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This Month's Free Training Lesson: More Tunnel Tips!
"Dear Professor K. Nyne,
Q. I'm beginning to do more obstacles- we did things a little backwards, jumps first and now my two year old rescue dog and I are ready to start working with tunnels! But Joey just sits and stares at me, then the tunnel! That, or he'll jump it. I don't want him to be scared of tunnels, and I've heard they're a lot of fun for dogs. He just doesn't seem to get it! I'm worried I started this obstacle too late."
- Thinking about Tunneling, Centerville, TX
The Professor's Answer:
There are no rules saying what obstacles you have to teach your dog first! It's typical to teach dogs tunnels first because puppies shouldn't jump at full height. Tunnels are good for pups to learn to work with you on.
You're right, tunnels are a lot of fun! Most dogs I know go absolutely bonkers for tunnels on the course. They'll go in them when they aren't asked to, even! It's just THAT much fun! Joey isn't one of those dogs- yet.
Keep it short! When first introducing a 'green' dog to tunnels, it's a good idea to shorten the tunnel. If your tunnel won't stay shortened, try using binder clips or an assistant to help hold it. Call your dog through the short tunnel, guiding them with the leash if necessary. Give loads of treats! Make sure you sandbag or brace your tunnel to keep it from rolling or scrunching up when you don't want it to.
Make it more challenging Lengthen the tunnel gradually. For some dogs, this is over the course of several training sessions. Some dogs are ready for it in one fifteen minute session! Don't curve the tunnel right away. Let your dog get used to running through it straight, and excited. If Joey gets scared, straighten it back out and shorten it, and give more treats.
Next Steps Start sending your dog ahead instead of calling them through. Start with your dog at your side, then head for the tunnel. Point clearly into the tunnel, and run alongside the tunnel to meet them at the end. If you are slower than your dog, you may want to consider putting a food target a few feet away from the end of the tunnel so the dog doesn't run through the tunnel and then back to you. The reward is for charging through!
What about more tunnels? Well, the more the merrier, with tunnels! The typical competition has one to three tunnels. There's a class that has only tunnels in it! That's a fun challenge for you and Joey to try in the future! Remember, start slowly and gradually add more challenges- and more tunnels!- to your agility training. Joey and you will be running in the dark in no time flat! Have fun!
The Professor Recommends:
Affordable Agility's Tunnel Sale
For a limited time, Affordable Agility has several of our most popular tunnels and tunnel accessories on sale. Check it out!
Fun & Faq's
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There are no rules saying what obstacles you have to teach your dog first! It's typical to teach dogs tunnels first because puppies shouldn't jump at full height. Tunnels are good for pups to learn to work with you on.
