What is Hoopers and how can it help your dog's behaviour?

Hoopers is a low impact agility dog sport with no high-power jumping, no jarring sharp turns, and no large pieces of equipment to navigate.

It is about handler-dog connection, communication and confidence. Three traits everyone wants with their dog all developed in one fun activity.

Canine Hoopers World brought Hoopers to Perth, WA, Australia in 2019.  Although it originated in the USA, Hoopers had been sweeping the UK and Europe for almost 10 years. 

Hoopers is fun, we can’t say that enough! It is ideal for all aged dogs and pet parents. 

Some dogs like to take off like a rocket and run (get your gym shoes ready and be prepared to sprint), some dogs like to canter (taking things in their stride and enjoying the moment) and some dogs want you to get out of their way (communication from the side line is all they need from you). Which team will you be?

What do you do in Hoopers?

You and your dog learn a personalised way of communicating to manoeuvre around a course at your dog’s pace. It has all the fun and skillset of agility style games. Hoopers is focused on the ability of dog and handler to work off leash together. You need to be in sync with your dog, it’s a team sport.

Hoopers equipment is low cost, easy to DIY and set up, which sets it apart from agility. Hoopers equipment doesn’t take up much space and can be stored in a cupboard, garage or shed.

There are three pieces of equipment you use to make up a Hoopers course:

• the Hoops, which dogs run under,

• Barrels, which dogs go around,

• and large straight Tunnels for dogs to run through.

Your dog learns to run through a sequence of hoops, around barrels to adjust their direction and through tunnels to complete courses. 

It sounds deceivingly simple so how much fun can it be?

Hoopers is generally taught with two different styles.

One where you, the handler, gets a head start and your dog catches up, like in agility, and you do your best to lead whilst running alongside your dog on the course. 

Or there is distance handling; where the handler’s physical movement is minimal and with clear communication and strong foundation work, your dog navigates through the course with calm verbal and visual directions.

Once the foundation skills are under your belt (e.g. see a hoop, run through it, see a barrel, navigate around it), watch as you both thrive in an engaging activity and see how movement alone can be such a positive motivator.

Which style should you choose?

Whichever way works best for the individual partnership, the aim is to navigate around and through equipment fluidly as a dog-handler team.

Some dogs find the pressure of you running that close too overbearing and don’t like it. Other dogs need you to stay close to them whilst guiding them throughout the course. Work with the style that suits both participants for the best success.

How do dogs take part in Hoopers?

Begin by finding a qualified instructor through Canine Hoopers World instructors as they have undergone training with Hoopers experts.

Most instructors run classes in pairs or one-on-one to get you succeeding quickly with a personalised training approach.

What is the benefits of Hoopers?

For the dogs: confidence, resilience, connection, body awareness, engagement, the significance is continual, and the growth is inspiring!

The fact that dogs are off leash, means your dog gets to make their own choices building on independence. We add in the mental challenge of understanding how to manoeuvre each piece of equipment and see the certainty and enjoyment that comes when you celebrate with them for mastering a course successfully as a united team.

For over excited dogs who have minimal perception of their personal space (or yours), Hoopers helps with proprioception, which means it helps dogs to be aware of where they’re placing their feet and bodies.

For dogs who are overthinkers, easily distracted, or disconnect if feeling uncertain or pressured, the reassurance from only having three types of equipment gives them confidence to know what to do.

There are also multiple benefits for you. A relationship with your dog at a distance increases trust, leading to increased amazement at how brilliant your dog is whilst interacting with a group of like-minded dog enthusiasts and remember “it’s heaps of fun!”

What kind of dog is ideal for Hoopers?

Hoopers is for dogs of all ages (6+ months), all breeds, all sizes and pretty much most temperaments.

It’s perfect for high-energy dogs as it channels their focus; and it’s a great energy burner too, both physically and mentally.

