One hoopers setup - 50 possibilities to adjust it
A single setup doesn’t have to mean a single exercise. When you learn to look at a course layout from new angles, you can turn one plan into countless training opportunities.
Here are 50 ways to modify and adapt one or several training setups for different purposes.
⭐️ All these tips also work perfectly with the exercises in the newly released e-book HOOPERS: Training Ideas for 1–6 Obstacles. Learn more HERE. ⭐️
5 x 10 ways to modify an exercise are divided into five categories:
Modifying the exercise
Change the handler’s position (handling area).
Do the setup in the opposite direction.
Focus on a single skill you want to strengthen.
Practice start-line routines.
Adjust obstacle distances to make it easier or more challenging.
Increase or decrease your distance from the dog.
Use the same setup with different obstacles (swap hoops and tunnels or barrels and gates).
Break the exercise into smaller parts.
Rearrange obstacle order (while ensuring safe approaches e.g. to tunnels).
Rotate obstacle angles for different lines (while maintaining safety).
From the handler’s perspective
Practice the rhythm of your handling.
Do the exercise standing completely still.
Test how verbal vs. physical cues affect performance.
See how far away you can handle – with and without physical cues.
Combine different cues in one exercise.
Focus on your timing as a handler.
Record your session and review your handling.
Use a mirror or sit on a chair to change perspective.
Plan an entire week’s training using one setup.
Identify ways to link multiple exercises into a smooth sequence.
From the dog’s perspective
Strengthen sending skills (independence).
Practice discrimination (e.g., between different tasks).
Gradually add distractions or increase difficulty.
Run the exercise without any handler movement.
Add obstacles as distractions (adjust for skill level).
Work on maintaining focus on obstacles.
Plan a “success session” to ensure confidence.
Test how your position affects directional cues.
Decide in advance how and where to reward.
Observe how your dog’s arousal level impacts performance (do arousal-raising or calming tasks first).
Structural variations
Chain two or more exercises into a longer sequence.
Split one exercise into smaller parts and combine later.
Create three versions: easy, intermediate, challenging.
Run the setup as a mirror image.
Use the same setup over consecutive weeks with different themes.
Change the order of exercises within a session.
Build backwards using reverse chaining.
Get inspired and create your own version from a ready-made plan.
Run the same setup in different locations or on different surfaces.
From a coach’s perspective
Assign the setup as homework for students.
Challenge students to assess their skill level (e.g., dog’s independence).
Focus on one theme such as dog’s lines.
Incorporate the setup into a goal-oriented session.
Give the same setup to a group but assign different goals.
Use it as an assessment tool (what skills does the dog already have?).
Ask students to design their own variation.
Use it as a self-guided exercise in a group session.
Use the setup for handler-only training without the dog.
Start a discussion in class: “What skills could we train here?”
A single setup, endless potential
One ready-made exercise doesn’t have to mean just one way to train. When you start exploring variations, a single course plan can support dozens of goals from building skills and lines to testing independence and handler timing.
Want More Inspiration?
The updated e-book Hoopers – Training Ideas for 1–6 Obstacles includes 135 clear, structured exercises designed to spark your creativity.
Exercises grouped by obstacle count (1–6 obstacles)
Flexible setups: adjust handler position and obstacle spacing to suit your needs
Perfect for handlers and coaches alike
Available as a PDF (instant download after purchase).
Training doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be creative.
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
