Hoopers

Think agility with the jumps taken out. Dogs flow round a course of low arched hoops, barrels, tunnels and gates, and the handler is rewarded for sending them on from a distance rather than sprinting alongside. With no jumping, weaving or climbing, it is a kind choice for older dogs, dogs returning from injury and handlers who cannot run flat out. NADAC brought it to US trials, and many agility centres now teach hoopers courses next to their regular classes, so getting started looks much like signing up for agility.