Flawless Paws

22/08/2025

2 truths and a lie

Can you figure out which is the lie? Leave your guess in the comments.

21/08/2025

Life without puppies? No thanks!

20/08/2025

I love NFC runs (Not For Competition or training rounds) for hoopers.

NFC runs give us the opportunity to build great experiences for our dogs, to reward particular skills in the competition environment and help keep the dog motivated and thinking.

Playing in the ring makes it a great place for dogs to be, especially with young dogs, or dogs lacking confidence or competition experience.

Great startline wait, super forward drive, amazing tight turn on a barrel, super distance skills, finding a tricky line onto a mat, driving past a long line of barrels……Boom!!! Reward that!!

Rewarding only at the end of a course can mean lots of missed opportunities.

Yes you miss getting points in that particular run, and that’s hard to do, but look at the advantages long term.

I like to try and look at the bigger picture and I’m in it for the long game 🙂🙂.

17/08/2025

I didn’t plan on teaching hoopers…

When I first started, it wasn’t part of the grand plan. I’d been doing agility with my dog for several years, and I wanted to try something new that would complement what we were already doing.

So, I set up a few hoops in my garden and started teaching my own dog. We loved it — but there was one big problem: I couldn’t find any hoopers lessons locally.

That didn’t stop us. I began hiring a field so I could build full courses, test new ideas, and keep learning. The more we trained, the more I fell in love with hoopers — the flow, the teamwork, the joy on my dog’s face.

And then I thought… why keep this to ourselves?

Now, I get to share my passion with other dogs and their humans — whether they want to compete or just have fun together. Hoopers started as something small in my back garden… and grew into something I can’t imagine my life without.

Have you had a moment like this? Share it with me below.

15/08/2025

Here’s how I measure success (and it’s not what you think)

For me, success after a hoopers lesson isn’t a perfect run or a ribbon.
It’s seeing your dog flopped on the sofa, happy and tired after using their brain and body.

Hoopers is more than just running round a course — it’s a mix of mental and physical stimulation. That’s why it’s brilliant for dogs with bags of energy or behaviour challenges. They get an outlet for all that enthusiasm, but in a focused, rewarding way.

If you’re short on time, hoopers is a game-changer. Instead of walking for hours (which will make your dog fitter and need more exercise), hoopers works their mind as well as their muscles. A short, fun session can leave them more content and relaxed than a long hike ever could.

Give your dog the best kind of tired — the happy, satisfied kind. If you’d love your dog to feel like this too, my inbox is open.

14/08/2025

That moment when…

Your dog absolutely smashes the hoopers sequence — smooth lines, perfect distance, every cue spot-on.

You grab your phone, hit record…
…and suddenly they forget what a hoop is, run to sniff the grass, and throw in their best freestyle routine instead.

It’s like they know the camera’s on.
The curse of the video is real!

But here’s the thing — those “outtakes” are part of the fun. Hoopers is all about building teamwork, keeping it positive, and celebrating the wins. However big or small they are.

If you know, you know! Tell me in the comments when it last happened to you.

13/08/2025

“Can my dog do hoopers?”
It’s one of the most common questions I get — and the short answer?
Yes, most likely! 🙌

Hoopers is a low-impact, free-flowing sport that’s designed to be inclusive.
Big dogs, small dogs, fast dogs, steady dogs — there’s a place for all.

✅ Puppy just starting out?
We can focus on foundations and fun, keeping things age-appropriate while building confidence and connection.

✅ Senior dog slowing down a bit?
No problem. Hoopers is gentle on joints, with no sharp turns or jumps — ideal for older dogs who still love to move.

✅ Got a breed that ‘wasn’t made for sport’?
I hear that a lot — but hoopers isn’t all about speed. It’s about teamwork, clear communication, and having fun.
From spaniels to shepherds, dachshunds to doodles — we welcome them all.

So if you’ve been wondering whether hoopers is right for your dog…

Drop me a message — I’m always happy to chat through it with you!

12/08/2025

I choose the long way round, here’s why-

In hoopers, it’s tempting to jump straight to the “fun” bits — courses and speed. But without solid foundations, that progress doesn’t last.

I choose to teach every dog strong foundations, no matter whether their handler dreams of competing or wants to give their dog a new, mentally stimulating activity.

Because foundations aren’t “just for beginners.” They’re what:

-Keep your dog confident and safe

-Help them understand what’s being asked

-Make teamwork between you and your dog effortless

-Give you more options as you progress

When a dog has clear understanding from the start, everything else — from handling skills to independent obstacle work — becomes easier, smoother, and more enjoyable for both of you.

Whether your goal is a competition ring or not, the long way round is actually the fastest route to success.

Would you do it this way too? Tell me below

11/08/2025

This is the bit that catches people out when your dog hates the car. Try this!

Shorten your car time! Start with small trips and break longer ones into smaller, more manageable sessions. Build up the length over time. Your dog will be less likely to get bored or frustrated. Offer treats to reassure them and create a more positive experience.

For an extra positive experience, end each session with a game, or a fun walk!

06/08/2025

Training isn’t just obedience — training can be an activity too.

When we think of dog training, we often picture sit, stay, and walk nicely on lead… but it can be so much more than that.

Training can be playful. It can build confidence. It can be fun!

That’s where Hoopers comes in.

Hoopers is a low-impact, fast-paced activity where your dog learns to run smooth flowing courses made of hoops, barrels, and tunnels — all guided by your direction and cues.

It’s suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds, and it’s just as rewarding mentally as it is physically.

Want to see your dog light up while learning? Let’s talk about getting started.

03/08/2025