The Best Dog Agility Tunnels: Reviewed

Written by Hannah Ward
Updated: December 8, 2022
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If you’re looking for something stimulating for your dog other than the usual toys, you may want to consider a dog agility tunnel. These tunnels are great for outdoor play and training, but depending on the size, can also be used indoors. They essentially teach your dog to practice bravery, and help it flex its muscles and reflexes when maneuvering.

What are the best dog agility tunnels? The best dog agility tunnels are well-made and sturdy enough for rough treatment by a dog. Some dog owners look for a dog agility tunnel for entertainment. Others participate in professional competition and need quality dog agility equipment for practice. There are owners who use their dog agility tunnels for both competition practice and for boredom relief when their dogs get restless. Fortunately, there are tunnels designed to fulfill all of those purposes!

  1. HDP 18-Foot Collapsible Agility Dog Training Tunnel
    • 18-fool collapsible dog agility tunnel
    • Made of durable intertwine wove oxford Dacron
    • Comes with storage bag and bag of stakes
    • Alloy steel frame
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. ActiveDogs Agility Heavy Duty Dog Competition Tunnel
    • Competition grade 20-foot dog agility tunnel
    • Made of polyvinyl chloride and steel coil frame
    • Weather and flame resistant material
    • Made in the USA
    Check Amazon
  3. Better Sporting Dogs 16-Foot Agility Tunnel with Sandbags
    • 16-foot sturdy polyester dog agility tunnel
    • Comes with 2 saddlebags (sand not included)
    • 24" diameter great for larger dogs
    • Comes with storage bag
    Check Amazon
  4. Houseables Dog Tunnel Agility Equipment
    • 18-foot, 24-inch diameter polyester dog agility tunnel
    • Comes with tote storage bag and stakes
    • Colors red or blue
    • Tear proof and water proof
    Check Amazon

The Top Picks for Dog Agility Tunnels: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: HDP Collapsible Agility Dog Training Tunnel

Our choice for the overall best dog agility tunnel is the HDP Collapsible Agility Dog Training Tunnel.

This tunnel is made of durable nylon that is waterproof, tear-resistant and static-free, making it a great choice for outdoor use. It measures 18 feet with an opening of 24 inches, meeting AKC specifications as well as making it suitable for dogs of many sizes.

Weighing only 2.38 pounds, this tunnel is lightweight. However, it comes with eight short stakes to secure it firmly to the ground with. One of the best features of this tunnel is that it is collapsible which makes it easy to pack away when it is not in use. It even comes with a handy bag to make it even easier to store away or move around.

Although this tunnel has a lot going for it, at 18 feet it is a little long for smaller dogs or those just learning to use a tunnel. Also, some customers have reported that it is does move around some even with the stakes as they can come out of the ground easily.

Pros and Cons of the HDP Collapsible Agility Dog Training Tunnel

ProsCons
This tunnel measures 18 feet long and 24 inches diameter to meet AKC specifications.It is not suitable for smaller dogs or those just learning to use a tunnel.
It is made from durable nylon which is waterproof and tear-resistant.It moves around as the stakes come out of the ground easily.
It is lightweight.
This tunnel comes with eight short ground stakes.
It is collapsible and comes complete with a bag for easy storage.
Best Overall
HDP 18-Foot Collapsible Agility Dog Training Tunnel
  • 18-fool collapsible dog agility tunnel
  • Made of durable intertwine wove oxford Dacron
  • Comes with storage bag and bag of stakes
  • Alloy steel frame
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Competition Tunnel: ActiveDogs Agility Heavy Duty Dog Competition Tunnel

If you’re planning on doing competitions with your pet then we recommend the ActiveDogs Agility Heavy Duty Dog Competition Tunnel.

This piece of dog agility equipment is most suited to those who have some extra money to spend and want their dogs to train in a professional competition agility tunnel. It meets the standards of the AKC, so is even a suitable purchase for professional organizations that host dog competitions.

This tunnel is 20 feet long and has a 24 inch diameter, making it ideal for helping dogs develop the speed and solid footing that they need for competition. It is made from yellow heavy-duty PVC with an alloy steel frame to ensure that it will last for years to come. It’s also waterproof which means it can be used outside whatever the weather.

Unfortunately, despite the hefty price tag there are no other accessories included with this tunnel. The other drawback is that it is heavy which makes it difficult to move and store.

Pros and Cons of the ActiveDogs Agility Heavy Duty Dog Competition Tunnel

ProsCons
This tunnel is 20 feet long and has a 24 inch diameter.This tunnel is an expensive option.
It is a competition tunnel and meets AKC specifications.It does not come with any other accessories.
It is made from heavy-duty PVC material with an alloy steel frame.It is heavy which makes it difficult to move and store.
It is waterproof which makes it suitable for use in any weather.
Best for Competitions
ActiveDogs Agility Heavy Duty Dog Competition Tunnel
  • Competition grade 20-foot dog agility tunnel
  • Made of polyvinyl chloride and steel coil frame
  • Weather and flame resistant material
  • Made in the USA
Check Amazon

3. Best for Large Dogs: Better Sporting Dogs Agility Tunnel with Sandbags

For owners with large dogs we recommend the Better Sporting Dogs Agility Tunnel with Sandbags.

One of the many features that earned this item our best dog agility tunnel for large dogs is its saddlebags. This purchase includes a set of saddlebags to put on both ends of the tunnel for stability. The bags are designed to be filled with sand, helping to anchor this lightweight tunnel. However, the sand is not included.

This tunnel measures 16 feet long and has a diameter of 24 inches which is sufficient to give a large dog the space and distance necessary to test its running skills. The tunnel itself is made from a lightweight polyester material. However, some customers have reported that it is not particularly strong and can be damaged by sharp claws.