Because Hoopers is a ground-level course, gentle senior dogs can join in as it puts less strain on their joints, making it appropriate for teenage dogs, retired agility dogs and younger dogs. Hoopers courses are designed to be fluid and flowing so they don’t involve tight turns; massively reducing the impact and likelihood of injury for your dog.

We saw the potential for Hoopers to help dogs who are anxious, or show big emotions often described as ‘reactive’. Hoopers provides them a safe space to engage with their guardians in a stress-free environment.

We love teaching anxious, nervous, or reactive dogs who can’t participate in group classes. Often their owners tell us that they’ve always wanted to participate in a fun sport with their dogs and they’ve felt left out.

What is it about Hoopers that dogs enjoy?

We can only guess why dogs enjoy playing Hoopers. There are plenty of options to consider.

Is it the independence of being off leash?

Do they love the fact that they can accelerate, find the track, stay on course, zoom through tunnels, make turns around barrels… is that part of it? Or is just about running?

Is it that you are having fun with them? Learning something new together? Learning a new language? Is it your favourite time for just you and your dog?

Do they love the joyful feedback? Do they love that you don’t get upset when mistakes happen. You love them for trying, being involved and for tolerating your side of the learning journey. 

The development of Hoopers goes both ways… you grow together, you start to see and listen to each other, you reflect and work as a team in motion.

Can you practice Hoopers at home?

Once you’ve learned the foundations you can absolutely practice the skills at home. We encourage you to do so and add fun tricks into your daily walks. You strengthen your skills at home, from obedience skills such as ‘wait’, sending your dog around objects, right down to working on your warm-up routine to ensure that you and your dog stay in Hoopers shape.

Can you run a course at home? 

That can be tricky. We perceive for many city dwellers we are often restricted with space limitations. However, if you have a large grassy secure space, go for it! Due to such common limitations, we think it is paramount to join a Hoopers training community and get amongst it!

What made us decide to be a Hoopers instructor in a country that hadn’t heard of it?

We had been watching Hoopers take the UK by storm. When we heard that Canine Hoopers World was coming to Australia in early 2019, We packed our bags, flew to Perth and completed the Canine Hoopers World Level One instructors course and recently again in late 2023 to become accredited Level Two instructors.

After our initial experience with Hoopers, we immediately realised what Hoopers could offer our urban dogs; we each purchased a set of Hoops that weekend, bought extra luggage space on the plane, and never looked back.

We are delighted that we offer an ongoing sense of support and continual development for our community beyond life skills courses, where our clients can grow. This remains priceless.

Success in Hoopers shows its weight in gold when we see understanding and improved teamwork. Our dogs are listening at speed, in the moment, potentially in a challenging situation… and yet trusting the guidance, making great decisions. That is worth more than words can describe.

What kind of comments do we regularly hear in class?

“My dog loves Hoopers so much! I think it’s the highlight of their week!”

“I love this. Thank you for providing this space for us”.

“That was my fault, not my dogs”.

“Can I run through that course again? I think I know where I went wrong”.

“When is the next Hoopers course?”

“You can see that people love working with their dog and they get genuinely excited when they see what their dogs are capable of.” - Fellow trainer watching.

Where can people find out more?

Start your Hoopers journey at the Canine Hoopers World website: www.caninehoopersworld.com and follow their Facebook page: Canine Hoopers World.

Find out more about Hoopers in Australia with:

Louise Newman at letsgofido.com.au/hoopers

Shelley Aukett at pawsandthink.com.au/training-classes/hoopers  

About our writers

Shelley Aukett is both Director and Dog Trainer at Paws And Think in Sydney's Inner West, a dog training business founded on positive reinforcement with positive outcomes.

In her career she's also worked as an animal behaviour technician and as a Veterinary Specialist (Diagnostic Imaging) for 16 years before returning to her passion: animal behaviour!

