Building skills and connection: Dutch perspectives on hoopers training
Lisa has three dogs a Cattle Dog called Joa, a Pondenco called Zoë and a Border Collie called Rae (on photo).
This is the first part of a blog post series called “Hoopers in the Netherlands”. Blog posts are based on an interview with Lisa Nijhof and Veronique De Boer-Wildeboer. Lisa is hoopers trainer, judge and coach and Veronique is hoopers trainer and coach. Read more on Lisa and Veronique here.
In this post with Lisa and Veronique, we dive into their training philosophies and explore how they help both dogs and handlers build strong foundations in hoopers. They share their insights on fostering independence in dogs, developing handler skills, and creating a partnership that thrives even at a distance.
Read other parts:
PART 2: Essential skills in hoopers: Insights from Dutch trainers and a judge (published on 27th August)
PART 3: The future of hoopers: unity, growth and joy (published on 29th August)
Laying the foundations
Success in hoopers begins with carefully built foundations that prepare both dog and handler for the challenges of distance work. Lisa and Veronique emphasize the importance of teaching body language, motivation and basic steering skills early on. Before moving into full sequences, handlers should develop an understanding of how their movements and timing influence the dog’s responses. Building independence takes time, and a thoughtful approach helps create confidence and clarity in both partners.
“We start with body language, motivation and basic steering techniques before people even enter a hoopers class. It’s important for handlers to understand how their movements affect the dog. Only then can we build independence and distance skills.” Lisa
The value of patience
Developing solid hoopers skills is not about rushing to run full courses. It requires patience and giving the dog space to figure things out at their own pace. Shaping and rewarding at the right moments helps reinforce desired behaviors and encourages the dog to make confident, independent decisions. Trainers believe that investing time in this phase leads to stronger, more reliable performance later on.
Normally it takes a year for a dog-handler team to train basic skills before doing longer sequences with obstacles. So it also requires patience and trusting the process from handler to in the beginning.
“Patience is essential. We want the dog to figure things out by themselves. It’s about shaping and rewarding at the right moments. Too many people rush into running full courses, but we believe in taking the time to develop solid techniques first.” Veronique
Veronique trains hoopers with two dogs: Mila, a Belgian Malinois (in photo) and Lola, a Border Collie.
Training the handler
Developing the skills of the handler is just as important as training the dog. Beginner classes often focus on teaching handlers when to give cues, how to time them effectively, and how to use body language clearly. These elements require consistent practice, especially since hoopers demands communication from a distance rather than running alongside the dog.
Another key aspect is adapting to the unique needs of each team. Handlers vary in how they prefer to communicate, with some relying more on body language and others on verbal cues. Trainers play an essential role in helping them discover what works best and in encouraging creative solutions when challenges arise.
Building independence and trust
Fostering a dog’s independence is a cornerstone of success in hoopers. Dogs must learn to make decisions on their own and confidently follow cues without constant guidance from the handler. This requires training methods that encourage the dog to think, problem-solve and trust its instincts while maintaining a connection with the handler at a distance.
“It’s like a navigation system. Suppose you are driving 100 km/h on a highway and scanning for the next exit. If your navigation system tells too late, you have already passed the exit. Likewise, you need to give cues early enough for them to process and respond.” Veronique
Trust is equally critical on the handler’s side. Handlers need to believe in their dog’s ability to complete obstacles and stay on course without micromanagement. When both partners trust each other, the team can work more fluidly and adapt to challenges as they arise.
“We like shaping because it allows the dog to think for themselves. No micromanaging. When dogs learn to make decisions, they gain confidence, and that’s crucial for hoopers.” Lisa
Lisa and Joa, a Cattle dog, with Veronique and Lola were second in the the National Distance for Dogs team cup in 2022.
Hooper Levels: A Structured path to skill building
In the Netherlands, there are coaches who use a structured training system called Hooper Levels to develop their students skills step by step. The program consists of ten levels, each focusing on ten specific techniques that progressively increase in difficulty. Handlers begin at level one and, after training the core skills, can take an exam to advance to the next level. Taking exams is not mandatory to move to the next level but many handlers like taking them. As they move up, exercises become more challenging, such as running longer straight lines, navigating more complex distractions and executing advanced handling maneuvers.
