After the successful training of the basics with ›Hoopers Basics‹, now you are ready for sequence training.
With this bundle, train all directional-signals in course sequences: with different combinations of obstacles and diversions, at long distances and from all possible guiding-positions.
Lay the foundation for course training.
With ›Hoopers Basics‹ you have learned the basics of hoopers training. In the second part of the training, you will combine the already known directional-signals and train them in course sequences – with different combinations of obstacles, diversions, at long guiding-distances and from different guiding-positions. During sequence training you will refine your body language and further deepen the connection with your dog.
For the following training, your dog should already know the exercises from ›Hoopers Basics‹, know all the obstacles and be able to approach it at a greater distance. Then the following training will prepare you and your dog optimally for your first course run.
During a sequence or course run, your signals direct your dog’s focus, i.e., the direction of his gaze or head, to the obstacles to be approached. Therefore, always observe his expressive behavior. If the running line is clearly defined by the arrangement of the obstacles, your dog will stay on this line and head for all obstacle oriented to the front. Here it requires only the leading-signal ›Lauf‹. However, if your dog is to leave his current running line, lead him with the appropriate direction change signals. If he understands and implements the change of direction, this can be seen directly by the change of direction of his head. If he directs his focus to the obstacle to be approached, reinforce him with the leading-signal ›Lauf‹. By looking at the obstacle after the change of direction and the immediately following guiding-signal, a link is created that signals to your dog that he is on the right path.
As in the first part ›Hoopers Basics‹, the exercises build on each other and should be trained chronologically. Sequence training also focuses on building up the exercises in small steps. This will reduce mistakes and increase the reward rate – which will automatically improve your dog’s motivation and his continued enjoyment of the training.
Please make sure with all exercises not to overtax your dog. The training should be fun for both of you and the training sessions should not last too long.
As a direct translation of the in German written original, the English version uses the German terms for auditory signals. This is only to make the videos and graphics easier to understand.
The direct translations of the terms used are:
›Lauf‹ – ›Go‹, ›Außen‹ – ›Outside‹, ›Rum‹ – ›Around‹, ›Zu-Zu‹ – ›To-To‹, ›Weg‹ – ›Away‹, ›Tunnel‹ – ›Tunnel‹, ›Vor‹ – › Forward‹, ›Kehrt‹ – ›Return‹, ›Spieli‹ – ›Toy‹ (diminutive form).
Basically, each human-dog-team should work with terms that work best individually. Ideally, the auditory signals should be short, clearly distinguishable from each other, and can be repeated frequently in quick succession as needed.