HOOPERS CLASSES

WHAT IS HOOPERS?

Hoopers is a low impact version of Agility. The obstacles in the game are hoops (to be run under), 3' bottomless tunnels (NO slipping), 3’x4’ pannels (gates) and tall barrels. Hoopers began in North America (NADAC) and made its way over seas. The European enthusiasts got Hooked on Hoopers and developed organizations just for this game. Different classes were added, trials and title streams. Canada now has its own Hoopers Organization “Canine Hoopers of Canada” established in the summer of 2023! Rules of the game can be found on their website.

Hoopers involves dogs running thru an obstacle course, like agility, however there are no jumps, weaves or obstacles off the ground. As teams grow their skill level, the handlers can choose to steer their team mates entirely on verbals and body language without having to run with their dogs. The choice is theirs. Because of the very low impact on the dogs’ bodies, it is a game suitable to SO many dogs!! From puppies 6 months to retired senior Agility dogs. Also for Handlers that may not want or be able to run quickly around a course, Hoopers course design allows the dogs to run fast but the handlers can steer from a Handler’s ‘box’ or area within the ring.

Can a dog play Hoopers AND Agility? Yes!! The two games compliment each other 100%. AniMotion is now teaching Foundations for Agility thru the Hoopers program and then sliding those teams across to the Agility program to add in Jumping, weaves and Contacts once the dog understands her role finding lines, following basic handling skills, start lines and forward focus requirements … all needed in Agility. In addition to dogs new to Agility, Hoopers also lets dogs return to “Agility without impact” if returning from an injury recovery, a long hiatus from Agility etc. The same would apply to the Handlers as well.

How do I start?

If you are interested in joining Level 1 Foundations for Hoopers classes please complete the form below.

AniMotion Hoopers Form

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Private or Group lessons?

Please indicate if you would like to take private or small group lessons (typically 3-4 dogs)

Your dog...

Please tell me your dog's age, temperament around other people and dogs and any experience s/he has had in other dog classes.

Vaccines

Is your dog up to date on vaccines or has been titred recently?

If you have any questions about Hoopers or classes for Hoopers live or online, please email me Nicki I Have a Question…

ONLINE HOOPERS CLASSES

If you would like to take AniMotion’s online Hoopers classes click on this link to be taken to the AniMotion Academy for Online Learning.

Also great exercise on a winter day!