If you are a dog lover, you know how important it is to stay active together and spend quality time with your furry friend. Hoopers is a unique dog sport where every owner and dog can find joy, regardless of age, size, or fitness level. Moreover, this sport is not only fun but also gentle on your dog’s body while offering significant mental challenges.
What is hoopers?
Hoopers is a dog sport that originated in the United States during the 1990s and has since become popular across Europe. Like agility, dogs navigate a course, but the focus here is on smooth, low-impact movements. Your dog doesn’t need to jump, make sharp turns, or climb obstacles, which protects joints and muscles. This makes it ideal for older dogs, those recovering from injuries, or those with mobility issues.
Why choose hoopers?
- Gentle on the body: The courses are designed with streamlined paths, free of jumps and sharp turns, ensuring your dog’s joints and ligaments are protected.
- Builds mental focus: This sport provides not just physical but mental stimulation, especially beneficial for high-energy dogs.
- Strengthens bonds: Hoopers deepens your relationship with your dog, as it’s built on communication and teamwork.
- Accessible for all owners: It doesn’t require high physical endurance from the owner, so you can start even if you’re recovering from an injury or prefer not to run.
How does it work?
In Hoopers, the owner guides their dog from a designated area using voice and body signals while the dog navigates various obstacles. These include:
- Hoop: Curved obstacles for the dog to run through.
- Barrel: Elements that help with course navigation.
- Gate: Openings that direct the dog and create smooth turns.
- Crawl: Low, straight obstacles 1–3 meters long for the dog to run under.
Hoopers at home and on the competition field
Many people start Hoopers as a hobby because it’s simple, easy to learn, and works for nearly any dog. With regular practice, however, many dog-owner pairs go on to compete. In an increasing number of countries, Hoopers competitions are being held, where dogs as young as 15 months can participate in the FUN category.
Size classes and performance levels
- Size classes:
- SMALL: Up to 40 cm at the withers.
- LARGE: Over 40 cm at the withers.
- Performance levels:
- FUN (unofficial category)
- H0, H1, H2, H3
Don’t worry about competing; see it as an exciting challenge that offers you both new experiences!
Why try hoopers?
Hoopers is a truly special dog sport that enhances both your dog’s physical and mental abilities. If you want to deepen your bond with your pet while staying active, this sport is an excellent choice. You can practice at home in a small space or attend training sessions and competitions to grow together.
Start Today!
Find a trainer near you and discover this fantastic sport. Don’t wait—try Hoopers today and experience how much fun life with your dog can be!
You can read more about other dog sports, joint protection related to these activities, or feeding the dog by clicking on the links.