Hoopers
Hoopers is a fun, low impact activity suitable for nearly all people and their dogs. Obstacles consist of hoops, tunnels, barrels and a 'touch and go' mat, and the aim is to guide your dog round a course consisting of 15-24 obstacles, with you ideally handling from a distance.
I work with dogs and handlers from beginner level up to competition. My aim is always to give you the skills to work with your dog at a distance, but what that means will be unique to you and your dog, I’ll work with you as an individual. Owner or dog mobility issues are no problem as exercises can be adapted to meet your needs. I'm not a runner myself and also lack coordination so I understand how hard it can be to work through these challenges as a handler!
I am an advanced Canine Hoopers UK accredited instructor and judge, and a BK9 judge. I also take exercises and handling skills from other organisations as well as using my agility teaching and competing experience.
Classes are about having fun and building a bond with your dog. There is no pressure to compete, but I always aim to train to competition standard so that obstacles and exercises are safe for you and your dog, and so you’ll be prepared if you do decide to compete, as many of my current students do.
As well as being a fun sport, hoopers can be a brilliant fun way to work on your dogs behaviour. Build a bond and learn some basic skills with your unruly teenager or rescue dog, give your anxious dog confidence, or help your reactive dog cope in the presence of other dogs or people. If the thought of learning loose lead walking in a village hall fills you with dread, hoopers classes can be just as effective and much more fun at teaching the basics.
What's on -
Sunday's at Paws4teaching (Greinton)- classes are currently full but occasional spaces do come up for all levels. If you are interested contact me on
Little Orchard Dog Training - classes run on a Monday at Stretcholt during winter and on a Wednesday at Rooksbridge the rest of the year. Please get in touch if you'd like to know about spaces.
Occasional 121's available at weekends, weather dependent, please email me to enquire
I am also available to teach regular or one off workshops for training clubs at their venue, which can be adapted for any ability, please ask if this is something you'd be interested in.
