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Rally Obedience

Rally is a relatively new canine sport, designed as a companion to Competitive Obedience.  Rally requires teamwork between the dog and handler and strengthens performance skills needed for formal Obedience. 

In Rally, the team follows a course of signs which specify the exercise to be performed at each station.  The dog and handler move continuously through the course at a "brisk" but natural pace. 

Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler.

Like Agility, the course will change from trial to trial, both in the selection of exercises to be performed and the design of the pathway that the team is directed to follow.  This keeps the performance fresh, offering a more "natural" approach that, when properly executed, is exciting for the dog, handler and spectator. 

In Rally, a minimum score of 70, out of a possible 100, is needed to qualify. Three legs from at least two different judges are required to earn a Rally title.  There are three levels of competition in AKC Rally.

Novice, the first level, is for those just getting started in competition.  All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.   A Novice course consists of 10-15 stations featuring turns, changes of pace, cone exercises such as weaves or spirals, and stationary exercises such as fronts/finishes and changes of position. 

Advanced, the second level of Rally, is a difficult transition.  Not only are there more exercises on each course, they are more difficult and all performed with the dog off-leash.  An Advanced course will have 12-17 stations featuring more complex exercises such as a jump, figure eight with distractions and turns in place (pivots). 

Excellent, is the third and most challenging level of AKC Rally.  An Excellent course consist of 15 to 20 stations, all performed with the dog-off leash, while a second dog performs a stay or "honor" exercise at a designated station within the ring.  Although handlers may continue to encourage their dogs verbally,  physical encouragement such as leg pats or clapping is not allowed at this level.  Excellent courses will feature two jumps, a moving stand or down while the handler walks around the dog and backing up three steps while the dog stays in heel position.

AKC Rally provides a stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to competitive obedience or agility. 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. 

Experience the ultimate in companionship and teamwork. Taste the thrill of competition. Join a Rally training class and participate in Rally trials. You and your dog will have fun!

Want to compete but don't know where to start?  Download this brochure Getting Started in AKC Companion Events which will introduce you to the AKC Sports of Obedience, Rally, Tracking and Agility. 

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