RALLY

We now run Rally classes at 10:30 on Saturday mornings after the conclusion of obedience classes.

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Rally is a great way for beginners to get into the world of trialing. Rally was designed to introduce people into the world of dog-sports and to encourage a positive working relationship between a handler and their dog. Unlike traditional obedience you are allowed to encourage your dog through talking and rewarding by voice. Rally is sometimes seen as a hybrid of agility and obedience. 

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Rally Courses are designed with numbered stations, including a start and a finish. A handler has the opportunity to walk the course prior to competing in order to familiarise themselves with the stations. Handlers then complete the course with their dog by following the numbers and performing the exercises shown at each numbered station. Handlers walk between stations with the dog in heel position.

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The first level of competition in Rally is novice, in which there are between 10 and 15 signs in addition to the start and finish. Novice courses are completed on lead. As you advance through the levels, the exercises increase in complexity. In advance, Excellent and Masters levels, up to 24 signs may be included on a course. Each of these levels is completed off lead. Encouragement of the dog is permitted, however the handler may not touch the dog.

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Unlike traditional obedience, the judge does not give any voice commands during a round, however they are in the ring with the dog and handler to score the competitor. Rally is seen as having a more relaxed atmosphere than a lot of other dog sports. Each time you enter the ring your course may be different to the last one and you never know what the stations will be until you have competed your walk through.

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Rally rule books are available from DOGS NSW or on the ANKC website.