The tunnel is one of the basic obstacles on an agility course. It can be seen in different shapes and lengths, as well as with different approach angles. There are some specific handling techniques that can be applied on this obstacle.

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From the obstacle training point of view, the dog should be able to find the tunnel entry from all approach angles and perform the obstacle regardless of the handler's movement or position. The dog will continue straight ahead after exiting, unless the handler cues a turn before the dog enters the tunnel. While entering the tunnel straight is relatively easy for all dogs, the blind entries usually require some more training.

In OneMind Dogs Method, we use different handling techniques to give the dog as much information as early as possible. This allows the dog to perform the right obstacle with correct speed for the situation in question. The dog can proceed smoothly, and faster, on the course when he doesn’t have to correct his line after every obstacle. One of the techniques that can help you get your dog on an optimal line after a tunnel is the Tunnel Brake.

Tunnel Brake is a way to tell the dog before entering the tunnel, that he needs to turn after exiting. Tunnel Brake makes the dog turn towards the handler after exiting , and the dog will be on the optimal line towards the next obstacle. The dog must see the slow down cue just before he enters the tunnel. The Tunnel Brake can be cued from any distance to the tunnel, as long as the dog can see the handler’s rhythm change. The strength of the slow down cue depends on the obstacle focus and drive intensity of the dog.

The dogs have some rules about the tunnels. They expect the handler to be on the same side of the tunnel as she was, when the dog entered it. The dogs' logic can be seen especially well when the handler sends the dog to a curved tunnel from behind the curve. Turning back from a tunnel is a technique that is based on the handler's location when the dog enters the tunnel.