Hoopers

[Selina27]

Back last autumn Cass and I did a few weeks of a training class called Fun Fridays, where we did a little bit of various activities as a taster - I went because it included Rally and I thought this would be good for her to do now as she actually likes that sort of close work - these days ! But the school has no plans to take this forward and a don't want to travel an hour to join a local group. Anyway, to cut to the chase, I ended up going on the Hoopers sessions and started the beginners group a month ago.

It looks like fun and so it is but boy, is it ever hard work for them! It's low physical impact for them, but the dogs really have to put a lot of mental effort in. So far we've worked on individual "stations" - learning to go through individual hoops and then in straight lines and circles, go round a barrel (which I love, they are like kids playing peep oh !) and yesterday going through the tunnel. Next week we are going to have a go at an elementary course.
I am enjoying it - I always love seeing Cass work things out, and I find that it is really good for our bond, not that there is a problem there but we have to work together and I've had to work hard over the years to keep the focus on me especially out of doors. Now quite often she is "top of the class" and I have to tell people that it's taken a life time and we've been in countless naughty corners!
I was almost a little worried about her yesterday as when we got home she just clambered up on the sofa and sort of said wake me up at teatime....

 

[HAH]

This sounds fantastic, what a great find!

 

[SwampDonkey]

Sounds great. It's always good to have fun together

 

[Selina27]

This sounds fantastic, what a great find!

Yes, so very lucky now to have this great school on our doorstep, I was crying out for something like this in Cass' puppy days, so now we are making up for lost time !

It's always good to have fun together

Yes!

 

[Stacia]

How wonderful @Selina27. I have heard of Hoopers and a neighbour in next Close used to do it, but the class is about an hour away. There are no interesting classes round here, there is scent work and man trailing but very, very expensive and again have to travel distances. So back to gundog training, fortnightly courses over the summer I hope. I have half a Lab and half a spaniel, an interesting combination! Heel work is a nightmare!

 

[Cath]

Lovely read Helen, great team work

 

[Selina27]

So back to gundog training, fortnightly courses over the summer I hope.

This sounds great though Sonia -- you will enjoy it a lot I am sure.
I get what you mean about expense and travelling xx

 

[Selina27]

Lovely read Helen, great team work

Yes, it really is Cath, more so than you would think to watch it!

 

[Hollysdad]

Anything that can exhaust a Lab must be serious exercise. We’ve been looking at Hoopers for Jazz. There’s a trainer in Wormelow who does it so we’re going to try it out. It could be just what Jazz needs to occupy her brain and focus all her energy. All tips gratefully received!

 

[Selina27]

Anything that can exhaust a Lab must be serious exercise.

Physically, she's no l onger the rambunctious whirlwind that you knew!
I've got to say though that I found over the years that the key to satisfaction is the mental exercise, just as they say !

The thing with Hoopers is that it is both mental and physical activity.
I hope you all enjoy it, can't wait to hear how Jazz gets on

 

[Selina27]

So we've really been enjoying our Saturday Hoopers sessions but sadly the delightful young girl who has been teaching us has reluctantly come to realise that she can't make ends meet as a self employed dog trainer and has had to get a "proper job". She really is a gem, she has very good people skills and is a good teacher, and the other owners in the group are friendly and supportive too. I haven't decided yet if I will transfer to a more established class on a Sunday. I always enjoy having a "training" outing with Cass but I think the Sunday group take it more seriously.
Last week we had a go at a whole course for the first time - minus the tunnel - and that was good fun. I'm not sure we would ever get to the stage of me standing in the middle and directing her ! She's definitely got the idea that she goes through hoops and round barrels but the fact that treats have been dropped on the ground for other dogs is a distraction! Last week someone brought cod bites, so smelly even we could whiff them -- I mean, what's a nose driven Labrador supposed to do but check out where they've been?

@Hollysdad - has Jazz started her class yet? If so how is she getting on?

 

[Hollysdad]

@Hollysdad - has Jazz started her class yet? If so how is she getting on?

Not yet. Her season seems to be lingering and reluctant to end. It's been nearly two months now so it may be time for a visit to the vet.

 

[Stacia]

Not yet. Her season seems to be lingering and reluctant to end. It's been nearly two months now so it may be time for a visit to the vet.

Flicka had a dreadful season that lasted for ages and she felt out of sorts, I think she had a little bit of false pregnancy, that is what vet thought. Since she has been spayed she has been a different dog. I hope Jazz's season finishes soon, a trip to the vet seems a good idea.
Flicka is my sixth bitch, the other five had no problems at all!

 

[Stacia]

@Selina27, I would try the Sunday Hoopers, you never know Cassie might shine and enjoy the challenge.

 

[Hollysdad]

Flicka had a dreadful season that lasted for ages and she felt out of sorts, I think she had a little bit of false pregnancy, that is what vet thought. Since she has been spayed she has been a different dog. I hope Jazz's season finishes soon, a trip to the vet seems a good idea.
Flicka is my sixth bitch, the other five had no problems at all!

Jazz is our third bitch. Apart from one phantom pregnancy after bein spayed, we've had no problems either.

 

[Joy]

@Selina27 What a shame that your classes are ending. I'd give the Sunday ones a try and see what it's like - if it doesn't suit you , you can just stop attending.

 

[Stacia]

@Selina27, have you thought of doing scent work with Cassie, it seems to be all the rage here and the dogs love it apparently.