agility & Hoopers
training
Hoopers is a dog sport in which dog and dog owner complete a course together with hoops, tunnels, barrels, and gates — with one key difference from agility: the dog owner does not have to run along. Instead, the dog owner remains largely stationary and guides the dog from a distance using body signals, hand signals, and voice cues.
The goal is a smooth, independent run by the dog through the course while the dog owner guides calmly. Hoopers was developed for everyone who wants teamwork with their dog — regardless of their own mobility or running speed.
Hoopers Foundations- IN PERSON
Thinking of hoopers or agility ? This class sets the foundation and introduces the concepts of calmness, forward focus, startlines, drive to target and impulse control. 25% discount on future hoopers classes with Love 2 Play
Hoopers WEEKLY CLASS (multi-level)
Dogs work one at a time, so appropriate for dogs who don’t do well with other dogs. 4 Week class Basic manners a bonus! 25% discount for people who did hoopers foundations within the previous 3 months.
Hoopers – AT HOME
Live, online class. All levels can be accommodated. Includes access to online platform. Great for those who can’t make weekly classes and want more than workshops
Canine Hoopers is a low-impact dog sport originating in the UK and widely practised across Europe and Canada. Unlike agility, there are no jumps and the obstacles are large, safe, and easy on joints — making hoopers accessible to dogs of all sizes, ages, and physical conditions. The sport is run entirely at a relaxed pace (no sprint required) and the hallmark of the European/Canadian style is significant handler distance: the handler guides the dog along a flowing course from the side or rear while the dog works independently ahead.
The four obstacles used are:
- Hoop — a large upright hoop (like an arch) the dog runs through; the primary obstacle of the sport
- Barrel — a solid barrel the dog circles around; direction is specified on course
- Tunnel — a short, straight fabric tunnel the dog runs through
- Gate — an obstacle that the dog goes past and sometimes around.
The distinguishing philosophy in European/Canadian hoopers is that the handler should never need to run. Success is measured by the dog working independently at distance while the handler uses body language, position, and minimal movement to direct flow. This plan builds that independence from the very first session.
Common mistakes & myths
- “Hoopers is easier than agility.” The handling is different — for many dog owners, it is more difficult because you cannot run alongside the dog and must direct the dog precisely from a distance. The challenge lies in the handling, not in the physical effort.
- “Hoopers is suitable for dogs that are too old for agility — without training.” Hoopers also requires structured foundation training: the dog must understand distance signals, become familiar with obstacles, and learn to complete sequences smoothly. Age does not remove the need to build up gradually.
- “Only small or slow dogs do Hoopers.” Hoopers is suitable for all breeds, sizes, and speeds — and particularly fast dogs have an advantage because the course has no jumps or contact points that limit the pace. BUT this sport is about teamwork at a distance, not about speed.
We recommend Hoopers for ALL dogs and people who want a safe teamwork sport for their dogs. Love 2 Play offers everything in hoopers from teaching dogs to be aware of their bodies and learning the equipment through to competitive hoopers. But mostly we all just want to play and have fun with our dogs and watch them having fun running fast!.
Online Classes
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