Hoopers is a fantastic and engaging sport for dogs! It emphasizes independence and teamwork, with dogs navigating a course of hoops, barrels, tunnels and gates, guided by verbal cues and hand signals from their handlers.
The sport’s design allows handlers to guide their dogs effectively from a distance, making it ideal for those who prefer not to run or have physical limitations. It’s a wonderful option for keeping dogs active and engaged, regardless of their breed or the handler’s mobility. The low-impact nature of Hoopers ensures it’s gentle on dogs’ joints, making it suitable for dogs of all ages and physical conditions. Plus, it’s a fun way for dogs to exercise their minds and bodies!
Hoopers was created as a beneficial, low-impact activity for dogs, and as a genuine alternative to agility for both dogs and handlers. At its core, it’s about teamwork, communication, and handling — not about who can race through a course the fastest.
Canine Hoopers of America is a private organization that coordinates hoopers trials and training. Canine Hoopers of America exclusively represents the USA in the World Hoopers Open Championship.