Start with a short tunnel, with a helper holding the dog at one end and you at the other end. Be sure that your dog sees both the opening and the exit clearly. Making eye contact with your dog through the tunnel, call your dog’s name and reward him once he moves through the tunnel to meet you at the other side. As your dog gains confidence going through the tunnel, you can increase the length of the tunnel gradually, until it is fully extended and your dog is blazing through it with confidence!

The keys to successful tunnel training are to practice often and make it fun! In this video, KPA CTP Kristen Lee practices tunnel training with her whippet, Aspen. Note how Kristen throws a party for her dog for each successful tunnel run, culminating in a fun game of tug! With Aspen’s high level of enthusiasm, who wouldn’t want to run through that tunnel?

Looking for more ideas for training critical sport skills? Check out Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Sports Essentials course!