Hoop Jump

WHAT IT IS:

Your dog jumps through a hoop, either fixed in place or handheld.

1. Remove the noisy beads within a toy hula hoop to make it less frightening for your dog. Hold the hoop on the ground with the hand closest to your dog, tell her "hup," and lure her through with a treat in your other hand. Praise her when she is through the hoop and allow her to have the treat. Some dogs are frightened to go through the hoop for the first time, in which case you can lead her through with a leash. To prevent your dog from going around the hoop, try placing it in a doorway.
2. As your dog gets the idea, begin to raise the hoop off the floor. Dogs sometimes get tangled in the hoop, so be prepared to release it if you feel resistence.
3. Assuming your dog has the physical ability, raise the hoop again so that your dog must jump to get through it. Try giving her a running start or use your hand on the opposite side of the hoop to lure her upward. To reduce the risk associated with your dog turning in midair, make a habit of tossing the treat in front of your dog rather than having her return to you for it.