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Turn On To Rally!

Where can you go and read a few signs, walk with your dog, have your dog do sits, downs, circles and turns and earn a title for your dog, all while having a great time? A Rally Trial! Rally is one of the newest additions to the ever growing list of fun activities you can do with your dog.

In Rally the dog and handler team work their way through a course that has been designed by the judge. The course is made up of 10 - 20 stations. Each of these stations has a sign with instructions regarding the exercise that is to be performed. Exercises may include something as simple as “Halt and Sit” to “Spirals” and “Serpentines.” One possible station even has the team walking a figure 8 around distractions that may include dog toys or tempting doggie treats!

Rally allows you to talk to your dog and encourage it with praise and body language, keeping the sport relaxed and fun for both you and your dog. A happy willing attitude is a plus!

The American Kennel Club introduced Rally as a titling sport on January 1, 2005. In the month of January, there were 65 trials held with 5,438 entries. The AKC has three levels of Rally competition where you dog can earn titles. Rally is a great first step for people and their dogs to try a dog sport.

While the American Kennel Club events are open to purebred registered dogs, mixed breeds have a Rally venue, too. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ version of Rally is open to all dogs, mixes and purebreds. Dogs with disabilities may also compete. Their scoring system extra points for having a good attitude, and food is allowed in the ring (although there are some restrictions).

Outside of the competition ring Rally is a great training tool to help your dog become a better behaved and more enjoyable canine companion. It is a fun and interesting way of training that both you and your dog will enjoy. Check out training clubs and schools for Rally classes. With some basic training and practice you and your dog will soon be ready to Turn On To Rally!

Find out more about Rally at www.akc.org and www.apdt.com

About the Author:

Ann Priddy is a Dog Behavior Consultant and owner of Priddy Positive K9s in Richmond Virginia. Get consulting online at www.geocities.com/priddypositivek9s