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1st May 2020

Best Dog Agility Tunnels

Dog agility tunnels are a great way of providing key exercise and excitement in your dog’s life, as well as giving you a pretty thorough workout as well! Not only does dog agility help exercise your pooch, but it also offers you a fantastic bonding experience and can help with their training as they learn to understand new commands in a fun and enjoyable way.

Features to Look for in Dog Agility Tunnels

While some dog agility tunnels will come with special features such as extra toys, sensory materials, or dog agility tunnel bags for easy transportation, we think the most important 3 things to consider when picking the best dog agility tunnels for your pooch is the size, material, and price of the item. Getting these 3 aspects right from the offset can make the difference between an unhappy animal and a first class show-dog. So, why are these things so important?

Size: First things first, you need to make sure you get the right size tunnel for your beloved pet. Dog agility tunnels come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, and getting the one that’s right for your dog (or even cat) will make training a much more pleasurable experience for both of you. Take the time to measure your pup to ensure it’s not too big (intimidating) or too small (uncomfortable), as a dog training tunnel that’s designed for your dog’s specific size will be far more fun.

Material: Most dog agility tunnels are likely to be made out of some form of polymer fabric such as Dracon, or possibly PVC. As no dog training tunnel is likely to be made out of anything toxic, the main reason this is on the list is because you need to ensure you’ve picked up a tunnel that’s made out of something strong enough to withstand plenty of paws scrabbling through it, possibly at speed. Fabric tunnels are handy as they’re super flexible and are usually much easier to pack away into a small space, while a PVC option is better if you intend to leave them setup outside and want something with a bit more weight to it. PVC dog agility tunnels tend to be more expensive, and might be more appropriate for someone who is serious about dog agility training rather than someone who is new to the activity.

Price: Naturally, price plays a part in this decision just as it does with everything! While you do get what you pay for when it comes to the best dog agility tunnels, this isn’t a hard and fast rule and just because something is super expensive doesn’t mean it’s the right product for you. Our best advice here is find a budget you’re comfortable with a read customer reviews carefully to get a good idea of the quality of dog training tunnel you’re buying. You might also want to keep an eye open for warranties and return policies just in case your pooch is a little more enthusiastic than the tunnel is prepared for!

Buying Guide:

Now that you’ve got an idea of some of the things to look out for when picking the best dog agility tunnel for your pup, read on to discover what we think are the best of the bunch, followed by some really useful FAQs!

Best Choice  – HDP 18ft Dog Agility Training Tunnel

Our best choice for dog agility tunnels both in terms of quality and price is this bright blue dog training tunnel from HDP. The tunnel spans a massive 18 feet with plenty of flexibility to add curves and corners to the course. The structure of the tunnel basically acts as a giant slinky covered in the most durable intertwine-woven Dacron material available so you can easily adjust the length or angles whether you’re making a course inside your home or out in the garden. The tunnel itself is AKC compliant, so you can trust it for safety, and you can easily pack the whole thing away in the included dog agility tunnel bags including a carry case and clear plastic pouch for the stakes. The wide 24” opening makes this a great tunnel for medium-large dogs and the long length ensures plenty of distance for your pup to run through. The spring-like metal support structure is incredibly flexible yet supportive, so you can create any sort of course you like.

Key Features:

·       Tunnel measures 18ft long with a 24” opening

·       Blue cover made from durable intertwine wove oxford Dacron

·       The steel spring set diameter is 3mm to allow plenty of flexibility

·       AKC compliant

·       Comes with convenient carry case and metal stakes

Best Value – PAWZ Collapsible Tunnel

A brilliant, affordable option, this collapsible tunnel is aimed at smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, ferrets, or small dogs. The tunnel extends to a length of 47.2” and has a number of cords at the entrance that could be used to attach the tunnel to other products to elongate the adventure. The tunnel makes a great hiding place for more shy animals and the twin “peek-a-boo” holes allow you to play with your pet while they’re inside as well as letting them look out at the world. The crinkle sound made when your pet steps into the tunnel has been carefully designed to satisfy a predator’s natural instinct and the reinforced springs are strong enough to hold their shape even when jumped on! Once your pet has had their fill of the tunnel, the whole thing folds up completely and ties together for easy storage. What’s more, the premium polyester material used on the tunnel is easy to clean and doesn’t collect hairs.

Key Features:

·       Tunnel extends to 47.2” long with an opening of 9.8”

·       Tunnel is made from premium polyester that doesn’t collect hairs in addition to a reinforced spring

·       The entire tunnel easily folds up completely and can be attached using incorporated cord ties

·       Dual “peek-a-boo” windows are great for extra fun while playing

Premium Pick – Lord Anson Dog Agility Set

So much more than just a dog training tunnel, our premium pick for the best dog agility tunnels includes a 16 feet tunnel, adjustable jump stand, and a 6-pole weave set to give your pooch the full agility experience. All equipment by Lord Anson has been fully designed and tested by an experienced team of dog owners and experts. This set is a perfect starter kit for anyone who’s looking to get into dog agility training as it contains all the pieces you need to get ready for the big time. The dog training tunnel is fully collapsible, comes with dog agility tunnel bags for convenient storage, and can be secured to the ground using metal grommets and stakes. The tunnel measures 16 feet long with a 23.5” opening that’s suitable for almost all dog sizes. This set also comes with 6 agility weave poles measuring 39” tall and featuring strong metal spikes that can easily be pressed into the ground. The set also includes an adjustable dog jump that can be set from 1 foot up to 39” to suit your pooch’s size and skill level.

