Hoops & Pups has been specifically developed for puppies from 5 months old.

All the exercises are age-appropriate and designed to help develop body awareness, coordination and confidence without asking growing puppies to perform repetitive or inappropriate movements.

Hoopers equipment is introduced gradually and in a logical sequence, helping your puppy build confidence, understand the game and, most importantly, discover just how much fun Hoopers can be.

Your puppy should have a few basic skills, such as a sit and the beginnings of a reasonably reliable recall.

Don't worry if those skills aren't perfect, though — they're puppies! We also work on useful foundation skills throughout Hoops & Pups, including sit, down, wait, middle and recall.

No. While your puppy should have the beginnings of a recall, they don't need to be completely reliable off lead before joining Hoops & Pups.

We can use a 3-metre training lead while your puppy is learning, giving them the freedom they need to begin playing the Hoopers game while keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

As their understanding and confidence develop, we can progress at a pace that's appropriate for the individual puppy.

That's very normal — they're puppies, and the world is an exciting place!

When we introduce Hoopers, we spend plenty of time building value for the equipment and the game itself. As your puppy discovers how rewarding Hoopers can be, engaging with the course becomes something they actively want to do.

We also work on focus and engagement throughout the course, helping your puppy learn to work with you even when there are other interesting things happening around them.

Because Hoops & Pups is a small-group course with limited places, missed sessions are normally forfeited and I'm unable to offer refunds for classes you don't attend.

If you know you'll need to miss two or more sessions, for example because of a pre-booked holiday, please let me know as early as possible. Where circumstances and availability allow, I may be able to offer a catch-up session at my discretion, but this can't be guaranteed.

You don't need any specialist Hoopers equipment — I'll provide everything we need for the training itself.

For each class, please bring:

A fixed collar and detachable lead. A harness is optional, but you'll need one if your puppy is working on a training line.

Plenty of high-value treats. And when I say plenty, I mean more than you think you'll need! We'll be doing lots of rewarding throughout the session.

A training toy your puppy loves, such as a tuggy, chaser toy or ball on a rope.

A water bowl and plenty of fresh water for your puppy.

Hoops & Pups is just the beginning of your Hoopers journey.

Once you've completed the course, you can progress into Beginners Hoopers, where you'll continue developing your handling and Hoopers skills while working through the Canine Hoopers World Progression Awards.

You'll remain in Beginners while working towards Progression Award Level 4, before moving into Improvers, where you'll continue through Levels 5–10.

Once you reach Level 10, you'll be ready to move into Advanced Hoopers, where the challenge continues with Levels 11 onwards.

With 19 Progression Award levels currently available, there's plenty for you and your dog to work towards — even if you have absolutely no interest in competing. You'll have new skills and challenges to master along the way, with certificates and rosettes to celebrate your achievements.