Let’s rally!
AKC introduces new sport for pets and show dogs
By Norma Bennett Woolf
A few exercises
Combining elements of dog obedience and agility and sports car rallies, the
newest dog sport from the American Kennel Club is a fun introduction to the
world of competitive dog events. More relaxed than obedience competition and
more structured than agility, “Rally-O” uses novice and open obedience
exercises; agility course walk-throughs and judge’s meetings, a variety
of course set-ups, independent progress from start to finish, and vocal commands
and encouragement to the dog, and the principles of sports car rallies in which
drivers follow directions at designated stations.
AKC rally has 45 potential exercises, each marked by a sign. Level I classes
are done with the dog on leash and include 12-15 exercises. Level II classes
are done off-leash and involve 12-18 exercises, including at least one jump.
The judge says nothing during the performance, which lasts from the time the
dog and handler cross the starting line until they cross the finish line. Scoring
is based on how well the dog executes each command and remains in heel position.
Rally exercises include left and right turns, U-turns, circles, about turns,
figure eights, finishes, recalls, and a stand for exam. Exercises can be repeated
in slightly different form. For example, the dog may be required to return to
heel position by going around the handler or by flipping into place from a sit-in-front.
A few exercises:
Halt, sit, and forward: While heeling, the handler halts and the dog comes
to sit in heel position. The team then moves forward to the next sign with the
dog remaining in heel position.
270-degree right turn: While heeling, the team makes a 270-degree turn (three-quarters
of a circle) that starts to the handler’s right and finishes with the team
headed to the left of the original direction. Another version of this exercise
has the team starting the circle to the left and finishing by heading right
of the original direction.
Call dog front, forward right: While heeling, the handler stops forward motion
and calls the dog to sit in front. The handler can take several steps backwards
to aid the dog in sitting straight in front. The handler then continues forward
so the dog has to pivot to get back into heel position.
Slow, fast, and normal paces: three separate exercises as performed in novice
obedience classes.
Stand for exam: a two-part exercise that requires the dog to stand-stay by
one sign while the handler proceeds to a second sign. The handler then returns
to the dog and the team heels forward.
Send over jumps: With the dog at the side, the handler runs along a line six
feet to the right of the jump and sends the dog over the jump. When the dog
completes the jump, the handler calls it back to heel position and the team
continues to the next exercise.
Rally is a non-regular class at AKC obedience trials, so no titles are awarded
for qualifying scores. As with other obedience classes, teams begin with 200
points, and judges deduct points for errors by the dog or the handler. Ribbons
are awarded for the first four places in each class.
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