Halt, sit,
and forward: While heeling, the handler
halts and the dog comes to sit in heel position. The
team then moves forward to the next sign with the dog
remaining in heel position.
270 degree right turn: While heeling,
the team makes a 270-degree turn (three-quarters of a
circle) that starts to the handler's right and finishes
with the team headed to the left of the original direction.
Another version of this exercise has the team starting
the circle to the left and finishing by heading right
of the original direction.
Call dog front, forward right: While
heeling, the handler stops forward motion and calls the
dog to sit in front. The handler can take several steps
backwards to aid the dog in sitting straight in front.
The handler then continues forward so the dog has to pivot
to get back into heel position.
Slow, fast, and normal paces: three separate
exercises as performed in novice obedience classes.
Stand for exam: a two-part exercise that
requires the dog to stand-stay by one sign while the handler
proceeds to a second sign. The handler then returns to
the dog and the team heels forward.
Send over jumps: With the dog at the side,
the handler runs along a line six feet to the right of
the jump and sends the dog over the jump. When the dog
completes the jump, the handler calls it back to heel
position and the team.
Rally obedience, or "Rally-O" as it
has been termed by enthusiasts, is a fun obedience activity that
combines elements of obedience and agility. It is more relaxed
than precision competitive obedience, focusing instead on attitude
and enthusiasm, while the variety of exercises and courses allows
you to show off your versatility and teamwork.
As in agility, courses are designed by the judge and are different
in every trial. Exhibitors receive a course map from the judge
and can walk the course without their dogs prior to the start
of the class. Judges design their courses by choosing from more
than four dozen stations that direct handlers and dogs to perform
specific exercises.
A sign at each station gives instructions to the dog-handler team,
and each team must execute the station's particular task within
two-to-four feet of the sign. Once the judge gives the command
"forward," the dog and handler complete 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
to encourage their dogs at the novice and advanced levels except
physically touch them or make corrections with the leash. Encouragement
is allowed at the excellent level but handlers cannot pat their
legs or clap their hands as they can in novice and advanced classes.
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-recall, or to follow other basic obedience exercises.
Rally emphasizes fun and excitement for the dog/handler team while
providing an interactive approach to obedience. The focus is on
teamwork, communication and fun, rather than precision. The exercises
involved in the course will help build your skills as a handler
and increase your dog's repertoire of behaviors. Praise, encouragement,
and continuous communication are permitted in this sport.
As it does with obedience and agility, AKC offers
Rally titles at three levels:
Novice, with on-leash exercises that demonstrate the dog's
understanding of basic commands such as sit, stay, down, and
come and heel position;
Advanced, a set of exercises performed off-leash that includes
at least one jump; and
Excellent, a more difficult off-leash course that includes
at least one jump and demonstrates more precise skill and coordination
between the dog and handler.
By the end of the Lucky Dog training class, you and your
dog will know how to perform all the exercises for novice
Rally, and know how to read and complete a variety of Rally
courses. In this class you will gain the skills to be able
to pass a Rally Novice trial. The teaching method is at Lucky
Dog is positive reinforcement. Whether you are interested
in competing for Rally titles, or just want to try something
new and fun with your dog, this is the sport for you!
You are allowed to talk to and praise your dog
in the rally ring! Rally is the place to build a relationship
with your dog and refine your communication with your four-legged
teammate.
RESOURCES
A complete description of Rally Obedience, including regulations can be found at the AKC website
AKC is one organization that sanctions rally trials. Find out about APDT Rally.
• Rally
Classes
•
Rally
I
Rally-O is a fun obedience activity that combines elements
of obedience and agility. Rally emphasizes fun and excitement
for the dog/handler team while providing an interactive approach
to obedience. The focus is on teamwork, communication and fun,
rather than precision. The exercises involved in the course
will help build your skills as a handler and increase your dog's
repertoire of behaviors. Praise, encouragement, and continuous
communication are permitted in this sport.
By the end of this class, you and your dog will know how to
perform the 31 exercises for novice Rally, and know how to read
and complete a variety of Rally courses. In this class you will
gain the skills to be able to pass a Rally Novice trial. The
teaching method is positive reinforcement. Whether you are interested
in competing for Rally titles, or just want to try something
new and fun with your dog, this is the sport for you!
At the conclusion of this class, the dog and handler team will
be able to move continuously through a Rally course of 10-20
signs with the dog at the handler's left side. At each numbered
sign they will perform the indicated exercise then move to the
next sign. Unlimited communication is encouraged - the handler
can talk to the dog and give multiple commands and signals.
For this class you will need: a flat buckle collar or a slip
collar and a 4-ft or 6-ft lead (no flexi leads, please), a treat
bag full of treats (bring lots and lots, more than you think
you need; be sure not to feed your dog dinner!), and comfortable
shoes (you're going to do some walking!). (Prerequisite- Obedience
I or equivalent)
Rally
II
We will continue to work on and perfect the skills taught in
Rally I. This is a class for those who have completed Rally
I and are ready to move into the Rally Advanced ring. Performance
is encouraged off leash and includes jumps. Satisfactory completion
should enable the team to earn an AKC Rally Advanced (RA) title.
Focus
Foundation
Learn the basic skills needed to build a better relationship
with your family dog or to start competitive dog sports such
as agility and rally. This class is the foundation for all future
training. It will increase communication and awareness between
your dog and you. Some of the skills we will cover include attention,
some off leash control, ability to work around other dogs as
well as people and distractions, drive and motivation, confidence
and basic obedience such as sit, down, stay and come. Other
topics covered include: heel and side position, toy drive, and
motivation. The focus of the class is on gaining skills and
confidence to create the right relationship to become an effective
team. This class is a prerequisite to Intro to Agility as well
as a great prelude to any obedience class. This, or graduation
from another obedience class, is the prerequisite for Rally.
This class is a prerequisite to Intro to Agility as well as
a great prelude to any obedience class.
Practice,
practice, practice! Join the Club and make your dog
a Lucky Dog! Get a membership and use the facility on your schedule
to practice whenever there is no other class or event.
Handlers
may not use treats or toys in the ring, but may do anything else
to encourage their dogs at the novice and advanced levels except
physically touch them or make corrections with the leash. Encouragement
is allowed at the excellent level but handlers cannot pat their
legs or clap their hands as they can in novice and advanced classes.
Rally
I