Originally developed as a low-impact alternative for dogs who can no longer practice classic agility, hoopers quickly won over a much wider audience seeking a stimulating discipline without the intense joint strain of traditional jumps and obstacles.
The principle
The dog moves through a series of hoops, low tunnels, and barrels arranged along a course, guided from a distance by a handler who doesn't necessarily run alongside — unlike classic agility, where the handler physically accompanies the dog throughout the course.
Why this discipline is winning over more and more people
- No height jumps: no joint strain comparable to agility, an advantage for senior dogs (see our article on aging in the active dog), dogs in recovery, or those with fragile joints
- Distance guidance: the handler doesn't need to run as fast as the dog, making the discipline accessible to owners with reduced mobility
- Intense mental stimulation despite moderate physical effort, in keeping with what we discussed regarding treibball
Which dogs and which handlers
Hoopers is particularly suited to senior dogs who have competed in agility and need to reduce the intensity of their activity without giving up entirely on the pleasure of the course, but it's equally well suited to young dogs starting out, or to owners wanting a moderate physical activity for themselves.
A discipline on the rise
Still relatively little known in some countries, hoopers is rapidly gaining popularity, driven by growing awareness of the long-term joint-preservation issues discussed in our articles on common injuries and managing chronic pain.
Also available in English: harness or collar: which to choose depending on use, the clicker and other positive reinforcement tools and ticks and parasites: protecting the active dog all year round. More translations are added over time.