Hoopers Agility: Tips, Challenges, and Why It’s the Perfect Sport for Your Dog
This article is based on a survey I conducted among hoopers enthusiasts across Europe. The survey gathered insights from handlers and trainers in various countries, offering a diverse perspective on the growing sport of canine hoopers. In this post, I’ll share the key findings from the survey, including what makes hoopers agility so appealing, the challenges enthusiasts face, and valuable tips for those new to the sport. Whether you're an experienced handler or just starting out, this article will provide you with a deeper understanding of why hoopers is becoming a favorite among dog sports.
This blog post is based on weekly Substack post in Finnish.
Background of the Respondents
The survey showed that most respondents were from France (45%), followed by Belgium (15%) and the Czech Republic (10%). There were also few respondents from Estonia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. Almost all respondents were involved in canine hoopers themselves as handlers (95%), with many also serving as coaches (60%) and one as a judge.
Among those training canine hoopers, the majority owned Border Collies (45%), with a few owning Malinois. Other breeds mentioned included Boston Terrier, Tricolor Czech Dog, Beagle, Belgian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie, Springer Spaniel, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Welsh Terrier, White Shepherd, and Poodle. Some respondents owned multiple dogs of the same or different breeds.
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What’s Best About Hoopers Agility?
When asked what they loved most about hoopers agility, respondents emphasized the connection with their dog, the sport’s suitability for a wide range of dogs and handlers, and the pure fun of it. Several respondents had previously engaged in agility and transitioned to hoopers due to their dog’s retirement or their own physical limitations. Hoopers agility is seen as a safer, less physically demanding alternative to traditional agility.
"It is so great to see the synergy you can create with your dog with distance handling. Additionally, it is really an inclusive dog sport for all handlers and all breeds."
Respondents noted that hoopers teaches dogs independence and listening skills while also challenge them to learn. Handlers gain insights into how their dog learns and how to motivate them. Canine hoopers is seen as an excellent way to build trust and strengthen the bond between dog and handler, given that interaction occurs from a considerable distance.
Handlers of sensitive and reactive dogs mentioned that hoopers is a safe and effective activity for building a dog’s confidence. Another benefit highlighted was that hoopers helps maintain the dog’s physical condition, allowing safe movement without the pressure of time constraints, so the dog can move at a pace suited to their needs.
"..one can make it as challenging and high-tech as one wants 😊! It’s always fun 🤩"
Starting with hoopers was described as easy, as it can even be done in your backyard with just a few pieces of equipment. Respondents also appreciated the global enthusiasm for hoopers and the ability to gain inspiration and experiences from other hoopers enthusiasts around the world, thanks to the internet.
The Challenges of Hoopers
Hoopers is fun and addictive but also comes with its challenges. The biggest challenge mentioned was the dog’s ability to work at a distance and respond to cues far from the handler. Specifically, maintaining tight turns became more difficult the farther the dog was from the handler. Building the dog’s independence and confidence was also noted as a challenge.
The second most common challenge related to handling. Recognizing the right cues for different situations and timing those cues correctly were key difficulties highlighted.
“Timing! Right word, right move at the correct moment.”
Respondents also stressed the importance of keeping hoopers inclusive for a wide range of breeds in the future, refining the dog’s skills, strengthening the bond between dog and handler, teaching start-line behavior, and improving focus for both the dog and handler.
“For the sport in general, I think the challenge will be to advance the sport in a way that it still stays inclusive so that it doesn't get Border Collie-dominated like agility.”
One respondent mentioned the challenge of varying rules between countries in international hoopers. For example, in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, obstacle distances are shorter, and handlers primarily use physical cues, whereas in Italy, longer obstacle distances require verbal cues.
In conclusion, while hoopers presents many challenges, it’s crucial to remember to keep it fun and enjoy working with your best training partner.
Tips for New Hoopers Enthusiasts
Respondents were also asked to share advice for newcomers to hoopers. Here is a summary of their tips:
The connection with your dog is the most important—hoopers can help develop it.
Repeat, repeat, and repeat. Don’t give up. Give your dog time and progress at your own pace.
Enjoy every moment and celebrate even the smallest successes.
Teach independence and distance work right from the start.
Results come with time. Remember, hoopers agility is initially challenging for both dog and handler.
Keep it fun and joyful!
Master the basics thoroughly.
Focus forward—don’t guide from obstacle to obstacle.
Don’t get discouraged; have fun. Canine hoopers is a shared learning journey for both you and your dog.
Pay attention to your dog’s lines.
Remember, you’re practicing with your best friend—your dog is always reading your actions, so don’t blame them for your handling errors.
Keep in mind that your dog is always doing their best relative to their abilities and yours.
Encourage your dog to take an active role in learning.
Be patient and consistent. Like any sport, practice enables progress.
Forget the pressure and enjoy the time with your dog!
It was interesting to see that respondents shared similar thoughts about hoopers as many handlers I’ve spoken with in Finland. The joy of canine hoopers and the importance of foundational skills were emphasized in many responses. I was delighted to read the tips for new enthusiasts, as it was clear that many wrote them with a genuine desire to help.
What are your thoughts on the responses? Leave a comment⬇️ or send me a message.
Often when I talk to my customers about their own training, I hear that they do not know what to train. For that reason I made this electronic hoopers workout book to give you ideas what to train. In this ebook there are 80 training ideas plus 50 bonus ideas to your hoopers training.
Happy Hoopers is a website designed for hoopers enthusiasts and trainers, offering information about hoopers and related topics. The founder of Happy Hoopers is Tiina Wikström, a hoopers coach from Finland. Happy Hoopers publishes weekly posts about hoopers on Substack in Finnish.
Check my digital hoopers training book HERE.
