Dish - Tunnel Incident - Rugby Dog Agility Show 2011 - Running Contacts

The subject of this video is in no way a criticism of the judge of this class or Rugby DTC but I believe it illustrates that a better/safer method of securing tunnels in agility in the UK needs to be looked at, perhaps just a tweaking of the current ones. We have thankfully (in most cases) moved on from using the metal cradles that in the past caused severe injuries to several dogs, is it now time to move on again? I think there must be a better solution. Our dogs gives us 100% and we owe it to them to make agility as safe as possible for them.

The straps securing the tunnel, whether they are the velcro type or the adjustable strap type, are pulled tight across the tunnel in between the ridges to reduce movement but this also reduces the diameter of the tunnel aperture by about 2" (5 cm) so the tunnel entrance from the dog's perspective gives a misleading impression of the size/height so they are running full speed into what is really a "trap" where a short way into the tunnel the height is reduced dramatically and they smash into something that has virtually no give in it with their shoulders or spines. I count myself very lucky that this incident was not worse for Dish, I just hope tunnels aren't a concern for him in the future. He will be checked out by my vet later today just to be sure he's ok.

PS He was absoutely 100% and had no worries about doing tunnels. :-)

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog agility
• running contacts
• running dog walk
• running A frame
• Nedlo Strictly Classified

[eedogs]

I've seen the same thing happen in the US. Last fall, I found some very nice tunnel straps that distribute the pressure across three ridges of a tunnel, instead of compressing between the ridges. They are expensive but work very well. Let me know if you'd like more information. I don't make them and have never met the fellow that does, but I'm impressed with his product and think it is safer for our dogs who try so hard!

Glad your dog is okay!