Description: Just like other sports, AKC Rally® is all about teamwork. You and your dog navigate a course, side-by-side, which is made up of 10-20 different signs. Each sign provides instructions with exercises that are to be performed, including directional movement and commands such as sit, down, stay, etc. The dog and handler move continuously, at a brisk pace, throughout the course with the dog under control at the handler’s left side.
There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs. Although each performance is timed, having a good course time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control.
Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. While touching isn’t allowed, you can use verbal commands, clap your hands, pat your legs and use hand signals to praise and encourage your dog. Whether you just train or decide to compete, Rally can help develop a better relationship between you and your dog. Just as importantly, it will sharpen your dog’s obedience skills and behavior – at home and in public. Scoring in Rally is less rigorous than in other competitions like traditional obedience or agility. You begin with a perfect score of 100, with points deducted along the way. If you retain a score of at least 70 points, you will qualify toward earning a title. As you qualify the required number of times, you will move onto the next level.
