Dog Agility Hoopers is NADAC’s most Versatile Game

NADAC Hoopers is a great game for any agility team and is a super game for dogs that, for whatever reason, can no longer jump and climb. Straight Hoopers classes can incorporate the hoop, tunnel, gate, and barrels. This is a game where the challenge rests solely on the connection between dog and handler and for the bonus section or Extreme classes working at a distance. So, like any agility course the more efficient your course run the better your time.

Even more so than other agility games, Hoopers is a handler strategy game. Though a team need adhere to the General guidelines, it is the handler’s ability to plan a smooth flowing run and execute it with clear and timely directionals for the dog.

General Rules

According to NADAC Handbook the “Hoopers Class is open to Standard Division dogs and dogs entered for a Veteran/Disabled Handler; in the latter case, the Veteran entry rules for Non-jumping classes apply.

In each Hoopers course, there will be a bonus sequence that can be attempted at a distance for bonus points in the class and the obstacles are divided between “non-test” and “test” hoops.

The non-test hoops will be in a line of four hoops placed on the side or middle of the ring. At all levels, the first test must be preceded by a minimum of three non-test hoops in any direction. If the dog goes through a test hoop while attempting to do the three non-test hoops, the non-test hoop count sets back to zero. After the dog successfully does the three non-test hoops followed by a successful test, then they must perform at least TWO non-test hoops and then perform their second test. At the Open and Elite levels, the dogs will then perform ONE non-test hoop and then a third test.

At the Novice level the sequence will be three non-test hoops, then a test, then TWO non-test hoops, then a second test and then across the finish line. At the Open and Elite levels the dogs will do “three” non-test hoops, then a test, then “two” non-test hoops, then a test, then “one” non-test hoop, then their final test and across the finish line.

If a test is faulted by a dog going off-course or bypassing a hoop with all four paws, the team can re-start the test without having to perform additional non-test hoops. The test can be attempted in a different direction, as long as it is the same test. All tests (including bonus tests) may be re-attempted. A team can attempt a test up to three times. For purposes of counting attempts, a test does not start until the dog passes through the first hoop with four paws. If a team gives up on a test or is unsuccessful after three tries, then the non-test hoops must be performed in order to attempt another test. The team may not re-attempt a test once they return to the non-test hoops.

At the Novice level the dog must complete two test sequences correctly within the allowed time. At the Open level the dog must complete three test sequences correctly within the allowed time. At the Elite level the dog must compete three test sequences correctly within the allowed time. One of the three tests must be a bonus test pattern. That test is not required to be done at a distance, but the pattern must be completed correctly.

A qualifying run, without bonus, will be worth 10 points. At any level, if a team successfully performs a bonus test with the handler behind the bonus line, they will earn a 15-point qualifying round. For Elite, if the team successfully performs both bonus tests with the handler behind the line, the result will be a 20-point qualifying round and Certification in the Hoopers Class requires 30 points.”

Overall, Hoopers is a unique, fun, and challenging game that also great for teaching directionals to all ages and levels of dogs. This means you can be working challenging courses with a dog that is not old enough or ready for jumps or contacts. Hoops are also easy to take with you to a park or friends yard to help proof your dog’s performance. If you need a set check out our hoops. It builds better team work and your dog’s flow in handling as well as the handler’s execution of directional cues as the dog can maintain sight of the handler at all times.