How to Train Your Dog To Perform a Hoop Tunnel

The hoop tunnel is an agility obstacle that is not often seen in competition, but can make or break a good run. It is a series of connected hoops that your dog must run through without a mistake and without exiting the hoops. The hoop tunnel is a fairly simple obstacle for your dog to learn, given a little time and training.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hoop Tunnel
• Treats
• Toys
• Collar
• Lead

1. Set your hoop tunnel in a stable, even spot. You do not want your hoop tunnel to tip over or rock while training your dog.
2. Place your dog’s collar and lead on her. A collar and lead will make your dog much easier to lead and guide and will make your overall training much easier.
3. Walk your dog to the entrance of the hoop jump and have him sit in front of the entrance. Place one of his favorite treats or toy in your hand and give him the command for the hoop tunnel. It can be a word of your choice, as long as it is clear and easy for your dog to understand.
4. Ask your dog to walk forward, making sure she steps inside the first hoop correctly. Drop the lead to avoid tangling and tempt her forward with the treat. Be sure she walks all the way through each hoop and exits out of the correct area.
5. Praise your dog and offer her the treat once she has completed the obstacle. Make sure she steps through each of the hoop sections correctly and does not try to veer off or leave the obstacle early.
6. Return to the entrance and repeat the exercise. Continue working your dog through the hoop tunnel with the treat as the main temptation, giving the command for the hoop tunnel each time. You can give the command more than once if you like, to cement the fact that the specific command is for the hoop tunnel.
7. Remove your dog’s lead and have him wait at the beginning of the hoop tunnel. Give him the correct command, and walk beside him without the treat or toy in your hand. Offer him the treat once he completes the obstacle on his own without your guidance. In competition he will have to perform the obstacle with any treats, so being able to finish the obstacle on his own is vital.
8. Send the dog out to the hoop tunnel from a distance. Have the dog wait in front of the opening, walk away a few feet and give the hoop tunnel command. Be sure the dog completes the command, and try again from a different location. Training your dog to respond to and complete obstacles from a long distance will help you shave seconds from your run.
9. Work on improving your dog’s speed once she is performing the obstacle perfectly every time. The hoop tunnel is open and easy for your dog to complete, so adding speed should be easy. Run along side your dog, use happy tones of voice, anything that will help your dog speed through the obstacle. You can toss your dog’s toy out in front of her to encourage her to complete the obstacle faster as well. This method is excellent for teaching a quick exit and to prepare the dog to look ahead for the next obstacle. The quicker your dog performs the hoop tunnel, the faster you will both be on your way to your next agility title.

Tips & Warnings

• Start slowly when training the hoop tunnel. It is an open obstacle with very little to stop your dog from making a mistake, so be sure he performs it correctly before moving on.
• Encourage your dog throughout training. A happy dog will perform much better for you if they think that agility is a fun game.
• Never force your dog to perform any obstacle. Harsh treatment or physical punishment will make your dog fearful of both you and the agility course.