Difficulty: Easy
Price Point: $18.74-$314.99
Supplies: Tunnel
About Tunnels: Tunnels are probably one of the funnest agility obstacles for dogs, I know Toby loves his! Tunnels range form $18.74 for a child's play tunnel, all the way up to $314.99 for a heavy duty competition tunnel. Choosing a tunnel depends on your budget and your preferences. The tunnel I chose was on the cheaper side at $36.99 but offered better construction and size than the cheapest tunnels available. Now lets explore your options!
Toys R' Us: Toys R' Us carries several different child's play tunnels that are 6'-9' long with diameters ranging from 19"-22" and starting at $18.74 for Pacific Play Tents Find Me Tunnel up to $54.99 for Find Me Giant Tunnel. These tunnels are great if you have a small yard and/or a smaller dog. The 19" diameter tunnel didn't work for my Rott./Chow 70lb puppy as he had to crouch down to get through it. Any dog 20" at the withers will fit perfectly through the 19" tunnels without any problems.
Shop eBay: eBay is a great place to shop for tunnels. Sellers offer the shorter, light weight tunnels starting at $19.99. My preferred tunnel is a 18 foot 24" diameter tunnel made of 600D Dacron. This tunnel cost $37.00 with free shipping, by far the best deal around for the length and diameter. The material is a bit heavier than the kid's play tunnel but no way near as heavy as a competition tunnel. It also has grommet tabs along the length and included 7 metal stakes to secure it to the ground. My ground is hard so these stakes bent on the first try going in the ground. I have since made braces to avoid using the stakes. So far it has held up well, as long as it is not left in the sun it should last for some time.
But It Now
Competition Tunnels: Competition tunnels range from 10'-20' with diameters of 24". They are made of a heavy vinyl material with rib spacing at 4" intervals (per AKC regulations) There are a number of online retailers that offer tunnels in a variety of colors, lengths and prices. Below are some of my favorite places that have great tunnels.
AKC Open Tunnel Regulations: Regulations tunnels are to be 10'-20' in length with diameters of 24" with a tolerance of 2" and a 4" rib spacing is recommended. They are to be made of a flexible, durable material that can be formed into curved shapes. No portion of a tunnel holder that is underneath the tunnel shall be more than 1½-inches thick and tunnel supports when used in location other than the beginning and end of the tunnel shall not have a rigid upright (i.e., steel/wood) that is capable of fitting between the ribs thus possibly projecting into the tunnel. Open tunnels must be made of an opaque material. To ensure safety, the color of the material of an open tunnel may not be black and if the tunnel is double lined, dark interiors such as dark blue, dark brown, dark green, dark red/burgundy, and dark purple shall not be allowed.
AKC Open Tunnel Regulations: Regulations tunnels are to be 10'-20' in length with diameters of 24" with a tolerance of 2" and a 4" rib spacing is recommended. They are to be made of a flexible, durable material that can be formed into curved shapes. No portion of a tunnel holder that is underneath the tunnel shall be more than 1½-inches thick and tunnel supports when used in location other than the beginning and end of the tunnel shall not have a rigid upright (i.e., steel/wood) that is capable of fitting between the ribs thus possibly projecting into the tunnel. Open tunnels must be made of an opaque material. To ensure safety, the color of the material of an open tunnel may not be black and if the tunnel is double lined, dark interiors such as dark blue, dark brown, dark green, dark red/burgundy, and dark purple shall not be allowed.
Happy Tunneling!
Updated 2.14.12
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