Rally

( With thanks to Lucia Hackett )

Rally is a really fun introduction to the sport of obedience for dogs and owners.  The dog and handler team move continuously through a timed course of 10-20 signs. These signs (stations) give instructions to the dog handler team who mush execute the particular task at the sign. With the dog at the handler's left side the judge gives the command "forward," the team completes the course on their own without further commands from the judge. Handlers may not use treats or toys in the ring, but may do anything else (clap hands, talk, etc) to encourage their dogs at the novice and advanced levels. Encouragement is allowed at the excellent level but handlers cannot pat their legs or clap their hands as they can in novice and advanced levels.  The judge watches for a smooth performance as well as skill in following the directions.  Signs instruct teams to go fast or slow, to halt (dog must sit at heel), to make turns and circles, to reverse direction, to do a sit-stay, or to follow other basic obedience exercises. Owners and dogs especially enjoy this change from the usual silent heeling of traditional obedience as the intentions are for it to be fun for both the handler and the dog.  Scoring is less rigorous than traditional obedience.  Each team has a starting score of 100 points from which points are deducted for such faults as missed or incompletely performed stations; touching the dog, leash corrections, etc. The team with the highest score (i.e., fewest number of faults) wins first place.

A complete description of Rally Obedience rules, regulations and the signs are on the AKC website at http://www.akc.org/events/rally/getting_started.cfm .  The AKC also offered a complete listing of shows across the country.

The titles offered at each level are Rally Novice (RN) with on-leash exercises that demonstrate the dog’s understands of basic command, such as sit, stay, down, come and heel position. Rally Advanced (RA) is performed off-leash with at least one jump, and Rally Excellent (RE) offers a more difficult off-leash course that demonstrates more precise skill and coordination between the dog and handler. Each title is earned by earning three qualifying scores (legs) at three obedience trials. The Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE) title is earned by qualifying ten times in both Advanced B and Excellent B at the same trial.

A great way to get started is to contact a local dog club or training facility in your area.  Many clubs offer specific Rally classes.  It is helpful to have taken a basic obedience class prior to trying rally. In this way you and your dog will have an understanding of basic obedience moves and you will also come to know how your dog reacts in a setting with other dogs close by.  Many training facilities or clubs also offer  Rally run thrus where you can actually practice a course while an instructor gives you tips and advice on how best to perform the moves at each station.  This practice is invaluable before you actually enter an AKC Rally Show.  Another idea is to attend an AKC Rally show as a spectator before you actually enter your first show.  It is a great way to see how it works while you are relaxed.  If you see a team that you feel did an especially good run you might want to ask them where they train.  Rally is meant to be fun …..give it a try.

Here is a resource for books and videos about Rally:: http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTO206

View a video of a Rally Novice competition:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=N42YkVewIhs

View a video of a Rally Excellent competition:
http://www.dogster.com/video/430253/Christina_and_diego_rally_excellent_033107

There are many short videos on Rally Obedience at YouTube
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=rally+obedience