Why is trust the core of hoopers? What makes patience the biggest challenge in this sport? In this article, we share insights from Italian hoopers coach and handler Renata Camis, who brings a thoughtful, passionate perspective on what hoopers means to her.

This is the first part of a two-part series which explores the world of hoopers through the eyes of Italian coach Renata Camis, who shares her passion for teamwork, trust, and thoughtful training. Get to know Renata from here.

The serie includes:

Part 1: Trust and patience hoopers - a talk with Renata Camis from Italy
Part 2: Precision, perspective and partnership - Renata’s training philosophy in hoopers (will be published on 24th October)

Trust as the foundation

For Renata, hoopers stands apart from other dog sports because of the unique connection it builds between the dog and handler. The physical distance on the course requires deep, mutual understanding. It’s not just about directing your dog - it’s about trust in both ways.

For Renata, hoopers is special because it builds something that goes far beyond running courses: a real partnership between handler and dog. On the course, you’re standing far away, guiding with only your voice and body. Your dog has to make choices without you right next to them, and that’s where the magic happens.

“You trust your dog, and your dog trusts you. That’s what creates such a strong bond.”

That distance teaches teamwork in a way few other sports can. You learn to believe in your dog’s ability to do assignments away from you and your dog learns to rely on your guidance. Over time, that trust starts to show outside the field too. For Renata, hoopers isn’t only a sport; it’s a way to strengthen the connection you share with your dog in everyday life.

Renata with her bordercollie Levi ready to start.

The challenge of patience

Despite her experience as both a coach and a competitor, Renata admits that patience remains still the most difficult part of hoopers. In Italy, the competitive spirit runs high and many handlers are eager to compete. But hoopers doesn’t reward rushing.

“Everyone is in a hurry to compete. But in this sport skills need to be built step by step.”

To counter that pressure, she applies a carefully structured approach to her own training and coaching. It respects every dog’s individual pace, reinforces confidence, and focuses on solid foundations. If something in the course or exercise doesn’t work, that will be trained as long as needed before going on.

Renata with her dogs, Parson Wooper Looper and Border Collie Levi, at European Open.

Large dogs and small dogs in hoopers

Renata is one of the few coaches in Italy with long experience training both small and large dogs in hoopers. She always starts with the same foundation for everyone: clear cues, solid skills and confidence, but she tailors the training as she gets to know how each team trains and learns.

“Sometimes you have to change your way to understand what your dog needs.”

She believes that courses should be fair for all sizes. The assignments and skills can stay the same, but the spacing and distances need to match the dog’s stride and comfort. For smaller dogs, she recommends keeping the distance between obstacles around 9-11 meters in higher-level runs, while larger dogs may benefit from 9- 13 meters, just enough space to stretch out without turning the course into a pure speed race

For Renata, it’s all about balance: keeping the game fun, challenging and safe for every team, whether it’s a tiny or large dog.

A complex hoopers scene in Italy

Hoopers is growing all across Europe, also in Italy, but currently there are multiple federations organizing competitions and each with their own rules. All the federations use a handling area, but judging is different. For the same mistake there can be 5 or 10 penalties or elimination. This can give handlers grey hair as they think in which competition they should take part in and how the rules go.

“I really hope the FCI rules come soon, they would bring clarity also to Italian hoopers.”

In Italy, hoopers is still often seen as a “B-sport”, something people do with senior dogs or those who can’t jump anymore in agility. Renata hopes this image will change. She believes that once people experience the depth of communication required in hoopers, they see how technical and rewarding it truly is. It’s not about running fast, it’s about understanding each other, even from a distance. For Renata, the joy lies not just in competing, but in the richness of communication, cooperation and trust with her dogs.

Looking ahead

The hoopers world is evolving quickly, and no one knows exactly how it will be for example in ten years time. A unified international scene, anchored by common rules and a shared philosophy, could elevate the sport to even new heights.

“Maybe one day we’ll be one big hoopers family that just wants to enjoy the sport with their dogs.”

Renata’s approach shows that hoopers is never just about just running a course, it’s about building understanding, step by step, between dog and handler. Her clear structure and patient mindset help teams find confidence and rhythm together to enjoy hoopers.

Renata has created a simple framework for that process, one that guides all her training: LSTT: Lines, Skills, Timing and Trust. In the next post, we’ll explore what these four words mean and how they might help you to learn more about hoopers.

Next article: Precision, perspective & partnership - Renata’s training philosophy in hoopers will be published 24th October.

Here is Renata with her current dogs: Parson Wooper Looper and Border Collies Rufy and Levi.

Who is Renata Camis?

“Hi! My name is Renata Camis, I'm 28 years old, and I'm madly in love with Hoopers!

I've been practicing dog sports since I was 11, with my first dog, Puck, a Miniature Pinscher, given to me by my parents. Together, we developed a passion for dog agility! Soon after, Emanek, a Shetland Sheepdog, and Levi, a Border Collie, arrived. I participated in countless competitions with them, including several European Junior and World Championships in agility.

Then came Wooper Looper (a Parson), with whom we did some agility, but unfortunately, due to my knee injury, we had to stop for good. This long hiatus allowed me to look at other horizons, rediscover the desire to have fun with my dogs in a different way, and discover new dog disciplines! So, in 2019, I embarked on the Hoopers journey!

I reconnected deeply with my dogs and rediscovered the joy of playing and competing with them again, just in a different way than I was used to. Hoopers revitalized me, both as a person and as an athlete, creating an even stronger bond between me and my dogs.

For me, Hoopers wasn't second best, it was a gift.” ❤️

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

Trust and patience in hoopers - a talk with Renata Camis from Italy