How to: Slide Play Tunnels

Dog agility is growing as a sport. Dog owners of all ages and body types can compete easily, but finding the equipment or space to practice can be a little difficult, especially in smaller towns and communities. Many people are making their own equipment out of inexpensive materials available at hardware or craft stores. One obstacle that is popular with dogs of any breed and physical ability is the slide tunnel. Dogs race into one end of this obstacle, then barrel out of the other. Because it's located on the ground, senior dogs or those that aren't as physically healthy as others can easily do this part of the course.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal craft rings
  • Waterproof material, at least three yards
  • Sewing machine or hand needle
  • Industrial strength thread
  • Luan board or scrap wood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draft a blueprint of the tunnel. The size of your tunnel will depend on the size of your dog and the length of the space you have to set up your obstacle. A small dog such as a chihuahua won't need a tunnel big enough for a Border collie.

    • 2

      Cut luan board. You'll need thin boards to use as a base of your tunnel, but you want them to be able to move into different positions such as "C" shaped tunnels or "S" shaped. Cut the wood into strips at least nine inches wide and about eighteen inches long.

    • 3
      Dogs love tunnels, just make sure it's supported well.

      Sew pocket in material. Overlap one edge at least one foot making the material wide enough to hold the strips of luan boards. Insert the wood bases pieces, leave two inch gaps between each piece. Place an inch worth of stitches at the end of each wood piece to prevent it from slipping. This pocket and wood combination will support your tunnel more safely than using cord and stakes.

    • 4
      Your rings should stand on their sides, supported by the cloth and by the stitches.

      Space metal rings. Thin rings are available at most craft stores, starting at six inches in diameter. Your rings need to be large enough that your dog can slip through them easily without touching the sides. At the end of each wood base piece, lay a ring, then stitch over one side of the ring about two inches in length.

    • 5

      Wrap material over rings and sew. Overlap the rest of your material over the top of the rings and sew together the top in one long seam. Hand stitch a few inches of stitches over the top of each ring to prevent it from slipping. Finish edges, sew around them to reinforce, over the front and back rings to prevent stray threads from catching on your dog's collar.