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
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)
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.
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.
