As a dog owner, you have probably heard about dog agility competitions, maybe you have even taken your pooch to compete a few times.
However, did you know that you can use an agility tunnel even if you don’t want to train your dog for agility competitions? You heard that right!
A tunnel is a great way to have fun, exercise, and train your dog in the comfort of your backyard! Teaching a dog to run through an agility tunnel can be fun for both of you and it will also help you form a stronger bond with your dog.
So stay with us till the end of this article to find out what are the best agility tunnels for dogs and how to find one that will meet all your needs.
Best Agility Tunnels for Dogs Reviewed
Whether you just want to have some fun or train your dog for agility competitions we got you covered. Let’s take a look at in-depth reviews of the five best dog agility training tunnels you can buy!
Rise8 Agility Tunnel Bag Holder
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Featuring an extra-wide two-piece design, these stabilizing saddlebags for a dog agility tunnel can be used both indoors and outdoors. Designed to be sturdy and durable, the saddlebags are adjustable and can keep any open tunnel firmly on the ground.
Product Highlights
- For agility tunnels that are 18 to 26” wide
- Holds up to 25 lbs per bag
- Made from laminated PVC
The thing we love the most about these saddlebags is that they are extra wide and able to keep the tunnel stabilized even if it’s used by large dogs.
Furthermore, being fully adjustable means that you will be able to use it on any agility tunnel, including the Pacific Play tent institutional.
On the other hand, we don’t like that these saddlebags can hold only one end of an agility tunnel. You’ll have to buy two pairs to make your play tunnel really stable.
Pros
- Resistant to UV lighting
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Adjustable and works for most agility tunnels
- Keeps the tunnel secured to the ground
Cons
- A few owners reported that the bags aren’t durable
N&M Products Pet Agility Tunnel
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N&M Products Pet Agility Tunnel meets the AKC (American Kennel Club) regulation size which means that you can use it to train your dog for agility competitions (source). Its flexible design allows you to bend it in any shape or use it straight.
Product Highlights
- 18 feet long
- 24-inch diameter opening
- Comes with 8 steel inserts
The fact that this is a competition-grade pet agility tunnel is what we love the most about this product. It’s made of sturdy oxford Dacron that can withstand rough play and frequent outdoor use, and it comes with a carrying bag for easy storing.
However, the stainless steel inserts aren’t strong enough to keep the tunnel stable on the ground, especially if you have an energetic large-sized dog.
Pros
- AKC approved dog agility tunnel
- Made of sturdy and durable materials
- Easy to fold and store
- Can be secured to the ground
Cons
- A few owners reported that the fabric ripped after several months of use
PAWISE Pet Dogs Outdoor Games Agility Exercise Training Equipment
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Designed to keep dogs exercised and entertained the Pawise dog agility tunnel is suitable for outdoor use only. To make things even more fun, use this tunnel combined with a pause box and weave poles to get your dog really excited about agility training (source).
Product Highlights
- 16.4 feet long
- 23.4-inch opening
- Comes with ground stakes
The greatest thing about this tunnel/chute is that it’s easy to store and set up, and it also comes with a handy carrying bag. Furthermore, the dogs simply love to play with it, and will easily learn to run through it after a few training sessions.
On the other hand, we don’t like that the tunnel is too short to be used alone and the add on chute fabric is too long.
Pros
- Great for dogs who just started with agility training
- Easy to set up and store
- Can be secured to the ground
- Easy to wipe down and clean
Cons
- The tunnel is too short to be used alone
Cool Runners 2 Piece 19 oz PVC Tunnel Bags
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Cool Runners Tunnel Bags are designed to fit the contours of most agility tunnels for dogs and will keep your tunnel firmly on the ground. Made of heavy-duty materials, these bags won’t rot or catch mold even if you leave them out for some time.
