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Minimum standards for competition tunnels are 10 to 20 feet long, with an entrance 22-26 inches in diameter (usually 24"). Our portable 9 foot tunnel has a 22" diameter, and is made of a different, lightweight material. The competition tunnels are very heavy in construction, and are a challenge for one person alone to move and carry. (approx.50 lbs) They are great if many dogs are going to be running through it, but not so good for one-person set-up, storage space, or for the budget. But one advantage of competition tunnels for serious home practice may be the extra 2" of diameter size. Big dogs have to do a little crouching to get through any size tunnel, but the smaller the diameter, the more they learn to "crouch" when running through, and it could slow their performance if all you train with is the smaller diameter tunnel. Many people with big dogs are content to use the practice tunnels at home anyways, because competitions COULD have a tunnel with a 22" diameter. For information on our competition tunnels, click here.
Diameter Choices: (keep in mind that competition tunnels are almost always 24", but can be 22"-26") 6' Tunnel with 19" diameter: We suggest this tunnel only for dogs as small as, or smaller than a Cocker Spaniel or Sheltie. This tunnel cannot be curved, unless it is very tight. 9' Tunnel with 22" diameter: Our most popular size. It is good for all dogs except the very large breeds. It may work for dogs as large as a German Shepherd or Golden Retriever. However if you want to induce more speed in your larger dog, we would encourage you to consider the next two larger sizes. 9' x 28" (Super Giant Tunnel): The largest diameter tunnel you will ever find! Not recommended to use if you are going to compete. 15' Tunnel with 24" diameter: The closest to a competition tunnel you will find in a "practice" style. For actual competition tunnels, click here. Length Choices: The minimum length for competition tunnels is 10 feet long, but most trials and clubs buy a minimum of 15', because you can do more shapes with it, such as an "S"-shaped trap stretched under an A-frame. Our 9' Practice Tunnels can be curved for extra challenge.
These tunnels are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Their weathering qualities are like canvas tents: you can leave them out and they will dry if wet. Prolonged exposure to the hot sun with not enough moisture can dry it out, however, so we suggest bringing them in if you don't think you will be using it for a week or more, especially in the summer. It also helps to periodically treat your tunnel with a waterproofing spray such as Scotchguard or a similar product that treats canvas tents and makes them more water repellant. We also suggest using the practice tunnels on a "kind" surface, as repeated use on a more abrasive surface (such as cement) might wear down the material.
Yes! By doing this, you can double the fun, and make challenging C and S shapes for your dog to run through. Some practice tunnels come with a "flap". You can use this flap to wrap around the entrance of another tunnel. If you don't need it, we suggest you fold the flap back over the tunnel. If your tunnel doesn't have a flap, we suggest using "binder clips". You can buy the large sizes at office supply stores. These are large clips used to hold thick bundles of paper together. You can simply use about 4 or 5 of these clips along the wire rims of the tunnels to hold them together.
Actually, this is the reason why you
should get one. When practicing, the tunnel works great for a
reward...
to break up the monotony of other obstacles he might not like as well. For
example, after your dog does a stay on the pause table, use the tunnel as your
next obstacle. Your dog will be much
more eager to learn the more difficult obstacles if he has his favorite obstacle
in the lineup.
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BACK TO THE PRACTICE TUNNEL PAGE
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Tunnel Information Page
"How do these
tunnels compare
to competition tunnels?"
