Why Tunnel Bags Matter: Keeping Agility Dogs Safe and Injury-Free
- Paws Academy
- May 12
- 4 min read
The overlooked hero of dog agility courses
If you’ve ever watched a dog agility competition or taken part in a training session, you’ll know how exciting it is to see dogs zoom through tunnels at top speed. Tunnels are a key obstacle in agility training, loved by most dogs for the thrill and speed they bring. But behind the scenes, there’s a not-so-glamorous piece of equipment that plays a critical role in keeping those high-speed manoeuvres safe — tunnel bags.
At Paws Academy, we’re committed to prioritising safety alongside fun in every session. Tunnel bags might seem like a small detail, but they’re vital in preventing injuries and building confidence in dogs as they train. Here’s why they’re so important and why we use a lot of them.
Tunnel movement is more dangerous than it looks
Agility tunnels are made of lightweight, flexible material, which allows them to be shaped into curves and turns. While this is great for course variety, it also means they’re prone to shifting if they’re not properly secured.
Imagine a dog racing into a tunnel at full speed, only for the tunnel to slide or twist under their paws. This can cause:
Sudden changes in footing
Collapse of the tunnel
Disorientation or hesitation in the dog
Joint or muscle injuries, particularly to shoulders and wrists
Confidence loss, which can set back training progress
It’s not dramatic to say that a loose tunnel can be a real hazard. This is especially true for young, eager dogs who are still learning how to control their speed and movement — or older dogs that might have reduced flexibility or strength.
Tunnel bags: simple tool, major safety upgrade
Tunnel bags are weighted covers or saddlebags that go over and around the ends and middle sections of agility tunnels. Their sole purpose is to prevent movement — anchoring the tunnel firmly in place no matter how fast or forcefully a dog enters or exits.
But here’s where it gets more technical than it looks on the surface.
For true stability, you don’t just need a couple of bags tossed at each end. You need:
A balanced distribution of weight along the tunnel
Strategic placement at entry, exit, and any points of curvature
Appropriate sizing based on the tunnel’s diameter and the surface it’s on
This is why we use a lot of tunnel bags at Paws Academy — far more than what you’d see in casual setups. Because when it comes to safety, there’s no cutting corners.
What surfaces increase tunnel movement risk?
The type of surface a tunnel is placed on has a huge impact on how much it shifts. On indoor rubber flooring or dry artificial turf, movement is usually more subtle, but still present. On grass, especially in damp Irish weather, tunnels can skid dramatically without warning.
Gravel or uneven terrain adds another layer of complexity. Even if the tunnel doesn’t slide outright, it may wobble or tilt under the dog’s weight. These small movements might not seem serious, but they can cause a loss of balance or even stress injuries over time.
This is why securing tunnels properly, with enough bags to manage both ends and curves, becomes even more essential outdoors.
Confidence matters as much as physical safety
It’s not just about injury prevention. When a tunnel shifts under a dog, it can shake their confidence. A confident dog is an agile dog — one that trusts the course and their own movement.
We see it all the time: a young dog enters a loose tunnel once, gets a fright when it wiggles or collapses slightly, and then refuses to go near tunnels again. Now you’re dealing with a behavioural challenge that could’ve been completely avoided.
By using multiple tunnel bags, we create a rock-solid tunnel structure that feels the same every time a dog runs through it. This builds positive associations, consistency, and confidence.
In other words, good tunnel bag use makes training more enjoyable and effective — and prevents future behavioural setbacks.
Not all tunnel bags are equal
We use purpose-built tunnel bags that are designed specifically for agility courses. They’re heavy enough to anchor firmly, shaped to distribute weight safely, and made from materials that won’t tear or degrade with moisture.
DIY weights or makeshift solutions (like sandbags or bricks) are not just ineffective, they can actually be dangerous if they shift, have sharp edges, or distract the dog during the run.
If you’re training at home or setting up your own course, we strongly recommend investing in proper tunnel bags. It’s one of the most valuable safety upgrades you can make.
How we use tunnel bags at Paws Academy
Our approach to tunnel safety is deliberate and detailed. Here’s what we do at every session:
We assess the surface before placing any tunnels.
We use multiple tunnel bags per tunnel, strategically placed for maximum stability.
We constantly monitor for shifting during training and adjust as needed.
We replace or repair any worn bags promptly — no exceptions.
We also educate our clients about the importance of these safety measures. It’s one of the many small details we focus on, so that you and your dog can focus on the fun.
Training isn’t just about performance — it’s about prevention
Dog agility is a sport, and like any sport, it carries a risk of injury. But with thoughtful course design and proper use of equipment, those risks can be significantly reduced.
Tunnel bags might not be the flashiest part of an agility setup, but they’re absolutely essential. We’re not just securing obstacles — we’re securing your dog’s safety, their confidence, and their long-term enjoyment of the sport.
Let us help you get it right — in person or online
Whether you’re just getting started with agility or looking to improve your current setup, we’re here to help. At Paws Academy, we offer expert training in person and through virtual consultations, making it easy to get tailored guidance no matter where you are in the world.
From proper tunnel use to full agility course design, we’ve got the experience to help you train smarter, safer, and with more confidence.
