Hoopers explained – Everything you need to know about the joint-friendly dog sport

Hoopers is more than just a trend – it’s teamwork, trust, and joy in motion. To keep you up to date, we explain everything important about the sport, training, and the right equipment in this blog.

Table of Contents:

1. What exactly is Hoopers?

2. Why does Hoopers excite so many dog lovers?

3. Which equipment belongs to a Hoopers course?

4. How do I start Hoopers training?

5. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A for beginners):

6. Why Hoopers at Callieway®?

1. What exactly is Hoopers?

Hoopers is a modern dog sport that originally comes from the USA and is becoming increasingly popular throughout Europe. Dogs have to complete a course consisting of hoops, barrels, gates, and tunnels.

Unlike agility, which often includes tight turns, jumps, and contact equipment like A-frame, dogwalk, and seesaw, Hoopers is characterized by smooth and harmonious movements. This is gentle on the joints, promotes concentration – and strengthens the bond between dog and handler. The handler stays in a designated zone and guides the dog through the course using only voice, body language, and hand signals.

Hoopers is suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and fitness levels as well as handlers with different physical abilities. This is a major difference from agility and the main reason why Hoopers is suitable for everyone.

2. Why does Hoopers excite so many dog lovers?

Simply because it is fair, calm, and joyful.
It’s not about speed or performance, but about mutual understanding.
.

Especially dogs that don’t like jumps or strain thrive in Hoopers training.

• Hoopers is:

• Joint-friendly 🦴

• Mentally challenging 🧠

• Suitable for all ages 🐶

And incredibly bonding ❤️

3. Which equipment belongs to a Hoopers course?

A classic Hoopers course consists of:Hoops

– the guiding path for your dogThe hoops
are the heart of every Hoopers course.The dog runs through them – they mark the path
the dog should take.Hoops help to set clear lines and directions

without requiring jumps.Barrels

– for changes of directionThe barrels are used as turning points
.
The dog circles them to change direction or take a new line.

This trains concentration, distance work, and clean handling signals.Gates / Fence

for distance and handling work
The gate is used to guide the dog at a distance or steer between two lines.

It creates visual boundaries and helps give the dog orientation – especially when you stand further away.Tunnels

– for distance and handling workSometimes short, wide tunnels
are also used – they add variety to training and promote trust & independence.However, they are not absolutely necessary

since Hoopers mainly works with hoops and barrels.

4. How do I start Hoopers training?For starting out, 3–5 hoops
and one or two barrels are completely sufficient.
With these, you can already practice changes of direction, line work, and distance training.If you want to set up a complete course, plan for about 9–12 hoops

– just like in official tournaments (VDH / NADAC).
Our tip:
Start small, stay consistent – and build up step by step.With our 7-piece Hoopers complete set

you are perfectly equipped to train safely and motivated.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A for beginners):
When can I start Hoopers?

As soon as your dog is fully grown and healthy – often from about 12–15 months.
Can I start without a club?

Yes! Hoopers can easily be trained at home or on a meadow. Clear signals and patience are important.
Is Hoopers tiring for the dog?

No, on the contrary – it is physically gentle and mentally challenging.
Do I need special equipment?

Yes, but only a little: hoops, barrels, possibly a gate – and of course motivation & fun.