Rally Obedience

Rally Obedience is a fun dog sport that combines elements of agility with traditional obedience.  The emphasis is on fun and a true working partnership between you and your dog while providing a more natural and interactive approach than traditional competitive obedience. 

So many dogs get bored while learning traditional obedience and Rally is a great way to improve your dog's working attitude while developing a sense of teamwork! 

In Rally Obedience, the dog and handler complete a course consisting of skill stations (10 - 20 stations depending on the level).  Each station provides a sign instructing the skill to be demonstrated.  Unlike traditional obedience, lots of communication is allowed because the goal is "teamwork"!   Unless otherwise specified in these AKC Regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. 

From the AKC website:  The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions.

LEVELS OF RALLY OBEDIENCE

NOVICE

• All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.

• There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises.

• The exercises performed vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course.

• Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands and pat their legs through the course.

  ADVANCED

  This is the second level, which includes more difficult exercises throughout the course.

• All exercises are performed off-leash.

• There is a requirement of 12-17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises.

• Exercises include a jump as well as calling your dog to the front of you instead of to a heel position.

EXCELLENT

This third and highest level of AKC Rally is the most challenging.

• Exercises are performed off-leash except for the honor exercise.

• There is a requirement of 15-20 stations, with no more than 7 stationary exercises.

• Handlers are only allowed to encourage their dogs verbally. Physical encouragement is not allowed at this level.