Meet Cooper, a 3-year-old purebred Yellow Labrador Retriever based in Southington, CT. Cooper is a big, striking dog—around 90 pounds—with a short, golden coat. He’s deeply intelligent and perceptive. You can’t bluff your way around him; Cooper is keenly attuned to people’s moods and energy. Even experienced trainers find him uniquely honest in the way he reads a room. Cooper’s story includes signs of hardship—he’s got notable resource guarding around food and shows reactivity in and near his crate. Both issues seem rooted in rough treatment early in life, but after seven months of professional training, he’s making real progress. This dog is smart, food-driven, and quick to learn new routines. Still, he absolutely requires structure, boundaries, and a confident—truly experienced—owner dedicated to helping him succeed. Cooper genuinely enjoys the company of other dogs and plays well, even with large groups. He becomes more relaxed as trust builds but will always have some quirks around food and crates. He should not go to a home with children or cats, and beginners need not apply. For the right handler—especially someone who is active, outdoorsy, or has experience in dog training—Cooper could be a fantastic partner, fitness buddy, or working companion. Potential adopters will need to meet with Cooper several times and commit to his ongoing growth. If you have the skills and patience, you’ll gain an incredible friend who thrives within clear structure and trust. Every animal deserves a happy ending. This one starts with you.