(C) McKaynine (Pty) Ltd t/a McKaynine Training/Centre
Established 1999
What is Hoopers?
A fun, flowing dog sport with no jumps
Hoopers is a fast-growing dog sport in which dogs
navigate a flowing course of hoops, tunnels,
barrels and gates, guided by their handler from a
distance.
Unlike traditional agility, Hoopers courses do not
include jumps or equipment that dogs need to
climb. This makes it a lower-impact dog sport that
can be enjoyed by a wide range of dogs while still
providing plenty of physical exercise, mental
stimulation and teamwork.
At McKaynine, our Hoopers classes focus on
building confidence, directional skills, distance
handling and clear communication between dog
and handler.
What Do Dogs Do in Hoopers?
Dogs learn to follow a course that may include:
Hoops: Dogs run smoothly through ground-level
hoops.
Tunnels: Short, straight tunnels add speed and
variety to the course.
Barrels: Dogs learn to move around barrels while
responding to directional cues.
Gates: Gates help define lines and teach dogs to
follow the handler's directions at a distance.
Why Try Hoopers With Your Dog?
Hoopers combines physical activity with problem-
solving and communication. Training can help dogs
develop:
Confidence and body awareness
Focus around distractions
Directional skills
Distance handling
Fitness and coordination
Independent problem-solving
Stronger communication with their handler
And, importantly, you don't need to have
competition ambitions. Hoopers can simply be a
really enjoyable activity to do with your dog.
Is Hoopers Easier on Dogs Than Agility?
Hoopers is generally considered a lower-impact
alternative to traditional agility because courses are
designed around flowing lines and do not require
dogs to jump or negotiate climbing equipment.
That can make Hoopers an appealing option for
dogs and handlers who enjoy the challenge of
agility-style training but prefer an activity without
jumping.
However, lower impact does not mean no impact.
Dogs still run, turn and accelerate, so they should
be physically comfortable and capable of
participating in moderate exercise.
Does My Dog Need Previous Training?
Dogs should have completed McKaynine Canine
Good Citizen Bronze or have an equivalent level of
basic obedience before joining Hoopers.
Your dog should be able to work comfortably
around other dogs and people and have sufficient
focus to participate safely in a group training
environment.
Not sure whether your dog is ready? Contact us
and we'll help you choose the right starting point.
Who Can Do Hoopers?
Hoopers isn't reserved for traditional sporting
breeds.
Dogs of many breeds, shapes and sizes can enjoy
the sport. What matters most is that your dog is
physically comfortable, enjoys working with you
and is able to cope with the class environment.
For dogs with an existing injury or physical
condition, we recommend obtaining appropriate
veterinary or rehabilitation-professional guidance
before starting a new physical activity.
Hoopers Classes in Johannesburg
McKaynine Hoopers classes are currently offered
at our Honeydew training centre in Johannesburg.
Whether you're looking for a new activity to enjoy
with your dog or want to develop your skills further,
you're welcome to come and discover what makes
Hoopers such an addictive dog sport.
Is Hoopers the same as agility?
No. Both involve navigating a course, but Hoopers
uses ground-level hoops, tunnels, barrels and gates
rather than jumps and climbing equipment.
Does my dog have to be fast?
No. Hoopers is about communication, accuracy and
teamwork as well as speed. Dogs and handlers can
learn at their own pace.
Can any breed do Hoopers?
Many different breeds and sizes of dog can enjoy
Hoopers. Dogs should be physically comfortable
with moderate exercise and able to work safely in
the class environment.
Where does McKaynine offer Hoopers classes?
McKaynine currently offers Hoopers training at our
Honeydew branch in Johannesburg.