Rally A Whole New Type Of Obedience Class

Rally, is a type of obedience class 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 formal obedience.

The team of dog and handler move continuously with the dog under control at the handler's left side, however perfect "heel position" is not required. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during the numbered exercises and between the exercise signs. They perform the exercises indicated by a numbered sign at each station. After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence correctly. Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized.

Unless otherwise specified, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Handlers may not touch their dog or make physical corrections. At anytime during the performance, loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.

Purpose

Rally is a non-regular class and all participants should be guided by the principals of good sportsmanship both in and out of the ring.

The purpose of Rally, is not only to demonstrate the dog's ability to follow specified routines in the ring, but also to emphasize the usefulness of the dog as a companion to man.

All contestants in a class are required to perform the same exercises in substantially the same way, so that the relative quality of the various performances may be compared and scored.

The basic objective of Rally, however, 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 credit on the sport of Rally at all times and under all conditions.

The performance of dog and handler in the ring need not be precise, but the dog must demonstrate willingness and enjoyment while it is working.