If you’ve trained hoopers for a while, you’ve probably noticed how training tends to move in cycles. Some days everything clicks effortlessly: your dog does the lines beautifully, your handling feels light and the whole session flows in a way that reminds you why you love this sport. And then there are days when your inspiration runs out, the exercises might feel repetitive and planning a meaningful session takes more time than you’d like to admit.

That feeling is more common than most people realise. Hoopers may look smooth and simple on the surface, but anyone who trains regularly knows how much thought goes into creating exercises that genuinely develop skills. And when the dog gets more advanced, the need for variation only grows.

This is exactly why many handlers reach for ready-made training ideas: not because they can’t design exercises themselves, but because sometimes it’s simply easier and a lot more enjoyable, when someone has done the groundwork for you.

More inspiration for your training? Read my previous article: One hoopers setup - 50 possibilities to adjust it

The challenges many handlers face (even the experienced ones)

One thing that comes up again and again among hoopers handlers is the simple fact that inspiration takes energy. After a full week of work, family life and everything else, sitting down to plan a focused training session can feel surprisingly heavy. If your training space is limited or you have only a few obstacles, the range of ideas may shrink even further. And if you train alone, without an instructor by your side, it’s easy to fall back into familiar patterns.

None of this means you’re doing anything wrong, only that creativity has its limits, especially when life is busy.

A book designed to make hoopers training easier

HOOPERS: Training ideas for 1-6 obstacles ebook was created to solve exactly this problem. Instead of spending your energy figuring out what to train, you can open the ebook and find a clear, ready-to-use exercise whenever you need one. The ebook includes 135 exercises that work beautifully even with just a handful of obstacles. Most can be set up with one to six pieces of equipment, making them realistic for gardens, small indoor spaces and large training halls alike.

The layouts are clean and easy to understand at a glance. What makes the ebook especially useful is that each exercise can be adapted: you can increase or decrease distance, change your own position or repeat the pattern in a different direction. A single exercise easily becomes several training sessions, depending on what you want to focus on.

More ways to adjust your training: One hoopers setup - 50 possibilities to adjust it

The progression inside the book also supports long-term development. Whether you’re working on early independence or refining more advanced skills, you’ll find ideas that match your dog’s stage.

Short on training ideas?

HOOPERS: Training ideas for 1–6 obstacles offers 135 ready-to-use exercises that make hoopers training easier, more varied and more enjoyable. Designed for real-life training spaces and adaptable to different skill levels, this ebook supports both handlers and coaches whenever inspiration is needed.

What makes this resource feel different

Many training resources offer a handful of diagrams or a collection of ideas, but this HOOPERS: Training ideas for 1-6 obstacles ebook is built to be something you can rely on week after week. The exercises are practical, quick to set up and suitable for real-life training situations - not just perfect setups you only see in huge halls or fields. Handlers who train alone appreciate how easy it is to pick one exercise and get started without overthinking. Coaches find the book especially helpful when they need fresh class content or want to design themed training weeks.

The overall feeling is that you have a long-term companion for your hoopers journey, not just a temporary burst of inspiration.

HOOPERS: Training ideas for 1-6 obstacles

Who will benefit from this ebook

Handlers who enjoy having structure in their training often find this ebook especially helpful. It suits anyone who wants new ideas without spending time designing them from scratch. Competitive teams appreciate how easy it is to target specific skills. People who train in small yards or living rooms discover how much they can accomplish with very little equipment.

Making the most of the exercises

The best results come when you choose one focus per session and let the exercise support that goal. Short, clear sessions tend to work best. Many handlers also find it helpful to repeat the same exercise on several days, but with small changes in distance or direction. This helps the dog build real understanding instead of simply memorising patterns.

And of course, celebrate progress along the way. Hoopers is meant to feel joyful, and small victories add up quickly.

Bring new energy into your hoopers training

If you’re looking for inspiration to try something new, this ebook offers all of that in one place. It’s an easy way to keep your training varied without extra planning and a lovely way to support your dog’s learning journey.

You can find the HOOPERS: Training ideas for 1-6 obstacles ebook HERE and start exploring the 135 ready-made exercises whenever you need a spark of inspiration. Check also previous article for inspiration: One hoopers setup - 50 possibilities to adjust it

Happy training!

Happy Hoopers - for hoopers handlers and coaches

Happy Hoopers is a site designed for hoopers enthusiasts and coaches. Here you’ll find information about the sport, ideas to inspire your training, and insights that go a little beyond hoopers itself. All with the goal of helping you and your dog enjoy the journey together.

The site was founded by Tiina Wikström, a hoopers instructor, coach trainer, and mental performance coach. Tiina is passionate about supporting handlers and coaches in creating positive, motivating, and enjoyable training experiences for both dogs and humans.

Whether you’re just starting your hoopers adventure or you’re an experienced trainer looking for fresh perspectives, Happy Hoopers is here to spark your creativity and keep your sessions fun and purposeful.

Learn more: www.happyhoopers.fi

135 Hoopers exercises: Fresh training ideas for teams who need more variety