Rally Obedience

Rally Obedience

Rally, a new dog sport, is a mixture of obedience and fun. The mantra for Rally is “attitude over precision.” By giving your dog feedback and encouragement, the Rally team looks more like a training session then a formal obedience exercise.

In Rally, the dog/owner team enters the ring and follows a pre-set path of signs. Each sign has an exercise printed on it. The team completes each exercise in order. Scoring is based on the teams ability to complete the tasks set, and time it takes for the complication of the entire course.

The course signs start with easy commands such as: Sit, Stand, Right turn, Left turn, Slow, Fast, U-turn, and progress to more complicated tasks such as: 270 degree turns, Jumps, Finish Right or Left, Figure eight, Spirals and pivots. The higher-level courses have fun and interesting tasks such as broad jumps, recalls, and backing up in heel position. The AKC recognizes 50 different Rally signs.

In the beginning level, the team is expected to complete 10 to 15 signs with simple commands such as heel, sit, down, various turns and fronts; the same sort of things that are taught in a basic beginning obedience class. The novice level course is completed on leash.

Owners are allowed to talk to their dog throughout the courses, repeat commands, praise, and tap their legs or clap their hands. If the team messes up a task, it can be repeated. Any age dog is welcome, and starting in 2010 mixed breed dogs will also be allowed to compete in order to earn titles.

Look into participating in this sport; it is a lot of fun for both owner and pet. A good place to start on line is www.AKC.org.