Pre-Bronze
Finding the rhythm together
The Pre-Bronze Level builds on the foundation you’ve already created, helping your team transition from simple skills to more purposeful Hoopers work. At this stage, your dog begins to link individual behaviours into short, flowing patterns, strengthening their understanding of distance, direction, and the rhythm of the game.
Your partnership continues to be the heart of the training. Keep sessions upbeat, clear, and supportive, using force-free methods that encourage your dog to think confidently and independently. These Pre-Bronze exercises prepare you for the challenges ahead by reinforcing consistency, boosting your dog’s enthusiasm, and ensuring both of you enjoy the growing complexity of the sport.
Pre-Bronze Program
Eligibility: Any dog aged 6 months and older
Equipment Required
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2 ground targets
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3 hoops
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1 barrel-shaped object
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.
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.
Test Requirements
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All elements outlined in this test must be completed to earn the CHC Pre-Bronze 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 Pre-Bronze level to build value and confidence, provided you are not luring the dog, unless the instructions for that specific exercise state otherwise.
Written Questions
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The written portion of the test is based on the current CHC Rules & Guidelines, available on the CHC website.
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Please review the rules prior to completing the written section to ensure accuracy.
Section 1: Foundation Skills
Section 2: Body Awareness
Section 3: Ground Work for Handling
Section 4: Impulse Control
Section 5: Obstacle Value
Section 6: CHC Written Questions
How Skills Submissions Work
The CHC Hooper Skills 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.
Here’s how it works:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Receive feedback and your results: You’ll receive your results via email with a clear pass or a NR (Not Quite Ready)
5. Earn your CHC Medal and Certificate: Once all elements of a level are successfully completed and evaluated, your team is awarded a CHC Skills Medal and a printable certificate recognizing your achievement.
Medals will be shipped; Certificates will be emailed.
Each medal marks meaningful progress in your distance‑handling journey.