offer:
• A quiet household with one or two adults (or an adult and teenager) who understand that trust takes time.
• A friendly, confident resident dog to help show him the ropes.
• No cats or pocket pets, as he enjoys chasing them.
• No regular visits from young children, not because Cooper has ever shown aggression, but because he is easily frightened and needs an environment where his space is respected.
• A home where he can spend most of his time indoors with his family, as he genuinely enjoys being close to the people he trusts.
• Someone who is committed to Cooper. Working with a behavioural vet and/or trainer would benefit him.

Cooper's future owner should understand that while he has already made amazing progress, he will continue to need patience and consistency. It may take six to twelve months, or even longer for him to fully settle and show his true personality. Every small milestone is a huge achievement, and earning Cooper's trust is something incredibly special. If you have the patience to let Cooper grow at his own pace, you'll be rewarded by watching a gentle, sweet soul discover what it truly means to feel safe, loved and at home. We know his perfect family is out there, and we can't wait for Cooper to find the happy ending he deserves.

Cooper has a low shedding coat which needs regular brushing, and professional clipping every 4 to 6 weeks to keep him comfortable and healthy.

Cooper is an inside dog and needs to be allowed inside, at least when people are home, and to sleep inside.

Cooper is in foster care in Newcastle, NSW. He is not available for adoption interstate. His adoption fee is $700 and he is desexed, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, and microchipped.

To apply to meet Cooper, please fill out our Adoption Questionnaire: https://tinyurl.com/drnadopt

If you have any questions about Cooper you can send an email to shansfosterdogs@gmail.com