She's a member of PPGA (Pet Professional Guild Australia), DI (Delta Institute) and APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). Her qualifications include Delta Institute Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services, Karen Pryor Academy as a Professional Dog Trainer, Certificate of Excellence with Behavior+Works in Living and Learning with Animals (Friedman), Fear Free Certified Professional, Canine Hoopers World trainer, and certifications through the Master Course in Aggression in Dogs (Shikashio) and L.E.G.S - Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Group (Brophy).

Louise Newman is the Owner and Dog Trainer at Let's Go Fido. She believes that training goes beyond puppyhood – that it is a way of life. It should be fun, relevant and most importantly add to the bond between you and your dog. With this in mind, Let's Go Fido was created in 2011 running a variety of training classes in Sydney's Lower North Shore and Balmain - Hunters Hill area.

Louise’s professional qualifications include Karen Pryor Academy Certified Professional Trainer, Delta Cert IV Companion Animal Services, Susan Friedman Functional analysis of behaviour change, Assessor for GreenHound and MindDog, Professional member of KPA, PPGA, APDT Aggressive Dog and BSC Hons / Post Grad in another life too!

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The Benefits of Trick Training any Pet

We train our dogs to sit, stay and other useful behaviours. But what if we could train them to do ingenious feats?

You can! That is how the dictionary defines a “Trick”. Tricks are any behaviours that impress people. Your dog can even earn a Trick Title and letters after their name.

Trick training is fun for both dogs and owners. The behaviours learned are useful for a vet visit. Standing still on the scales, or offering a paw. They may also lead to your dog’s first acting job on a TV commercial!

Best of all, dogs love the attention and food rewards that trick training brings. Owners love seeing the continual wagging of their dog’s tail when they spend training time together.

Tricks often involve physical as well as mental exercise, making trick training great enrichment. A short session of trick training makes for an eventful dog day. The skills learned through trick training can be taken to other sports such as freestyle dog dancing and dog parkour. So much fun to be had!

Recognised dog tricks begin with behaviours such as ‘Sit’, ‘Stand’ and targeting. Beginner levels are designed to encourage everyone to have a go. 

The tricks increase in impressiveness to things like skipping, pushing a cart (learn how to teach your pet below), painting and even playing chess! 

Trick titles increase in difficulty, and are designed to be a progression of dog and trainer’s skill. A dog’s trick level increases at the same rate as its owner’s ability to train. Trick training is a great team sport for dogs and owners!

Why not have a try yourself at home with those tricks from Dogs Australia?

#1. Starter Trick - ‘Paws on my Arm’

You will need:

✔️ A clicker or marker word (‘yes’)

✔️ Lots of food rewards (small pieces of ham, sausage, BBQ chicken)

✔️ A treat pouch so rewards are quickly accessible

Steps:

‘Paws on my Arm’
Dogs Australia Starter Trick

1. Sit with your arm at your dog’s shoulder height.

2. Hold your clicker in that hand and have treats in the other.

3. Hold the treat at the height of your dog’s nose, and lure your dog towards your arm.

4. Click when a paw touches your arm

5. Reward the dog in the position you want to achieve. This position will become more rewarding.

6. Click and reward every attempt at a more successful position.

7. Use less luring each time until you can just hand signal without food to cue the trick.

8. Reward with food often!

#2. Advanced Trick - ‘Push a Shopping Trolley’

You will need:

✔️ A clicker or marker word (‘yes’)

✔️ Lots of food rewards in a treat pouch

✔️ A shopping trolley the right size for your dog. You may need to put something heavy in it to ensure it doesn’t tip.

Steps:

‘Push a Shopping Trolley’
Dogs Australia Advanced Trick

1. Ensuring the trolley won’t move, cue your dog to put its paws on the shopping trolley handle.

2. Click and reward in this position.

3. Once your dog is comfortable with its paws on the stationary trolley, let the trolley move a tiny bit.

4. Always reward the dog when his paws are on the trolley.

5. Food can be used to lure the dog forward.

6. Click and reward for increasing durations of forward movement

If you feel that you're now ready to compete, Trick Training is now a sport recognised by Dogs Australia. Introduced in 2020, it runs in all States except Tasmania. 

