Hoop Jump: Teach Your Dog a Circus Trick with Your Kid

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Ready to add a little circus fun to your living room or backyard? The Hoop Jump is a fantastic activity that brings kids and dogs together for training, laughter, and teamwork. With just a hoop, some treats, and encouragement, your child can help your dog learn a brand-new trick while building confidence and communication skills.

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Insights from Dominika: Many dogs are cautious at first. Patience, encouragement, and keeping the hoop low are the keys to success. You can lure your dog with treats and toys, and praise lavishly, but don’t force them. If they are hesitant or scared, choose a different activity.

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WHAT YOU NEED

• A hoop 
• Treats or your dog’s favorite toy
• Optional: hoop holders or furniture to wedge the hoop for stability
• Optional: Non-slip rug like ruggable or mat (strongly recommended if your activity space has slippery flooring like hardwood, tile, or laminate)

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HOW TO PLAY

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Step 1: Set Up the Hoop

Begin by placing the hoop on the ground so that the bottom touches the surface, and your dog can just walk through. 

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How to create a stable base:

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• Squeeze the hoop between two pieces of furniture or between a wall and a piece of furniture to keep it in place. 

• Use the hoop holder, we like these hoop holders. 

• You can hold one side of the hoop to help steady it.

• You and your child hold the hoop together.

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Step 2: Lure and Reward

Have your child toss a treat or wait with a treat or toy on the other side of the hoop to encourage your dog to walk through. Provide plenty of verbal encouragement to motivate them. Once your dog walks through the hoop repeatedly without hesitation and treats, you are ready to move it higher.

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Step 3: Build confidence!

Raise it just an inch or two off the ground. Keep rewarding success so your dog builds trust and confidence. As your dog improves, lift the hoop a little higher each time.

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Insights from Dominika: My children liked to participate in hoop jump, and they were taking turns with the dog/s. Sometimes we would add two hoops to jump over. 

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