Hoopers FAQ

Question 1

What is Hoopers?

Answer

It is a fun activity to take part in with your dog. It not only gives them mental stimulation but physical exercise as well. Hoopers is a low impact sport that consists of hoops, barrels and tunnels. The aim is to teach the dog to run flowing courses using directional commands, with the handler at a distance.

Question 2

How long is the course?

Answer

It is 6 weeks, and each weekly class is 1 hour long.

Question 3

How much is it?

Answer

The 6 week course is £60, with a discount of £10 for LWDT members.

Question 4

Where is it?

Answer

Heart of the Shires Shopping Village, on the A5 near Weedon.

Question 5

How do I book a place?

Answer

Please e-mail admin@lwdt.info for information on upcoming courses and how to secure a place.

Question 6

Who teaches the class?

Answer

Laura Wyllie is a member of the APDT UK with approximately 20 years of dog training experience. Over the years she has lived with a variety of breeds, from small fluffy ones to 40kg Shepherds. Laura has worked with a variety of breeds throughout the years, as well as experienced lots of training disciplines including obedience, flyball, agility, heelwork to music, rally and scentwork. She became an accredited Canines Hoopers UK instructor in 2017.

Question 7

Can my dog join a class?

Answer

Dogs can start Hoopers from 6 months old, as it is a low impact sport. You dog must be happy to be around other dogs/people, have some basic training (including recall), be physically fit (I recommend a vet check before starting) and be up to date with vaccinations. Dogs MUST be able to work off lead alongside other dogs to take part.

Question 8

Do I have to run?

Answer

The aim of Hoopers is to teach you to handle your dog from a distance, although some people still prefer to run alongside their dogs. The better your training… The less you run!

Question 9

Can my son/daughter handle our dog?

Answer

Yes, we encourage junior handlers providing it is a safe combination (we don’t want a 50kg dog dragging a 4 year old around the paddock!). Under 16s must be supervised by an adult at all times during classes.

Question 10

Where do we park?

Answer

Parking is available in the main public car park at Heart of The Shires. Please arrive in time to give your dog a walk around the big grass areas to do their toileting before walking through the courtyard to the agility paddock. Please pick up after your dog and take it home with you. There is not a dog poo bin on site.

Question 11

What do we bring with us?

Answer

Small, soft and tasty treats (eg- cheese, ham, sausage...) and their normal kibble. Also a treat pouch (makes training lots easier!), a non-squeaky dog toy and poo bags. Your dog needs to be wearing a flat collar with ID disc, harnesses are fine, and a good length lead. NO slip leads or extendable leads please. You need to wear suitable footwear (no slip-on shoes), and comfortable clothing that you can run in.

Question 12

What else do I need to know?

Answer

Dogs must be handled inline with the APDT UK and CHUK ethos - kind, fair, effective and without force. Please keep your dog on lead unless instructed by Laura to let them off. The field is not 100 % secure. There are gaps under gates that an escape artist could find. If you are concerned about your dog escaping the paddock, please speak to Laura before booking a place on this course. Please do not put your dog on any equipment unless you have been instructed to do so by Laura. Please keep a close eye on your dog and do not give them opportunity to wee up any equipment in the paddock. Dogs must be kept under close control whilst walking through/around the public areas of Heart of the Shires. Please don’t give them the opportunity to wee up the buildings or to worry/ jump up at shoppers. Dogs are not allowed in classes if they are in season or unwell (eg - sickness, diarrhoea, coughing etc), however you may attend on your own in order to observe the class and not miss out. You will be taught how to use the equipment safely but there is still a risk of human and/or dog error which could result in injury. Classes will be postponed if the weather would make running the class dangerous. This includes snow, high winds and very heavy rain. Refunds are at the discretion of the LWDT team, and only given under exceptional circumstances. Laura has the right to ask individuals to leave the class if the behaviour of them and/or their dog is putting others’ safety/enjoyment at risk.