The system was designed to give teams clear milestones and help identify both strengths and areas for improvement. Exams are offered twice a year as an optional way for handlers to test their progress and challenge themselves. Lisa feels that the method is becoming a little outdated, but its role is still appreciated in maintaining focus on core skills.
“It’s a fun way to train certain skills and expand them. You know exactly what to work on and where your strengths and weaknesses are.” Lisa
Joy and progress
Keeping training enjoyable and positive is one of the most important principles in hoopers. When handlers approach sessions with a sense of fun and curiosity, they create an environment where both they and their dogs can thrive. Celebrating small successes along the way helps build confidence and reinforces the partnership. Progress comes naturally when joy is at the center of the process, making each step rewarding for both dog and handler.
“It’s just a game with your best friend. No frustration, no anger. Celebrate the small successes and enjoy the process.” Veronique
In the second part of this series, Lisa and Veronique will share their thoughts on the most important skills for everyone involved in hoopers: the dog, the handler, the trainer, the dog-handler team and the judge. Their perspectives highlight how success in hoopers depends on building strong foundations and fostering mutual trust.
Get to know veronique and lisa
Veronique and Lisa visited Finland in May 2025. Lisa was judging WHOC Qualifications and Veronique was assisting. They also had some time to visit local sights.
What Lisa says about Veronique
“If there’s one person who shows what passion, dedication, and a bit of daring can achieve in Hoopers, it’s Veronique.
We met at a Hoopers competition and instantly clicked. We shared the same ideas about the sport, and both had young dogs at the time. Hoopers quickly became a big part of our lives. We trained together often, exchanged ideas, and kept pushing ourselves to grow. That shared passion only deepened when we started teaching Hoopers classes side by side.
Veronique is one of those people who always knows what’s going on in the Hoopers world, the newest training methods, fresh ideas, you name it. She’s determined to get the very best out of herself and her dogs. She trains with structure and with a clear goal in mind, but she never forgets that having fun is just as important. As an instructor, she has a real gift for helping others find the fun in Hoopers while also bringing out their full potential. Her lessons blend technique and playfulness, and she gives every team the space to shine.
She shares her life with two amazing dogs: Mila, a Belgian Malinois, and Lola, a Border Collie. Both dogs are active in Hoopers. Veronique doesn’t see herself as someone who's focused on competition results. For her, it's all about the connection with her dog, the joy of training, and continuing to grow together. Still, she has achieved some incredible things in the ring with Lola, both nationally and internationally. Veronique doesn’t shy away from a good challenge. A perfect example is when she and Lola travelled to Italy last year to compete at the WHOC. She was the only participant from the Netherlands. And that’s so typical of her: confident in her partnership with Lola, and brave enough to take on an adventure like this.
I’m grateful to call her not just a training partner, but also a friend. I admire her confidence and courage. She reminds me how far you can go when you believe in yourself and your dog.”
What Veronique says about Lisa
“When I first met Lisa on a try-out competition Hoopers of the The Dutch Kennel Club in 2021, we had an instant click as we had the same passion, curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the developing Hoopers in the Netherlands and later also internationally. She used to run Agility but told me Hoopers was stealing her heart more and more.
Lisa has a Cattle Dog named Joa and we immediately formed a team to win the National Distance for Dogs team cup in 2022. Unfortunately Joa can not compete anymore because of health issues, but she was one of the best I always felt, with amazing technical skills.
Now Lisa runs with her youngster Rae (Border Collie) who is truly one of the fastest dogs in Hoopers competitions in the Netherlands! Also she has Zoë, a Podenco and also with this naughty small dog, she is doing Hoopers.
Lisa is developing her skills all the time, leaving out no costs or time to advise and level-up many combinations, be it as instructor and coach at our local club, or on competitions as a judge or volunteer. She also was a judge for the Finnish WHOC Qualifications in 2025. As a National and International judge, she always strives for perfection in her courses, so that it's safe and fun to run, balancing techniques with fluent lines. Also she will accompany our National WHOC team 2025 in Italy as National Team Coach.
In a nutshell we can say, Lisa is there where the Hoopers heart is! If you want to have a nice and inspiring talk about Hoopers, just go to Lisa and you will be friends for life!
For me she is my lovely and good hearted friend and hopefully we will have many more beautiful Hooper adventures around the world together with all those amazing combinations out there!”
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
