A vinyl tube or lightweight canvas, 9 to 20 feet long and about 2 feet (22in to 24in in diameter, through which the dog runs. The tunnel is constructed of flexible such that it can be configured in a straight line, or in a variety of curves. Open tunnels are a factor in every major agility competition. If you are able to scrunch your tunnel up, this is one way to introduce it to your dog. Attach a long leash to your dog and have him sit on one end (or have a friend hold him). Go to the other side of the tunnel and call your dog through, gently guiding him with the leash. Give your dog the command you will be using for the tunnel exercise. The word can be something simple like “TUNNEL” or any other word of your choice. If necessary, reach your hand out to show that you placed a treat on the ground. (Don’t put food in the tunnel as you don’t want to encourage your dog to ever stop in a tunnel to sniff). Give him a hug and a treat on the other side. Do this at least a few times. Gather the lead and encourage the dog toward you with a treat or toy, and give her the toy when she reaches you. Tunnel Training the more important don’t let the dog pee inside, for someone just starting learn tunnel, try make it tunnel shorter.

Continue this method until your dog willingly comes through the tunnel to you. That is time off lead and allow he/her to go through the tunnel on he/her own. So the faster she runs the course, the better her scores will be build speed gradually into your dog’s run. Next you can encourage him to enter the tunnel on his own while you “run-by” the tunnel, clapping and talking to your dog along the way. Then you can lengthen the tunnel and eventually curve it too, both to the left and right. They are obstacles that can be run in either direction, are simple to set up and are easy for the judge to score. Training your dog to properly complete an open tunnel exercise is a simple endeavor that can be accomplished in just a few short training sessions.

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