Discover more about what is involved here: dogsaustralia.org.au/training-dog-sports/trick-dog/

Enjoy challenges but not competition? If you prefer to train in your own time or don’t belong to a club, you can earn trick titles from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of home, through Do More With Your Dog. Over 100,000 titles have been awarded to dogs and other animals from 60 countries.

Beanie the sheep with his
Grand Champion Trick Rosette

There are lots of titles you and your dog can earn, ranging in difficulty. Online titles are not just for dogs. Cats, guinea pigs, horses, cows and sheep have also earned titles. 

There are currently 32 other species with trick titles through Do More With Your Dog!

Beanie the sheep has his Grand Champion Trick Title and can do 101 recognised dog tricks. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the most tricks done by a sheep in one minute.

All animals enjoy trick training!
If you're a horse lover, why not try to teach your equine how to bow?

#3. Do More With Your Dog Advanced Trick - Equine Bow

You will need:

✔️ A clicker or marker word (‘yes’)

✔️ Lots of food rewards (chopped carrot, cut lengthways then widthways)

✔️ A treat pouch so rewards are quickly accessible

✔️ A target stick (crop, fly swat, your hand)

Steps:

1. Hold the target close to your horse’s nose, and click and reward for touching it.

2. Increase difficulty by holding the target to the side, up and down so your horse has to move to touch it. Click and reward.

3. Hold the target down low near your horse’s front feet. Click and reward here. A horse’s vision is not as forward-focused as ours, so your horse may lose sight of the target. Food (as a lure) can be used instead of a target.


4. Hold the target behind your horse’s front feet. Click and reward here. The goal is to have your horse reach between its front legs to touch the target.



5. If you hold the target back far enough, your horse will bring one leg backward into a lovely bow. (see lead image)

In Summary

The growth in popularity of trick training is linked to the spread of positive reinforcement as an effective and kind training method. Tricks are all done at liberty. No force is allowed. Treats are allowed in the competition ring. Treats are encouraged in online entries. 

Both the Australian Veterinary Association and the RSPCA advocate that positive reinforcement training results in improved animal welfare.

To learn more about the benefits of trick training and how to get started teaching your pet, visit www.funandreward.com

If you would like help getting started with trick training the Pet Professional Guild Australia has a database of trick trainers happy to help you. 

Membership to PPGA is free for pet owners, who are also welcome to attend the Pet Professional Guild Australia’s 2024 Biennial Conference in Sydney (14-16 June 2024).

Join a hands-on workshop on Trick Training with Any Species, run by Noeline Cassettari. Thumbelina the miniature horse and Cindy the miniature donkey will be your tutors for this session.

written by Noeline Cassettari, March 2024 for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved).

About our writer

Noeline Cassettari began her career working as an animator for Hanna-Barbera and Walt Disney. Noeline has illustrated many children's books, created digital animations for games, and lectured in Digital Animation at tertiary level. She now lives on a farm near Sydney, Australia, with clever and adorable animals and teaches them tricks!

Noeline began clicker training in 2001 after discovering miniature horses existed and buying one! She was uncomfortable with the use of negative reinforcement and punishment traditionally used to train horses. Her search for a different answer led her to clickwithhorses.com and the purchase of her first clicker.

She has since trained a donkey, fox, deer, sheep, cattle, dog, cat, chickens, peacocks, and a llama! Rose the miniature horse is the only horse in the world to have earned her Grand Champion Trick Dog title. Thumbelina the miniature horse participated in the Australian Circus Festival and appeared on Australia's Got Talent in 2019. Her Valais Blacknose pet sheep Beanie also has his Champion Masters title and can do 101 tricks!

Rose (horse) and Beanie (sheep) hold Guinness World Records for the “Most tricks done in 1 minute”.

Noelle has studied animal training with Terry Ryan and is a KPA Certified Training Partner and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor with Do More for Your Dog.

