The following is meant as a guide for the novice constructing go to ground tunnels, or artificial earths.  By artificial

earths we mean “ Man Made “ earthworks. These earthworks are made from common materials, and built to meet

certain criteria set by governing organizations such as AKC, PCTA, AWTA, IPBA and others.The standard internal

dimensions of such earthworks are 9 by 9 inches, with a little leeway on corner blocks, and connecting blocks, usually

of about 1 inch. For our purposes, we have constructed a modular system of multiple tunnel section lengths, corner

blocks, and separate removal and quarry cage box's.  I will also include some extra sections that are purpose built for

Super and Mega Earth tunnels.

Novice Class Tunnel:

The novice class tunnel consists of two tunnel sections, a corner section, removal box and quarry box.  The total length

of tunnel is 10 feet from entry point to front of quarry cage. The tunnel should start with a 6 foot section, a left or right

corner section and a 3 foot tunnel section leading into the removal box.  The picture below illustrates the typical layout

for a novice tunnel.

Open / Certificate Class Tunnel:

The open or certificate class tunnel consists of 2 to3 tunnel sections, 2 or 3 corner sections, and the removal and quarry

box’s.  The total length of the tunnel is 30 feet from the entrance to the quarry box, and there must be minimum of at least

two turns, left or right, or one of each. Personally I prefer the layout below, 1 right and two left turns.  This layout conserves

space and still allows for a full 30 foot run.

Super Earth Tunnels:

Super earth tunnels are a whole different beastie. It is an extremely difficult tunnel and many dogs that normally race

tunnels can not do this tunnel. The dead end is very confusing to some dogs. The goal of this tunnel is to recreate a

natural working situation as closely as possible, while at the same time making a tunnel that is easy to transport and

set up. The experienced working dogs usually do better in this tunnel than the experienced Go To Ground dogs.

When it is set up in entirety, it has four-90 degree angles(one of which is a choke), two 120 degree angles, four

grade changes, A "dig through" and is over 65 feet long.

* Changing the layout is necessary from time to time so the dogs don't learn the pattern of the tunnel.

** Other elements such as a root roller and water hazard can be added, as well as cross overs.

Modular Tunnel Systems: 

With all the complex angles and dirrerent grades, designing a tunnel system that works is not as easy as

it seems.  Through trial and error we have come up with a system we call the modular tunnel system. It

consists of blocks we use to build the particular tunnel we need for a particular task.  From a simple

novice tunnel to the super and mega earth tunnels, the modular system works.  Below is a sample of

the different components, some with measurments, some not, but you will get the idea.  The number and

shape or type of component is up to you, as your going to be the one building or setting up the system.

Decide on how many types of tunnel you want to be able to build at a particular time, and build your

components accordingly.  We recommend that you build at least 3 of each for the basics, and the

actual tunnel sections should be in at least 3 to 4 lengths.  We use 4, 6, 8, and 10 foot sections.

Right and left 90 degree sections.  Inside diameter is 10 x 10 to drop over the end of a 9 x 9 tunnel section.

90 degree section and tunnel section being paced.        90 & T section

Samples of different tunnel sections and how they fit together

Root Roller Box Below, ( obstacle ) 

Tunnel end Liner Side View and Cutaway