Ringside Chat with Breeder Marla Cooper
From puppy basics to lifelong partners
This article was originally published in the April 2025 OVERview digital magazine.
An athlete for over 26 years, Marla Cooper has been on many USDAA podiums with dogs she has bred or co-bred in the 15 years since she got her original male Border Collie, Spritz, from Germany. Spritz sired many champions and world team members, including Marla’s previous dog, Synergy, and current partner, Rain, who is from the first litter she officially bred herself. The Santa Barbara, California, resident has been the official breeder of four litters over the last seven years.
“I’ve only bred a litter when I wanted a pup for myself or a close friend wanted one,” Marla said. “I have only ever placed my puppies with people I know or a mutual friend, and I stay in touch with the new owners and follow their careers closely. They’re like my babies. Raising a litter correctly is a full-time job, especially when raising them to become competitive to become competitive in agility.”
Marla has spent a lot of time with each litter to teach them the “puppy basics,” such as socialization, impulse control, crate training, potty training and clicker training. She has also built their confidence and proprioception skills over wobbly surfaces, low boards and various floor textures, getting them ready to learn more formal agility skills once they are old enough.
“Choosing a breeder is a big part of the puppy selection process because that really narrows the choices down in your favor,” Marla said. “To start, make sure the breeder has all the health testing listed on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website, so you know that both parents and other related dogs are healthy. Then look at videos of the parents working, if they’re available. I personally like dogs from proven agility lines with great personalities — dogs who are confident, not environmentally sensitive, nonaggressive, who like to work and, most importantly, will be a devoted partner.”
Because every handler’s partnership with their dog is different, Marla prioritizes great genetics before matching a puppy’s traits to what their new homes are looking for. She also emphasizes that good breeders treat each puppy like family and introduce them to different, novel things at appropriate times during their development (according to puppy emotional growth charts).
Nutrition is also an important component of raising sport dogs. “As far as food goes, there are so many choices available, but I would only recommend food that is veterinarian formulated and meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards,” Marla said. “There are many options offered by Purina® Pro Plan® for each stage of a dog’s life. They have a board-certified vet nutritionist on staff, and I trust that more than some of the smaller companies who don’t have a proven record!”
Beyond competition, Marla wants what all handlers want. “I know that all the dogs I breed will have a ton of drive when working, thanks to their genetics, but what I really want in a dog is a lifelong partner,” Marla said. “Sure, I want to compete in agility and other sports with my dogs, but most of all, I want a dog I will love with all my heart. I’m sure many of us can say the same!”
For more information on Marla’s Spritzig Border Collies visit here.