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We've all marvelled at the flawless teamwork displayed by people in costumes performing elaborate dance routines with their dogs at international events such as the Westminster Dog Show and Crufts.

But how do you end up dancing with your dog on the world stage? We spoke to Janette Wilson, Secretary of the Melbourne & District Dances with Dogs Club to learn more.

'I took it up as a bit of fun eight years ago and also to entertain the residents in the nursing homes that I visit as a Pet Therapist' says Janette. 'I quickly realised that it was an awesome dog sport, and now with my second dog we are competing at very high levels in both Heel to Music and Freestyle.

What is Dances with Dogs? 

Have you ever felt like turning up the music and dancing with your dog? Does it make you feel great to have fun with your dog? 

Well, did you know that there is now an official sport that encompasses moves and tricks to music? 

Dances with Dogs (DWD) is a relatively new canine sport which became popular in Canada and the UK in the early 1990s. Approved in 2009 as an official sport by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), dogs can now compete and gain titles to be added to their registered names. However, many people have taken up this sport simply to have fun with their dogs! 

Gaye with German short-haired Pointer Holly

With a fusion of obedience, creativity, focus and teamwork, a DWD routine gives the illusion of a dance with a skilful choreographed routine performed to music. 

In competitions, the routines are between one and four minutes. Competitors earn points for:
✔️  technical accuracy

✔️ musical interpretation and

✔️  artistic expression 

So what appears to be a simple sport is actually a very complex mix of techniques. 

But DWD is not just a sport for competitors: many people are finding the joy of doing classes just for fun and fitness with their dogs, and love showing off their moves to family and friends!

I can’t dance, can I still do DWD with my dog?

Do you “have two left feet”, and you can’t dance like Fred Astaire? Don’t worry! 
DWD does not require you to be a fantastic dancer! And it doesn’t require your dog to do a quick-step, a twirl or a waltz.

If you and your dog can walk together and you enjoy having fun together, then you can do Dances with Dogs.

The aim for each team is to make their routine look flowing, simple and interesting. By choosing the right music that suits your dog’s pace, style and natural rhythm you can create a routine that will wow the spectators.

While the routines move in time to your favourite music, they often also tell a story. The style of dance and music varies greatly from team to team and is only limited by your imagination. Each routine showcases the unique abilities and relationship between handler and dog.

Of course we all know how much training goes on behind the scenes to make a routine look easy! All DWD training is achieved by using positive and motivational methods, and that is why dogs are so happy doing this sport. 

Janette Wilson training with her dog Scarlette

Is DWD a sport just for the most athletic dogs and handlers? 

Are you and your dog a “little less athletic”? While many of the more experienced competitors develop extremely athletic and complex routines, many others create routines that are more suitable to the ability of themselves and their own dogs.

DWD is a sport that is suitable for handlers of all ages and abilities. It is also suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages and abilities. We even have members with deaf or blind dogs!

The sport is suitable for all breeds, not just the usual athletic breeds. We see Löwchens, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Border Collies, Pomeranians, German Short-haired Pointers, German Shepherd Dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, Papillons, Schnauzers, Poodles and of course dogs of mixed breeds.

Do I have to do obedience first?

In general there are no formal training pre-requisites for you and your dog to take up this sport. However remember that DWD is entirely performed off-lead, so a basic level of obedience is desirable before joining classes.

If you are already a competitor in Rally O, Obedience or Agility, then you will be very surprised at the added skills that you can learn in DWD. As DWD develops your dog’s focus and teamwork as well as gently improving fitness and body awareness, it is very common to see DWD titles on dogs competing at high levels of other dog sports.

But no matter what your reason for taking up the sport, it is guaranteed that you and your dog will develop your skills and fitness, while creating a fantastic positive training relationship.

DWD is not just one sport. It is actually two sports!

DWD encompasses two distinct divisions: Freestyle, and Heelwork to Music with competitions held in these two divisions. While Freestyle is “free flowing, flashy and tricky”, Heelwork to Music requires precision and very technical heelwork.


