02/03/2025
Hi there! My name is Cooper Pupp, and I am an energetic, playful, and loving goofball who loves running and playing!
Quick Facts:
• Breed: German Shepherd (Sable)
• Gender: Male, neutered
• Age: 4 years old
• Size: 75 pounds
• Good with...
• Dogs? Not so much, see Cohabitation/My Ideal Home section below!
• Cats? Sorry, nope!
• Kids? Not little ones, too stressful for me!
I made my journey from Mount Elgin, Ontario, to the Finger Lakes in December 2020 and have been with my family ever since. I came from Narnia Kennels and am Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) certified. My parents trained me themselves, and I picked up commands quickly. I have an extremely high ball-drive, and playing fetch is my absolute favorite activity!
With my family, I am loving, affectionate, and always ready to play. I thrive on regular good exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, I find it hard to relax. Recently, I started taking anxiety medication, and it has helped me feel much more at ease. Before that, I would whine, pace, and sometimes even pull the hair off my tail when I got too anxious. Now, with daily exercise and my meds, I’m doing much better!
Unfortunately, as the little kid in my home has learned to walk and run and grab, I’ve become more anxious around him and we all believe I would be happiest in a kid-free home. Even though I love my family, they’ve made the difficult decision to find me a new home where I can feel completely comfortable and stress-free.
A Bit About Me
I was named after my dad’s favorite football player, Cooper Kupp! Just like him, I’m energetic, strong, and love attention. My favorite thing in the world is chasing a toy in the backyard. I’m a pro at fetch—I usually bring the toy back, but sometimes I like to make you chase me for it! I also love belly rubs, following my humans from room to room, and playing hide and seek with my dad.
I need daily exercise and training to be my happiest self. About 30-45 minutes of playtime keeps me feeling great and good daily walks help too. My dad and I often play fetch when he gets home from work, and I love a quick game before bedtime too, even if it’s just tossing soft toys in the house. Training sessions are one of my favorite things, especially when treats are involved!
My Quirks and Needs
While I love attention, I don’t like to be smothered or trapped. I need my space when I’m getting affection—at least until I trust you. Brief hugs and kisses are fine, but if I feel too enclosed/encircled, I might let out a little warning growl to communicate, “Hey, I need some room.” When that happens, I usually take myself to my crate to relax. The best way to show me love is to let me come to you when I’m ready.
I’m also a protector of my family, so when I meet new people, I bark. A lot! It takes me 5-10 minutes to calm down, and I do best when my dad gives me treats and helps me refocus. If guests come over, I need to be in my crate at first. Once I’ve had time to settle, my dad lets me out with a muzzle on, and that’s a great time for visitors to toss me or offer me treats and earn my trust. It will take several visits for me to warm up to new people, but once I do, I am a loyal and loving friend forevermore.
I’ve learned a lot of commands, thanks to my dad! Here are some of the things I know:
Sit, Down, Stay, Shake, Speak, Boop (touch my nose to your fist), Spin (to my right), Reverse (to my left), Up, Kiss, Legs (sit between your legs and look up), Heel (sit on your left side), Leave it, Out (drop what’s in my mouth—most of the time!). Pretty good, right? I even know hand signals for almost all of these! The best way to train me is with treats, and I’m always eager to learn more.
Cohabitation and My Ideal Home
I would LOVE a home without kids or other animals. I get anxious around children and am very reactive to other animals. While I’ve lived peacefully with my dog sister, Molly, for years, it's hard for me to meet and learn to trust new dogs. Being your only dog would be awesome, but if you have a really nice and friendly female dog, who isn't reactive to my reactivity, and you are willing to do very slow and repeated proper introductions for me and her, we could see if it could work out well!
As for animals I don't know...If I see an unfamiliar dog or cat, my protective instincts kick in, and I will do everything I can to get to them. For this reason, I must always be on a secure leash or in a fenced yard.
I would love an active owner who understands my need for exercise and structure. A big fenced-in yard would be amazing, but I do just fine on a secure outdoor leash in an unfenced yard. My new owner should be strong enough to handle me on a leash—I’m 75 pounds of muscle! No-pull harnesses like the Freedom Harness, the PetSafe 3-In-One Harness, or the Gentle Leader can help!
Favorite Activities
• Running!
• Fun, treat-filled training sessions! Learning new tricks! Practicing what I know!
• Playing fetch!
• Chewing and ripping toys! (Makes me feel like a superhero!)
• Being outside with you (not by myself)!
• Hide and seek!
• Getting petted (but not smothered!)!
My Health
Aside from my anxiety, I’m a healthy boy! In the summer, I sometimes get hot spots on my belly and itchy paws, but regular baths and medication help manage that. Other than that, I’m in great shape.
Final Thoughts
I know I might not be the easiest dog in some way, but I promise I am one of the most special. I’m a loving, goofy, and incredibly smart boy who just needs the right home environment to help me thrive. With patience, structure, and daily exercise, I will be the happiest and most loyal companion you could ask for. If you think you’re the right person for me, I would love to meet you and start building our bond!
Love,
Cooper Pupp
