AKC Rally

AKC Rally® is all about teamwork. You and your dog navigate a course together, side-by-side, at your own brisk pace. You move him through a course with signs where he performs different exercises. The courses are designed by the Rally judge (10-20 signs per course, depending on the class level) that include various turns and commands such as sit, down, stay, etc.

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.

Scoring in Rally is less rigorous than in other competitions like traditional obedience. You begin with a perfect score of 100, with points deducted along with 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. Click here to learn more about AKC Rally!

We’re currently holding the following classes:

AKC Rally Novice:

NOTE: This upcoming class will skip Christmas Eve. The class will run 12/10, 12/17, 12/31, and 1/7

All exercises are performed on leash.

• Week 1

  • Introduction: luring, reward systems, marker training, heel position

  • Discussion of signs 1-16

  • Sit, Down, turns, front position, heel position

• Week 2

  • Discussion of signs 18-31

  • Change of pace, cone/weave work, speed sits, left about turn, sit/down walk around dog

  • Sequences of signs 1-31

• Week 3

  • Discussion of signs 32-42

  • Call to front/return to heel, review of all previous exercises.

  • Sequences of all signs, novice course

• Week 4

  • Run through several Novice courses, critique of performance

  • Preparation for trialing