Canine Hoopers of Canada
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CHC Hooper Skills Titling Program
Train. Achieve. Celebrate!
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First Steps
First Steps
Where every great hoopers team begins
The First Steps of this program lay the foundation for all future Hoopers sequencing skills. These early exercises help you and your dog build a strong working partnership — strengthening communication, trust, and the simple joy of learning together.
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At this stage, training should feel light, positive, and rewarding for both of you. Keep the focus on clarity, connection, and fun, using modern, force-free methods that encourage learning through kindness. By developing these core skills now, you’ll set your team up for success as sequences grow more challenging, ensuring your dog understands the game and stays eager to play it with you.
First Steps Skills Title
Eligibility: Any dog aged 4 months and older with a CHC ID#
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Equipment Required
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2 ground targets
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1 hoop
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2 traffic cones or barrel-shaped objects
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Training & Recording Environment
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It is recommended that you record all exercises in a low-distraction environment to support your dog’s success.
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Your dog should show a willingness to work and remain comfortable throughout the session.
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​Gear
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A flat collar or harness is acceptable.
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Please remove or secure any dangling tags.
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Choke chains, prong collars, and electronic collars are not permitted in CHC testing.
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Test Requirements
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All elements outlined in this test must be completed to earn the CHC First Steps Hooper Skills Title.
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Your video must show each exercise separately, clearly, and in full.
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The examiner must be able to see the entire exercise from start to finish.
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If any part of an exercise is incomplete or unclear, it will be marked NR (Not Quite Ready).
Rewards
Rewards — treats, toys, praise — may be used during exercises for the First Steps level to build value and confidence. Each section will indicate if luring is permitted.
​Section 1: Foundation Skills
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Section 2: Body Awareness
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Section 3: Ground Work for Handling
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Section 4: Obstacle Value
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How the Titling Program Works
The CHC Hooper Skills Titling Program is designed to be accessible, supportive, and fun — and our Skills Submission process reflects that. Each level of the program is completed through a simple video‑based submission that allows you and your dog to work at your own pace, in your own training space.
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​Here’s how it works
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1. Download Your Skills Level PDF
Start by downloading the Skills Level PDF for the level you’re working on.
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2. Train the required skills for your level
Each level includes a set of clearly defined exercises that showcase your dog’s understanding of distance, line commitment, independence, and cue clarity appropriate to that stage. A dedicated Facebook training group is available to help you learn, practice, and ask questions as you prepare.
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3. Record your video submission
When you’re ready, film each required element. Videos can be taken in any safe training environment — indoors, outdoors, at home, or at your training field. Your video must show each exercise separately, clearly, and in full.
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4. Submit your skills video for evaluation
Upload your video link (YouTube/Vimeo) with your payment through the CHC submission portal. Our evaluators review each element to ensure it meets the criteria for your level.
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5. Receive feedback and your results
You’ll receive your results via email with a clear Pass or NR (Not Quite Ready) for each element.
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6. Earn your CHC Skills Title, Medal, and Certificate
Once all elements of a level are successfully completed and evaluated, your team earns your CHC Skills Title, along with a CHC Skills Medal and a printable certificate recognizing your achievement.
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Medals will be shipped; certificates will be emailed. Each title and medal marks meaningful progress in your distance‑handling journey.