Key Features:

·       Dog training tunnel measures 16 feet long with an opening of 23.5”

·       Comes with 6 weave poles measuring 39” with metal spikes to secure to the ground

·       Dog jumping hurdle can be adjusted from 1 foot up to 39”

·       Comes with dog agility tunnel bags for storage and easy transportation

Outward Hound ZipZoom Indoor Dog Agility Training Kit

This agility set has been designed to strengthen the bond between you and your pooch through play and features a short dog training tunnel, adjustable jumping hurdle, and 4 weave poles. All the equipment is incredibly easy to set up or take down and can quickly be packed into the included dog agility tunnel bags. The dog agility tunnels are designed to be square and measure approximately 2.5 feet, offering plenty of space for even large dogs to comfortably sit inside, yet folds down to just 16” when placed in the carry bag. The 4 weave poles are also collapsible for easy storage and the hurdle can be easily adjusted to the hight you’re comfortable with. The hurdles and weave poles are all incredibly lightweight, so they will simply topple when knocked by your dog rather than causing the dog any pain or discomfort and is best used indoors to build your pup’s confidence and help them learn new agility skills.

Key  Features:

·       Includes a square dog training tunnel measuring approximately 2.5 feet

·       Also comes with 4 weave poles and an adjustable dog hurdle

·       Everything can be packed into small dog agility tunnel bags

·       Lightweight and easy to set up

PawHut 4PC Dog Agility Training Course Kit

This awesome 4-piece dog agility set contains everything a new owner might need to start their pooch on the bath to becoming an agility course pro. Featuring a variety of different equipment types that will challenge your pet and keep them interested along with convenient dog agility tunnel bags so you can easily pack away and store your equipment, this is a great option for anyone who’s committed to agility training. The set includes a wide, open tunnel measuring 58.5” with a 24” diameter, vertical weave poles that measure 24” high, an adjustable hurdle, and a square “pause” box for your pup to ace the landing after their performance! Everything is made from high quality 190T polyester material that has been designed to resist tearing and ripping even during rigorous use, so you should be able to get plenty of life out of this agility kit!

Key Features:

·       Open tunnel is 58.5” long with a 24” diameter

·       Comes with 8 vertical weave poles measuring 24” tall each

·       Also includes an adjustable hurdle and square “pause” box

·       Everything is super lightweight and can be packed away in the included dog agility tunnel bags

·       Made of 190T polyester material

CHEERING PET 28PC Dog Agility Equipment

This might not be the cheapest, but thanks to the huge range of obstacles and equipment included in this set, we think it’s definitely one of the best dog agility tunnels and more available. Including a massive 28 different pieces, this set includes a huge 58.5” long dog training tunnel, 2 vertical poles, 8 slalom poles, an adjustable hurdle, string, a rope toy, a whistle, a square pause box, stakes, and carrying bags to help you transport everything. Way better than standard dog toys, this set gives you and your pup a chance to play together and enjoy each other’s company as you exercise and engage the mind of your pet in a range of challenges whether you’re thinking of going pro or just want to have some fun! Every item in this set is made of the highest quality materials that are designed to last the test of time even under rough play and includes some useful instructions and tips to help you make the most of your agility set.

Key Features:

·       Dog training tunnel measures 58.5” long with a 24” diameter

·       Also comes with 2x vertical poles, 8x slalom poles, adjustable hurdle, strong, rope toy, whistle, square pause box, and stakes

·       Everything can be easily packed away into 3x carry bags

·       Made from high-quality material to withstand rough play

Houseables Dog Training Tunnel

This awesome dog training tunnel spans an impressive 18 feet with a generous 24” diameter perfect for almost any size dog to enjoy and is in accordance with the Regulation Sized used by professional, sanctioned dog events. The tunnel is lined with a bright blue material that’s made from an incredibly lightweight yet durable 600D woven Oxford Dacron designed to withstand play. The steel springs are strong enough to tolerate plenty of rough and tumble, yet still allow you to easily manipulate angles and corners into the dog training tunnel for some extra excitement and the whole thing can be easily folded away into the included circular carry case with nylon handles that makes transportation a breeze.

