June 18, 2025, 8:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Hoopers dog sport originally comes from the United States but is gaining increasing popularity in Europe. It enhances the concentration, bond, and communication between dog and owner.
Hoopers is a relatively new dog sport that is becoming increasingly popular–and rightly so. It combines mental stimulation, physical activity, and close cooperation between human and dog, while being particularly easy on the joints and suitable for almost all dog breeds and age groups. In this article, you’ll learn how the dog sport works, who it’s suitable for, and why it’s so popular.
What is Hoopers?
Hoopers, also known as Hoopers Agility, is a course sport where the dog runs through so-called hoops (arch-shaped gates), as well as barrels and tunnels, and circles gates–all at a distance from the human. The big difference from classic agility is that the dog doesn’t have to jump, and the human doesn’t run along. Instead, the person stands in a fixed guiding area and directs the dog solely through body language, visual, and auditory signals through the course. The sport was originally developed in the U.S. and has been on the rise in Europe for several years.
The Elements in a Hoopers Course
The goal in Hoopers is for the dog to complete the entire course as error-free, fluidly, and at a distance as possible–guided by the handler who stands in a designated area. The dog must pass through various elements:
- Hoopers: Arch-shaped gates
- Barrels: Points for direction changes
- Tunnels: Straight, short tunnels
- Gates: Grid-like elements for direction guidance
Why is Hoopers So Popular?
The dog sport is suitable for almost any dog. Since no jumps or sharp turns are required, the sport is particularly easy on the joints. This makes it ideal for older dogs, large or heavy breeds, dogs with movement restrictions, and very young dogs in basic training.
Hoopers relies heavily on nonverbal communication and the precise interaction between human and dog. The dog must learn to respond to subtle signals–this promotes bonding, concentration, and communication.
In addition to physical activity, the dog sport primarily challenges the dog mentally. Spatial orientation, implementing signals, and running at a distance require concentration and attention.
Another aspect that makes Hoopers so popular is the element of individual adaptation. Whether for leisure fun or competitive ambitions, the pace and complexity of the course can be varied depending on the training level and condition.
This Basic Equipment is Necessary
To start in the dog sport Hoopers, you need:
- A safe, level area
- Hoopers equipment (at least hoops, ideally also barrels and tunnels)
- Some experience in dog training (or a trainer)
- Motivation and patience
Various dog schools now offer Hoopers courses or beginner workshops–where you can learn the basics under professional guidance.
Is Hoopers a Competitive Sport?
There are now tournaments in many countries, including Germany (according to the regulations of the VDH). Among other things, the following are evaluated:
- Error-free performance
- Fluid line guidance
- Time
- Collaboration between dog and human
However, competitive ambitions are not a must–many engage in Hoopers as a recreational sport for exercise.
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Conclusion: Versatile Sport with a Learning Effect
Hoopers is more than just “agility light”: It is a well-thought-out, team-oriented dog sport that excites both beginners and experienced dog owners. It offers a perfect mix of exercise, mental challenge, and bonding training, while being easy on the joints, individually adaptable, and providing great fun for both dog and human.
So if you’re looking for a dog sport that doesn’t require speed but still offers mental challenges, exercise, and real teamwork, Hoopers is just right for you.