All the Fun, Without the Jumps!
If you've ever watched a Samoyed enthusiastically race around the garden, you'll know that our dogs don't always need much encouragement to have a good time.
Add a few obstacles, a little training and a willing owner, and that enthusiasm could become the beginning of a whole new hobby.
Welcome to Hoopers!
It's a dog sport that combines movement, communication and teamwork, with a particular emphasis on flowing courses rather than jumping or negotiating high obstacles.
And it's an activity that Samoyeds can enjoy too.
What Is Hoopers?
Hoopers is a dog sport in which dogs navigate a course of ground-level obstacles, guided by their handler.
At first glance, it might remind you of agility, but there are some important differences.
Instead of jumping over hurdles or climbing contact equipment, dogs move through large hoops, run through tunnels and travel around barrels.
Courses are designed to encourage smooth, flowing movement, avoiding the tight turns and jumping associated with traditional agility.
The aim is to guide the dog accurately around the course while developing clear communication and a confident working partnership.
And while it can look wonderfully fast and exciting, Hoopers isn't simply about who can run the quickest.
Good teamwork is what makes it work.
Samoyed Hoopers
How Is Hoopers Different from Agility?
One of the biggest differences is the equipment.
In agility, dogs may jump hurdles, weave between poles and negotiate obstacles such as A-frames and seesaws.
Hoopers avoids these high-impact elements.
Instead, the course uses obstacles such as:
- Hoops: Large upright arches that dogs run through.
- Tunnels: Open tunnels that dogs travel through.
- Barrels: Obstacles that dogs are directed to run around.
- Gates and other approved equipment: Used in certain course formats.
- TanGo mats: Ground-level touch-and-go equipment used in some classes.
The courses are generally designed to allow dogs to move naturally and smoothly.
This makes Hoopers a lower-impact alternative to traditional agility, although dogs still need appropriate fitness, conditioning and training.
Another important difference is the emphasis on distance handling.
What Is Distance Handling?
Imagine being able to guide your Samoyed through a sequence of obstacles while you remain in one area of the course.
That's one of the skills Hoopers encourages.
Rather than running alongside the dog throughout the entire course, handlers gradually learn to direct their dogs from a distance.
They use a combination of verbal cues, body language and carefully practised signals.
The dog learns to follow those instructions independently, moving confidently from one obstacle to the next.
Of course, this doesn't happen overnight.
Early training usually begins close to the dog, building understanding and confidence before increasing the distance.
For anyone familiar with a Samoyed's occasional enthusiasm for making its own decisions, the idea of sending one around a course from several metres away might sound rather ambitious!
But that's part of the enjoyment.
Hoopers gives owners a chance to develop communication, patience and trust in a different way.
Is Hoopers Suitable for Samoyeds?
It certainly can be.
Samoyeds are active, intelligent dogs who often enjoy learning new skills, particularly when training is rewarding and interesting.
Hoopers offers a combination of physical activity and mental stimulation.
Because the obstacles are at ground level and courses avoid jumping, it may also appeal to owners looking for a different option from agility.
However, lower impact does not mean completely risk-free.
Running, turning and negotiating obstacles still place demands on a dog's body, so training should always be appropriate for the individual dog's age, health, mobility and fitness.
An experienced instructor can help adapt exercises and decide whether the activity is suitable.
For Samoyeds who enjoy working with their owners, Hoopers can be a lovely way to channel that energy into something constructive.
And unlike some sports, it doesn't necessarily require the handler to be able to run at the same speed as the dog.
What Happens at a Hoopers Class?
A beginner session usually starts with introducing the equipment one piece at a time.
Your dog may first learn to run through a single hoop, then move between two hoops or travel around a barrel.
The exercises are gradually linked together to form short sequences.
As training progresses, you and your Samoyed may work on:
- Following directional cues.
- Moving confidently through hoops.
- Running around barrels.
- Entering and exiting tunnels correctly.
- Working at increasing distances from the handler.
- Following a sequence of obstacles.
- Maintaining focus despite distractions.
Training should be positive, enjoyable and suited to the individual dog.
Some Samoyeds may immediately decide that racing through a hoop is the greatest game ever invented.
Others may prefer to investigate the equipment thoroughly before agreeing to participate.
Both approaches are perfectly normal!
Can You Compete in Hoopers?
Yes, although competition is entirely optional.
Canine Hoopers UK (CHUK) provides opportunities for training, instructor accreditation and organised competitions.
Different classes can involve hoops, barrels, tunnels and other approved equipment, with progression determined by the current competition rules.
Some competitive formats also reward distance handling, encouraging handlers to guide their dogs accurately without following them around every obstacle.
For owners who enjoy working towards a goal, Hoopers offers plenty of opportunities to develop new skills.
There are also training awards available through participating instructors.
But there is absolutely no requirement to compete.
Many owners simply attend weekly classes because their dogs enjoy the activity and they enjoy spending time together.
Getting Started with Your Samoyed
The best place to begin is with an instructor who understands Hoopers and uses suitable, safe equipment.
A beginner course will introduce the obstacles gradually and help you learn the handling techniques.
You don't need to have done agility or any other dog sport beforehand.
Basic communication, a willingness to practise and a few favourite rewards are a good starting point.
Before attending, ask about age requirements, suitable equipment and whether any exercises need to be adapted for your dog.
For young dogs, exercises should be age-appropriate and should not involve excessive speed or physical demands.
For older dogs or those with existing health conditions, seek appropriate veterinary advice before starting.
As always, the most important thing is that your Samoyed is comfortable and enjoying the experience.
A Sport for Both Ends of the Lead
One of the lovely things about Hoopers is that it develops skills in both the dog and the handler.
Your Samoyed learns to listen, follow directions and work independently.
You learn to communicate more clearly, notice your dog's responses and give the right information at the right moment.
And when everything comes together, there's something rather satisfying about watching your dog confidently complete a sequence of obstacles while you stand back and admire their work.
Of course, being Samoyeds, they may occasionally decide that the most interesting route is not quite the one you had in mind.
But that's all part of the learning process!
Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a fun training activity or a future competition sport, Hoopers could be well worth a try.
After all, sometimes the best adventures begin with something as simple as running through a hoop.
Find Out More
Canine Hoopers UK
https://www.caninehoopersuk.co.uk/
Information about the sport, training and accredited instructors.
Canine Hoopers UK — Official Documents
https://www.caninehoopersuk.co.uk/files/
Current rules, regulations and official documents.
Information reviewed October 2026. Please check the current rules and eligibility requirements before entering competitions.