Canine Hoopers Training in North Devon

Life skills, focus and fun – without the jumps

A fun, low-impact activity that improves everyday behaviour

What is Canine Hoopers?

Canine Hoopers is a fast-growing dog sport where dogs run a flowing course of hoops, barrels, gates, tunnels and ground-level mats, guided by their handler from a distance.

Unlike agility, there’s:

  • No jumping

  • No weaves

  • No height

This makes Hoopers more accessible for a wide range of dogs and handlers, while still being mentally and physically challenging.

When walks aren’t enough

Many dogs need more than just exercise. You might be dealing with:

  • An excitable or easily distracted dog

  • Poor recall or listening around distractions

  • A dog who’s bored, busy or never quite settled

  • Wanting to do something with your dog that isn’t boring obedience

Hoopers gives dogs a job — one that builds focus, confidence and connection in a way that carries straight into real life.

Why Hoopers works so well for life skills

Although it looks like a sport, Hoopers develops the skills most owners want day to day:

  • Focus and engagement

  • Listening to cues

  • Impulse control and stays

  • Confidence working around distractions

  • A stronger relationship with your dog

Many clients notice improvements in:

  • Recall

  • Loose lead walking

  • Calmness at home

  • Overall contentment

Because their dog’s brain and body are both being used.

How the training works

Classes are primarily outdoors in North Devon, with indoor focus work used when the weather is poor.

  • Small, supportive group sessions

  • Reward-based, clear and kind training methods

  • No specialist equipment required

  • Exercises you can use on walks and at home

This is ongoing training, not a short course. Skills are built gradually, at your dog’s pace. Competing is optional — many people train purely for fun and better everyday behaviour.

Is Hoopers suitable for my dog?

Hoopers is ideal if:

  • Your dog is high energy or easily bored

  • You want better real-life behaviour, not just cues

  • Agility isn’t suitable for your dog

  • You’d like a friendly, social training environment

Dogs should be fit and healthy, comfortable working around other dogs, and able to work off lead in a secure area.

If your dog isn’t there yet, 1-2-1 training is available to help you work towards group classes.

What clients say

“My dog’s recall has improved and I feel much more connected to him.”

“Using the exercises on walks has made training part of everyday life.”

“My dog always comes away happy and tired.”

“I never thought my dog could do this — I’m so proud of him.”

Getting started

Beginners Hoopers classes are open to dogs with no previous Hoopers or training experience. Foundation skills are taught step by step in a supportive environment.

If you’ve trained Hoopers before, get in touch about joining an established group (subject to availability).

FAQ

My dog is reactive — can they join?
Group classes suit dogs who can work around others. If your dog needs extra support, 1-to-1 training is a great place to start.

My dog can’t be let off lead
Dogs need to work off lead in group sessions. We can work towards this if needed.

I just want good behaviour, not a sport
Hoopers is life-skills training — just delivered in a way dogs enjoy.

My dog is too excitable / naughty / not clever enough
Those dogs often benefit the most from Hoopers.

Interested in Canine Hoopers?

If you’re based in Barnstaple or the surrounding North Devon area and would like to find out whether Hoopers is right for you and your dog, get in touch to ask questions or check availability.