Obedience competitors know the amount of hard work that is required to achieve precision heelwork in one position (dog on the left) – so imagine the work required to achieve this precision in eight positions!

Do I need to buy expensive equipment to do DWD?

Gaye and Holly

No special equipment is required although some teams use clever props to enhance their routines and add to the spectator appeal.

If you don’t have a lot of space for training, you can even teach many of the DWD moves in your own living room!

While the human competitors might choose to wear costumes that enhance the story telling, the safety and dignity of our dogs is paramount.

Competing dogs are not permitted to wear costumes of any type, but are permitted to wear a bandana or flat collar.
And of course, no dangerous moves are permitted. 

The fun is growing, and you are welcome to join in. 

Every year since its introduction, the number of people involved in the sport in every state has been growing.

In 2018, Victoria held its very first Top Dog Competition where the top teams were invited to perform their Freestyle and Heelwork to Music routines for the accolades of being the Victorian Top Dogs. 

2018 Top Dog (Heelwork to Music) is A & G Penny and HTM.CH FS.CH Abtei Great Expectations CDX RN. Gaye and Holly showed amazing heelwork precision, performing to Variations 1-4 (Live) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

2018 Top Dog (Freestyle) is Deb Harvey and CH FS.CH Dymatan Denim N Diamonds ADX ET GD JDM RN SD. 

Deb and Tia (above) dazzled us with their rendition of All That Jazz by Glee Cast FT Kate Hudson. 

We are all excited to watch the 2019 Victorian Top Dog Competition to be held in July.

In addition to the regular competitions held by each club and each state DWD committee, there will be a very exciting National Competition on 29 June 2019 at Durack in Queensland. This will be followed by the Queensland State Competition on 30 June.

Check out the links at the end if you would like to come along and watch these amazing teams.

Where can I find out more about Dances with Dogs?

If you are looking for a sport that is a little bit different, develops your rapport with your dog and only uses positive and motivating training methods – then this could be the sport for you!

Italy's Lusy Imbergerova & Deril amaze crowds at Crufts 2017 with their incredible freestyle

There are several DWD clubs throughout Australia that host competitions regularly in each State, so check out the links below for the schedules. Spectators are also very welcome at all the competitions, so come along and join in the fun of Dances with Dogs.

Victoria: dogsvictoria.org.au

NSW:  www.dogsnsw.org.au

Queensland: www.dogsqueensland.org.au

Western Australia: www.dogswest.com 

ACT: www.actcdc.org.au

South Australia: www.dogssa.com.au

Could your dog be a contender for the UpDog Challenge? If you've never heard of it, this new international canine disc organisation is already extremely popular around the world. 

In just its second year (2016) UpDog Challenge drew more than 5,000 teams from around the world to chase some plastic discs and conquer agility obstacles on grass fields and indoor turf. To learn more, we spoke to Rodney Gooch who officially represents this new dog sport in Australia. 

So what is the UpDog Challenge?

"UpDog is dedicated to expanding the awareness and participation of people and dogs in athletic endeavours. We simply want more people and more dogs having fun, playing together." explains Rodney.

With this goal in mind, UpDog designed a number of fun games built around the opportunity for every dog and human to work towards their own personal bests. You will have fun (Play), you will earn achievements (Achieve), and you and your dog will learn and grow (Expand).

Who can take part in the UpDog Challenge?

UpDog Challenge is a great sport as the games have multiple entry levels to suit everyone from human beginners and puppies, to elderly people and senior dogs - in fact any dog and human can play. 

UpDog games will allow you to achieve at any level. Puppies are permitted to play “on the flat” (no jumping), as they're chasing rollers. Elderly dogs can also achieve by chasing a roller (a roller is a disc that “rolls” on its edge along a surface) and still gain achievements along the way as they compete in different challenges.

What sort of games would you play with your dog?

