Hoopers

The hoop was invented by Sharon Nelson and first seen within agility courses from 1993

It is still relatively new sport in UK that is rapidly gainig popularity . It is a low impact sport that is suitable for the majority of dogs and is accessible for all handlers both able bodied and those with disabilities as you are encoraged to handle your dog at a distance to gain extra points or time advantage.

A hoopers course consists of a variety of equipment (depending upon the organisation you run under) hoops and tunnels that dogs run through , barrels that dogs run past/ around, a mat they run over and a gate they run past/ round .
Courses include either disatance handling lines or boxes from where the handler is encoraged to handle the dog from over a timed course.

Hoopers equipment is relatively inexpensive and lightweight which makes it easier to train at home in a garden and to transport to dog parks when more space is needed.
Melanie discovered hoopers in 2020 when she was participating in online training with her dogs (as many of us did during Covid) Her agility dogs throughly enjoyed hoopers and in 2022 Melanie took part in instructirs training so that she could help other people to enjoy hoopers with their pet dogs.

Melanie currently competes in hoopers with her two agility dogs Blitz and Chase she also judges and in 2024 published her own hoopers courses book.

In March 2025 Blitz ran in the hoopers display team at Crufts in the main arena on the Saturday.
There are a number of hoopers classes run by Pawesome Dog Training ranging from complete beginners through to competing teams. We host hoopers competitions in the local area and when time allows at weekends run workshops. Melanie is also available to travel to deliver workshops in your area.

Pawesome works with many different breeds from spaniels , pointers , collies to a beagle and has not yet found a dog that doesn’t enjoy hoopers. It can also strengthen your relationship and recall with your family pet.

In 2025 working in partnership with Froghall hoopers we will be launching the online Hopping Hoopers levels which will take you from complete beginner to running full courses. These are available in person at Pawesome dog training and Froghall Hoopers.