Rally Obedience

Obedience trials are designed to test the dog’s suitability as a good companion. Basic tests include heeling (on and off lead), Sit, Stand, Stay and coming when called

At more advanced levels, dogs are asked to jump, retrieve, respond to signals, and identify and retrieve articles carrying their handlers’ scent. Each level of Obedience competition–Novice, Open and Utility–requires mastering a specific skill set, which increase in difficulty, before advancing to the next level.

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

The objective of Rally Obedience is to provide a fast-moving and motivational activity that demonstrates the competency of handler and dog in performing basic obedience exercises.

In Rally Obedience, you and your dog heel through a timed course of stations and perform the specific obedience exercises indicated on each sign. Each sign displays a skill to perform, such as turns or behaviors like sit, down, or stay.

The dog and handler work together and should show a sense of teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the course. The performance is timed, but it’s not about being fast. Instead, it’s about accuracy, control, and teamwork. As the class levels progress, so does the difficulty and therefore the training required.

There are four different levels of Rally Obedience to work through; Novice, which is performed with your dog on a lead, then Advanced, Excellent and Masters, all of which are performed off lead.