The most popular games are 4WayPlay and Frizgility. Both games allow teams to compete at a very high level with relatively short throws. 

All UpDog games are designed to develop foundation skills such as retrieve, wait, drop, proper leaping and attentiveness.

Teams who have mastered the basics can then apply any number of other skills like speed, strategy or consistency to succeed at the games, accomplish personal bests and earn achievements.


You can review all the games at www.updogchallenge.com and teams can also create a free profile where all scores, digital achievements and standings are stored and displayed. Teams who activate ($5 annually) can review their achievements via their profile page and are also eligible to attend the International Finals.

For the more astute trainer who also enjoys competing or training in Agility, the UpDog games including Frizgility, 7 Up and Funkey have key components of agility using bar jumps and agility tunnels. 

Agility people and their dogs already have half of the skills needed for these games, they just need to develop their throwing skills and their dogs catching skills to Play, Achieve and Expand.

What sort of equipment do you need to train or compete?

Other canine disc organisations only permit and approve certain competition style discs for use during their competitions. 

The UpDog Challenge is unique in that they will allow a larger range of discs to be used, e.g. material ones, a floppy rubber type like the KONG Flyer or the Aussie Dog Products Fly It disc (Blue or Red) with its unique centre hub or pimple. All have been approved for use at UpDog Challenge competitions worldwide.

Some dogs are not ready to use the harder discs or availability can be an issue (all competition standard discs are manufactured overseas). So almost any type of disc can be used at an UpDog competition, anywhere in the world. 

The only disc not permitted is a disc with a hole in the middle. Your disc selection is a matter of personal choice but there are many things to consider: your dog’s skill level is the first priority. "For new dogs, I like to start with something soft like a material disc as going directly to a hard disc may turn you dog off a disc from the start." advises Rodney.

For puppies, things are kept low key and low to the ground as you don’t want them jumping in the air, so games involving tugging, rollers and sliders are the priority for them. 

Choosing an appropriate size is important and smaller discs are available for smaller dog breeds and puppies. 

Watch out also for their quality as pet specialist retail stores in Australia don’t stock competition discs. Cheaper alternatives that become brittle through UV exposure can cause damage to your dog’s mouth.

Using a soft disc (made of material/rubber) will give your dog the opportunity to engage with you in some key aspects of disc like tugging, throwing rollers or sliders.

How to get started on your UpDog training

Rodney adds that most of his dogs have been rescues with no particular skill sets for anything but being patient and positive was the key to successful training.

We use a verbal reward marker to mark behaviour (like clicker training): using a verbal marker with discs is much easier. 

His advice is to start with very simple moves like tugging, sliders, or rollers. Making sure your dog brings it back to you to engage you for more fun is the key! You can then move to “Takes” before moving on to "Throws". When you're not training your dog, it's a good idea to practice your throws without the dog. 

Teaching your dog to go around the back of your legs both ways helps develop your dog’s ability to “Catch” discs.

Here in Australia, UpDog is just taking root and taking off with a variety of demonstration days and fun matches. 

In April 2017, the first official UpDog DownUnder competition was attended by Head Judge from the States and UpDog founder, Jason Rigler.

"With further competitions planned for 2018 in ACT, NSW, Victoria and QLD, UpDog Challenge is spreading fast and our goal is to have the most fun possible as we expand our skills on the field.  We hope you will choose to Play, Achieve and Expand with UpDog" concludes Rodney Gooch, Australian UpDog Challenge Representative and Judge.

Four Paws Sports trains, competes and presents a variety of dog sports including, canine dock jumping, Flyball, Canine Disc, and two types of dog high jumps.

They travel around Australia doing live shows, compete locally and interstate and run casual classes on the Mornington Peninsula at Rosebud.

For more information, please contact the K9 - Disc organisation in your State:

K9 – Disc Vic 
K9 – Disc ACT 
K9 – Disc QLD
K9 – Disc NSW  
K9 – Disc SA
K9 – Disc WA