Articles
Happy Hoopers publishes also weekly publication on Substack in Finnish. In case you’re interested, please see from HERE.
You don't need lots of obstacles for effective hoopers training. Discover how to get more out of the same training setups, plan exercises for different goals, and develop your dog's skills in a variety of ways.
Did you know one hoopers setup can give you dozens of training options? This blog post shares 50 creative ways to adapt, modify, and combine exercises to keep your sessions fresh and challenging. From changing handling positions to building longer sequences, you’ll discover how small changes can create big results.
Nordic Open Hoopers 2026 brought together competitors from Finland, Estonia and Sweden for a weekend of competition, learning and community. Read about the competition and the thoughts shared by judges Alfonso Sabbatini and Susanna Coletto.
Hoopers training inspiration can run out even for experienced handlers. This article explores common challenges in hoopers practice and shows how ready-made exercises can support skill development, variety and motivation. Learn how training with 1-6 obstacles can be effective, flexible and easy to adapt for different spaces and skill levels.
The Hoopers Stride Challenge results are here! We explored how dogs of different sizes move through a simple three-hoop setup. With 150 participating dogs representing 53 breeds, the data offers an eye-opening look at stride patterns, speed, and size differences. Dive into the findings and see what we learned.
In this second part of the series, Michelle Johnston looks back on how hoopers found its place in France and what she hopes the sport will hold on to as it grows. She reflects on the early steps, the role of fairness in competition and the connection between dog and handler that remains at the heart of hoopers.
Michelle Johnston, one of the pioneers of hoopers in France, shares her perspective on what keeps the sport safe and enjoyable. She highlights the importance of clear teaching, smooth lines and giving the dog time to understand the task, so training stays both confident and injury-free.
Hoopers is often associated with large, fast-moving dogs, but small dogs can find their own superpower in the sport too. In this article, two handlers, Mimmi and Inka, share their experiences training hoopers with small dogs: the challenges, insights, successes, and hopes for the sport’s future. This is the second part of the Small Dogs in Hoopers series, created in collaboration with Happy Hoopers and Tiima Dog Sport.
Miten eri kokoiset koirat liikkuvat hoopers-radalla?
#laukkahaaste kutsuu sinut tarkastelemaan, miten oma koirasi etenee. Laske laukat ja osallistu!
How do dogs of different sizes move on a hoopers course?
#stridechallenge invites you to observe your dog’s movement. Count the strides and participate!
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How can you combine individual hoopers skills into longer sequences? Explore forward chaining, backward chaining and target training, with practical ideas for planning your training and developing your dog's skills.