Product Highlights
- Hold up to 25 lbs each
- 10” wide by 14” long PVC strap
- Meets AKC equipment guidelines
We like that these tunnel bags are designed to hug the tunnel securely without constricting it and affecting the diameter of the opening. Each bag holds up to 25 lbs of sand, thus you can use them to additionally secure your tunnel if you have a larger dog.
The thing we don’t like is that the zippers on the bags can get worn out if exposed often to sunlight.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and durable
- Bags are easy to fill
- Large capacity and suitable for larger dogs
- Can be used for most agility tunnels
Cons
- Two bags stabilize only one end of the tunnel
Trixie Pet Products Agility Basic Tunnel
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Designed for small and medium-sized dogs, the Trixie Pet Agility Tunnel is a great option if you’re just starting with agility training. And as a very affordable agility tunnel, you can use it just to have some fun with your pooch and keep him exercised.
Product Highlights
- 16-inch diameter
- 7-feet 6-inch long
- Folds down flat
Made out of durable and lightweight nylon, this fully collapsible tunnel can be used both indoors and outdoors, secured with ground anchors. The thing we love the most is that it’s super easy to maintain – just wipe it with a damp cloth and store it away!
The only downside of this agility tunnel is that it doesn’t meet the AKC regulatory size for agility competitions.
Pros
- Lightweight and foldable
- Comes with a carrying case
- Covered by a one-year warranty
- For indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- A few owners noted that the tunnel is on the smaller size and that their dogs outgrew it fast
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Things to Consider when Buying the Best Agility Tunnels for Dogs
Like all other things, not all dog agility tunnels are the same and some may not work for you and your dog. Here are some of the most important things to consider when you set out shopping for an agility tunnel.
Tunnel Size
Certain agility tunnels are designed to meet the AKC regulations for competitions and are 18 feet long and 24 inches wide. Training with these tunnels will make your dog used to the size and make competing for easier.
Here’s a short video on how dogs run through agility tunnels during training:
However, smaller agility tunnels are a good option for smaller dogs and if you want to use one to exercise your pooch in a new and fun way (source).
Product Material
Most agility tunnels are made from nylon, PVC, or Dacron. Both nylon and Dacron tunnels are lightweight and durable, but can’t be left in the backyard for an extended period of time. PVC tunnels, on the other hand, are heavy-duty and waterproof which means that they can be left outside and used more often.
Overall Price
As with all other things, the price is a big factor when it comes to buying a dog agility tunnel. In the end, your individual needs are going to determine how much you’re going to spend on a tunnel.
But keep in mind that cheaper tunnels might not last very long if used regularly. So if you’re serious about agility training spending more money now is better than buying a new cheaper tunnel every other week,
Related Questions
Do dogs like tunnels?
Running through a tunnel isn’t something that dogs do instinctively, and many can be reluctant to do it at all. However, with a little time and training, most dogs come to love running through tunnels and find it exciting.
How do you train a dog to go through a tunnel?
Training a dog to run through a tunnel requires a lot of patience and repetition. Start by introducing your dog to a short tunnel.
Once he is comfortable around it, let someone else hold your dog at one end of the tunnel while you stay at the other end.
Maintain eye contact with your dog and call him to come to you through the tunnel, and once he does give him a treat. Repeat and continue to practice regularly.
How do I train my dog for agility training?
Before you start agility training make sure that your dog knows all the basic commands like sit, stay, come, and lie down.
Next, show your dog through the agility course and walk him through all obstacles. Use treats and praise to teach your dog to run through a tunnel, weave through poles, jump over hurdles, and pause on a pause box.
Practice until your dog can do everything accurately.
Conclusion
Even if you don’t have aspirations to train your dog for agility competitions you are bound to come across an agility tunnel. Besides being used in competitions, agility tunnels are a great way to train your dog in a fun way.
Besides, you can always use a tunnel just to keep your pooch exercised and entertained in your backyard!
Whether you are an experienced trainer or just want to let your dog have a good time, and agility tunnel will never go out of style.
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