This tunnel also comes with a sturdy bag to make storing or carrying it simple and easy.

Pros and Cons of the Better Sporting Dogs Agility Tunnel with Sandbags

ProsCons
This tunnel is 16 feet long with a diameter of 24 inches.The sand for the saddlebags is not included.
It includes two saddlebags which can be filled with sand and used to anchor each end of the tunnel.The material is not durable and can be damaged by sharp claws.
This tunnel comes with a sturdy storage bag.
Best for Large Dogs
Better Sporting Dogs 16-Foot Agility Tunnel with Sandbags
  • 16-foot sturdy polyester dog agility tunnel
  • Comes with 2 saddlebags (sand not included)
  • 24" diameter great for larger dogs
  • Comes with storage bag
Check Amazon

4. Best Value: Houseables Dog Tunnel Agility Equipment

We have selected Houseables Dog Tunnel Agility Equipment as the best value due to the extra-long tunnel and the design of its stakes.

The design of this tunnel mimics those used in professional dog agility competitions. It is 18 feet long with a 24 inch diameter. It’s made from lightweight polyester and is collapsible which makes it easy to move around. It even comes with a handy storage bag for ease of use.

This tunnel comes with eight stakes measuring seven inches each, to secure the tunnel to the ground. A great feature of these is that the top of the stake curves to one side instead of pointing directly up. This prevents dogs from stepping on a sharp edge when using the tunnel.

There are two colors available and this tunnel is suitable for small and medium dogs weighing up to 90 pounds. However, this not mean that it is not suitable for the largest breeds. The other drawback to this product is that some owners have found that the material is not durable and can be damaged by their pet’s claws.

Pros and Cons of the Houseables Dog Tunnel Agility Equipment

ProsCons
This tunnel is 18 feet long with a 24 inch diameter.It is not suitable for dogs weighing more than 90 pounds.
It is made from lightweight polyester material.The material is not durable and can be damaged by dog’s claws.
This tunnel is collapsible and comes with a handy storage bag.
This tunnel comes with eight ground stakes that have curved tops to prevent any accidental injuries if trodden on.
It is suitable for dogs weighing up to 90 pounds.
Best Value
Houseables Dog Tunnel Agility Equipment
  • 18-foot, 24-inch diameter polyester dog agility tunnel
  • Comes with tote storage bag and stakes
  • Colors red or blue
  • Tear proof and water proof
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Right Agility Tunnel for Your Dog

When looking for dog agility equipment it’s best to have some features in mind so you select one your dog will love. Searching for a dog tunnel made of durable and flexible material is a great place to start. Also, think about where you want to use it.

The three main factors to consider when choosing a dog agility tunnel are:

  • Security
  • Material
  • Size

Security

A secure dog agility tunnel remains stable on the ground when in use. Though most tunnels move a little bit while in use, a reliable tunnel doesn’t roll out of place. Some dog tunnels are made of heavy-duty material that keeps them in place while others are sold with stakes that secure them to the ground outdoors. A dog of any size will be more inclined to use an agility tunnel that feels secure in its location.

Material

If you plan to use your agility tunnel outdoors, then it’s best to choose one made of waterproof, heavy-duty material. So, if there’s dew on the grass, the tunnel will be protected from mildew. If it’s going to be used exclusively indoors, then waterproof material wouldn’t be essential. Generally, whether used indoors or out, it’s best to look for a tunnel with a flexible material that can withstand heavy use from any breed of dog.

The size of a dog is another thing to factor into this search for the best dog agility tunnel. A big and heavy breed needs a tunnel designed for large dogs. It should be made with heavy-duty material in order to be able to endure vigorous use. Alternatively, a small dog needs a lightweight tunnel made for the movements of a little canine.

The materials used in the construction of the tunnel should hold up against the necessary wear and tear associated with your dog playing in or running through it. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the highest competition quality, but more affordable options constructed of polyester or plastic that hold together for extended periods of time are still suitable.

Size

The diameter of an agility tunnel should be wide enough to easily accommodate your dog. The length of a tunnel should be based on where it will be located. A shorter tunnel would be suitable for indoor use whereas a longer one is a great choice for a spacious outdoor area.

If you want to use it in a large backyard, then a sixteen or eighteen-foot tunnel would be ideal. Alternatively, if you’d like to put it into a small basement, a six-foot-long tunnel would be a suitable choice. An owner who wants to participate in a dog agility competition should look for a tunnel with the same dimensions and design as tunnels used on a professional dog agility course.

The Best Dog Agility Tunnel: Pros and Cons Compared

With Ground Stakes

ProsCons
Ground stakes offer extra security for an outdoor tunnel.A pointed stake design can injure a dog’s paws/
They provide excellent support for larger dog breeds.Stakes may rust over time.

Without Ground Stakes

ProsCons
No extra time is needed for assembly.A less secure tunnel on a windy day.
No holes put into the grass.Not the best choice for an owner with large dogs.

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About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

The Best Dog Agility Tunnels: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How long is a dog agility tunnel?

There are a variety of lengths available. Some tunnels are just six feet long while others are 18 feet. Some shorter tunnels can be connected!

Do all dogs like agility tunnels?

Some dogs like to run through agility tunnels on a course while others aren’t interested.

How do I get a dog to be not afraid of an agility tunnel?

Using delicious dog treats can help to encourage a reluctant dog to step into a tunnel and eventually move the whole way through. A dog has to see for itself that a tunnel is safe.

What is the diameter of a dog agility tunnel?

Standard dog tunnels are 24-inches in diameter.

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