HOOPERS CLASSES

“I love that the actual handling is broken down into bite size pieces and that if done well the dog instinctively knows what you are asking.”

“This is the best thing I’ve ever done for my dog. We are connected and moving much more as a team, and the speed is exhilarating! Everything else I do with her has been enhanced by Hoopers, and Nicki is a brilliant teacher and coach.”

“I have been competing in agility with my mini poodle.  We have struggled with distance skills, and his commitment to holding a line.  I was interested in trying Hoopers as a way to improve our distance skills and teaching him to focus forward on the line of obstacles ahead of him.  After only 3 lessons with Nicki, I see improvement in his ability to work away from me, and keep his focus on the next obstacle, or line, instead of coming back to me.  I highly recommend these lessons if you are struggling with distance skills or forward focus in agility.”

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?

To start your Hoopers adventure complete the form below to join our next 4 week Intro to Hoopers session. The class is a small group of 3-4 dogs for 4 weekly one hour lessons in Nanaimo outdoors. If weather prohibits we reschedule the class. Now registering for Summer classes!

Complete the link below to get on the list for the next Intro to Hoopers class! Classes will be on Wednesday mornings,evening and Friday morning.

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 LEVEL 1/LEVEL 2 online Hoopers classes click on this link to be taken to the AniMotion Academy for Online Learning.