Rally Obedience in a Nutshell
About the Sport
Very distinct from traditional competitive obedience, in comparison Rally Obedience seems more like a game. It was originally envisioned as a sport to promote a positive atmosphere and to further strengthen the human-canine bond.
Rally takes a variety of useful, real-life obedience behaviors and strings them together into a fluidly moving "course". Handler/dog teams navigate through the course, guided by signs showing both pictures and words, and are judged upon accurate response to cues, as we as time on the course.
Like other dog sports, competition is separated into levels of difficulty. Depending on the level, a course may have anywhere from 18-22 signs to be completed correctly, and may be performed on or off leash. Courses are designed by the judge, and can vary from one competition to the next.
History of the Sport
Rally was originally conceived in 2000 by a long time obedience and agility competition, Charles "Bud" Kramer. With the steady growth of both Obedience and Agility competitions, he envisioned a fun alternative to traditional obedience He proposed his program to the AKC in 2000, who reviewed the proposal and later launched the program in 2005. Simultaneously, the APDT launched it's Rally program, in 2001.
Some Behaviors Seen in Rally Obedience
Sanctioning Organizations
How to get Started
A group class is a wonderful place to start; not only will you and your dog learn the necessary skills and behaviors, get to practice regularly, but exposure to other dogs and distractions is great preparation for a show!
Basic Supplies Needed
Equipment needed for classes typically includes:
Books
Other Resources
Local Clubs
- What it is: Dogs and their handlers complete a variety of obedience behaviors in the sequence of a course designed by the judge. Each course has signs posted along the way to direct each team as to which behaviors are to be performed and what order to perform them.
- Prior Training: Basic Pet Manners and Obedience, as well as the dog being able to focus, learn and perform complex behaviors in a very distracting environment. Some specific behaviors to teach are good attention under distractions , sit, down, stand, stay, leash manners, heeling.
- Physical Demands on Dog: Mild
- Physical Demands on Handler: Mild.
- Most suitable breeds: Various breeds - there are no specific structural or breed specific demands..
- Best Temperament: Happy-go-lucky, workaholics; this sport is suitable for both low and high energy dogs alike.
- Training Complexity: Moderate
- Mental Stimulation: Moderate
- Physical Stimulation: Moderate
- Recreational Opportunities: Good - there are many places that offer "recreational" Rally Obedience classes.
- Opportunities to Compete: High
- Cost: Moderate - in addition to the cost of basic supplies and a class if necessary, trial fees can range from $20-$25 per class, depending on the sanctioning organization.
About the Sport
Very distinct from traditional competitive obedience, in comparison Rally Obedience seems more like a game. It was originally envisioned as a sport to promote a positive atmosphere and to further strengthen the human-canine bond.
Rally takes a variety of useful, real-life obedience behaviors and strings them together into a fluidly moving "course". Handler/dog teams navigate through the course, guided by signs showing both pictures and words, and are judged upon accurate response to cues, as we as time on the course.
Like other dog sports, competition is separated into levels of difficulty. Depending on the level, a course may have anywhere from 18-22 signs to be completed correctly, and may be performed on or off leash. Courses are designed by the judge, and can vary from one competition to the next.
History of the Sport
Rally was originally conceived in 2000 by a long time obedience and agility competition, Charles "Bud" Kramer. With the steady growth of both Obedience and Agility competitions, he envisioned a fun alternative to traditional obedience He proposed his program to the AKC in 2000, who reviewed the proposal and later launched the program in 2005. Simultaneously, the APDT launched it's Rally program, in 2001.
Some Behaviors Seen in Rally Obedience
- Heeling
- Halt/Sit/Down and walk around the dog
- 270-degree turn (right or left)
- About turns (left, right, and U-turns)
- Bar, Panel, and Broad jumps
- Call Front, Finishes (right and left)
- Sidesteps
- Serpentine weaving around cones
- Figure 8's around cones (with and without food distractions)
Sanctioning Organizations
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
- The Australian Shepherd Club of American (ASCA)
- United Kennel Club (UKC)
- The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
- World Cynosports Rally
- Canine Work and Games (C-Wags)
How to get Started
A group class is a wonderful place to start; not only will you and your dog learn the necessary skills and behaviors, get to practice regularly, but exposure to other dogs and distractions is great preparation for a show!
Basic Supplies Needed
Equipment needed for classes typically includes:
- Flat or buckle collar
- 4-6 foot nylon or leather leash
- Treats or toys to reward the dog
- Rally Signs (these can be purchased or made)
- Obedience jumps (panel, bar, broad)
Books
- Click Your Way to Rally Obedience by Pam Denison
- The Rally Course Book: A Guide to AKC Rally Courses by Janice Dearth
- The Ultimate Guide to Rally-O by Deb Eldredge DVM
- Rally On (Training Manual for Rally Obedience) by Marie Sawford
Other Resources
- J and J Dog Supplies - Equipment
Local Clubs
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