Rally is a team sport where you and your dog navigate a course, side-by-side, of 10-20 different signs, depending on the level, that include various turns and commands such as sit, down, stay, etc. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control at the handler’s left side (most signs will be to the right of the handlers path). 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 race 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 is not allowed, you can use verbal commands, clap your hands & pat your legs (at the lower levels), and use hand signals to praise and encourage your dog. Just no luring, which is appearing to have a reward to tempt the dog into position, even if no reward is present.
Scoring in rally is less rigorous than in other competitions like traditional obedience or agility. You begin with a perfect score of 100 and points may be deducted along the way. Handler errors can result in 1-10 point deductions and an incorrectly preforming a sign can result in a 10-point deduction. At the lower levels, handlers may choose to retry a sign once for a minimum of a 3-point deduction. Just don’t miss a sign, that would result in a non-qualifying score. If you retain a score of at least 70 points, you would will qualify towards earning a title. As you qualify the required number of times (3 for the lower levels) you would move onto the next level. The course is posted at the ring when the judge arrives and many times copies will be given to you. You will get 10 minutes to walk the course without your dog. A free app called Rally Genius has all of the signs and descriptions of the exercises or you can get them from AKC website.
There are 5 levels of classes in AKC Rally. Novice is for those just getting started and in Novice:
All exercises are performed with your dog on leash
There are 10-15 signs
You may talk, clap your hands and/or pat your legs to encourage your dog
To earn a title it takes three qualifying scores. Intermediate or Advanced is the second level with more challenging exercises
To be eligible to compete in AKC Rally, your dog must:
Be 6 months of age or older
Have an AKC number
Spayed or neutered dogs are eligible to compete, but females can’t be in season
You Will Need:
A collar with nothing hanging from it
Collars can be metal, leather, or fabric
Collars can be buckle, snap, slip, or martingale
Pinch or prong training collars or e-collars are not allowed
Leash made of fabric or leather that is long enough to provide adequate slack
Basic Skills Your Dog Should Have to Get Started:
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