The team of dog and handler moves continuously at a brisk, but normal, pace with the dog under control at the handler's left side. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during the numbered exercises and between the exercise signs; however, perfect "heel position" is not required. Any faults in traditional obedience that would be evaluated and scored as a one-point deduction or more should be scored the same in Rally, unless otherwise mentioned in the Rally Regulations. After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence of numbered signs correctly.
What Is Rally?
Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience.
Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. Unless otherwise specified in these Regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Multiple commands and/or signals using one or both arms and hands are allowed; the handler's arms need not be maintained in any particular position at any time. The handler may not touch the dog or make physical corrections. At any time during the performance, loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.
Rally provides a link from the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program to obedience or agility competition, both for dogs and handlers. In addition, rally promotes fun and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition.
NOVICE and ADVANCED RALLY – (1hour class for 8 weeks):
Each class builds on the previous class; therefore, it is strongly advised that students try to not miss any classes.
Novice Rally
This class is available to all students who have completed at least one Advanced Obedience class or has exhibited handling skills and control of the dog that are equivalent.
The class covers the AKC rules and execution of each of the 31 Novice Rally exercises. All exercises are performed on leash. Pinch collars although discouraged are permitted if necessary to maintain control of the dog.
Each team goes through a different Rally Course each week after first being allowed to do a “walk through” just like a real trial. In addition, each handler will have the opportunity to experience a Rally Trial setting as they learn how Rally exercises are scored using a judge’s score sheet, and how to complete a Rally Trial entry form. Each student will take a turn at judging, as well as being rally table steward and timer.
Advance/Excellent Rally
This class is available to students which have completed at least one Novice Rally class. Novice exercises are not covered in Advanced Rally. It is assumed that the student already knows them.
All exercises are performed off leash, although leashes are permitted if necessary during class. Pinch collars are strongly discouraged.
The exercises in Advance/Excellent include 19 additional signs. The difficultly level of these exercises is considerably greater than Novice. One or two jumps are involved in each of the Advanced or Excellent Rally courses, as well as several pivots, heeling backwards, and other fun things.
NOTE: A combination Rally class is held on Tuesdays at 1:30pm. This class is for any Rally student who wants extra practice or who cannot attend either the Monday or Wednesday night classes.
The Advanced/Excellent Rally Class finished up the spring session with an outdoor course held at the home of an instructor.
The Novice Rally Class ended the session with a monster course consisting of 40 stations.
Everyone graduated with HONORS and had lots of fun.
