Competition Rally Obedience

Basic Rally Training for Dogs

Rally is a combination of obedience and agility exercises. If you’ve taken our Competition Obedience Fundamentals course and our Agility Fundamentals course, you’re ahead of the game.

Rally is a competition sport in AKC events and ASCA events. You train your dog to heel by your side, sit, down, or stand on command while you walk around him. Your dog must heel on a loose lead – no tugging or tight lead. You as the handler, lead the dog around a numbered course. The rally course signs describe which exercise to do at that number. You may talk to them or pat your leg throughout the exercises. You just can’t touch or treat your dog.

Who Can Play?

Every breed can learn and participate in rally classes. It’s a great sport for the aging dog since there is no impact on their joints. It requires that your dog knows basic commands and pays attention to you. While mixed breeds can learn the sport, they are unable to register for competitive events at this time (2009).

Rally Dog Shows

AKC holds Rally Trials in conjunction with Obedience Trials. Your dog would have to be a pure bred dog to enter AKC. ASCA has recently added Rally to their Obedience Shows. ASCA allows AKC recognized breeds to compete – it’s not just for Australian Shepherds. You can earn titles in either venue.