Key Features:

·       Tunnel measures 18 feet long with a 24” diameter

·       Made from 600D woven Oxford Dacron with steel springs

·       Comes with convenient carry case and opens like a pop-out tent

·       Includes 8-12 7” long mounting stakes to secure tunnel in place

·       AKC and NADAC compliant

N&M Products Furry Friends Dog Agility Tunnel

Most of the best dog agility tunnels will be compliant with regulation standards when it comes to sizing, and this FurryFriends 18 feet dog training tunnel is no exception! With a 24” diameter and open ends, this tunnel is great for a wide variety of different dog sizes and offers plenty of space for training and fun. The tunnel’s springs are sturdy enough to withstand playtime yet are flexible enough for you to add corners and turns in the tunnel to create a more exciting experience for your pooch, plus the entire tunnel can be easily folded to fit into the small dog agility tunnel bags carry case that’s included with your purchase. The tunnel uses strong metal stakes that can be pressed flush to the ground so your pup doesn’t trip or hurt themselves while running around.

Key Features:

·       Dog agility tunnels measure 18 feet long with 24” diameter

·       AKC approved

·       Made of sturdy interwoven Oxford Dacron

·       Comes with 8 steel inserts to secure to the grass and a carry case

Outdoor Hound ZipZoom 3PC Dog Agility Training Set

Another awesome dog agility training set from Outdoor Hound, this set is a step up from the agility kit we mentioned earlier by the same manufacturers as it includes a high jump in addition to the square tunnel and 6 weave poles we saw earlier. Again, each piece of equipment included in this set is incredibly lightweight and can easily be packed away in the convenient carry bags for storage or transportation and the variety of obstacles provide plenty of stimulation for your pooch. The dog training tunnel in this set measures approximately 36” long and can be attached to the ground using metal hooks and stakes. The hoop part of the high jump has a diameter of 24” and the height can be adjusted up to 20” from the ground, offering a fun challenge to jumping dogs!

Key Features:

·       Dog training tunnel measures 36” long

·       Hoop high jump has diameter of 24” and can be adjusted to a maximum of 20” above the ground

·       Also comes with 6 weave poles and a training tips booklet

·       Everything is lightweight and can be easily transported in the included carry case.

COZIWOW Dog Training Tunnel with Bag

If this list is anything to go from, you’ll have learned by now that all the best dog agility tunnels are blue! This extra-long training tunnel from COZIWOW is no exception and has been made from the highest quality Oxford material with built-in steel rings to create a blue tunnel that’s waterproof, tear-resistant, scratch-resistant, and durable for long-term use indoors or outdoors. The tunnel measures an impressive 16.4 feet long with a 23.6” diameter perfect for most dogs and is incredibly easy to set up and secure thanks to the 8 included rustproof stakes that sit flush to the ground. Using the dog agility tunnel bags included with this tunnel, you can easily fold up the tunnel to almost completely flat for easy storage and transportation.

Key Features:

·       Made of premium Oxford cloth with steel rings

·       Waterproof, tear-resistant, scratch-resistant, and durable

·       Measures 16.4 feet long with a 23.6” diameter

·       Includes rustproof metal stakes and carry case

FAQs:

If you’re new to dog agility training, it’s entirely possible you still have some questions about the process. Thankfully, our experts have found the top 3 questions posed by dog owners when it comes to dog agility tunnels and have done their best to answer them:

What is a dog agility tunnel?

Dog agility is basically like an obstacle course for your pup. Officially, it’s a “sport” for dogs that requires owners to get involved by training their dogs well and usually running alongside them while they complete the challenges. Most agility courses will include at least one dog agility tunnel, which your pooch must run straight through. These tunnels may have sharp angles or other distractions/special features to add to the challenge.

Do dogs like agility tunnels?

Dogs are natural hunters, and their instincts call them to dig, climb, and crawl through enclosed spaces in the hunt for pray. A dog training tunnel is designed to mimic these types of environments and help fulfil the hunting and chasing instincts your dog possesses. In addition, dog agility tunnels are a great way to help your dog exercise and get rid of excess energy as well as bringing the two of you closer together in a fun and healthy way as you run together and teach your pooch new skills.

That said, some (in particular, very young) dogs might find agility tunnels intimidating to start, so if it’s the first time you’re introducing your four-legged-friend to a tunnel you should try to make it as unintimidating as possible so they can learn to love it.

How do you train a dog to go through an agility tunnel?

If your pup has never gone through a dog training tunnel before, it’s best to start simple and take a step-by-step approach to training. Before you try to encourage them to run through the tunnel, it’s a good idea to set it up and leave your dog to investigate in their own time, sniffing away. Once they seem happy with the existence of the tunnel, start encouraging them to go inside by shortening the tunnel as much as possible and making sure they can see you or another friendly face at the other end. Call to your pup and offer them treats for walking through to create a positive association and, over time, you should be able to extend the tunnel and eventually add things like corners to make the experience even more exciting for both of you.

Our best piece of advice? Take your time with training and don’t expect too much from your dog too soon. Agility training can take time, but once your pooch learns dog agility tunnels aren’t really scary you will both be able to enjoy hours of fun!