Rally obedience is an AKC titling dog sport that encourages communication and a sense of teamwork between the dog and the handler. In this class you and your dog will be introduced to the sport, become familiar with the Novice sign exercises used in simple obedience courses, and learn the foundation exercises of Rally: Formal heeling, call fronts, finishes, and about turns. Focus will be on developing handler skills to build clear communication with your dog. Your dog should have a reliable sit, down, and stay. Basic knowledge of mark bucket and platform work would be beneficial. We will focus on teamwork, communication and fun! Pre-requisites: Graduation from Companion Dog 2 or pass a placement test. Dogs should be comfortable being crated or on tie-down while their handlers walk the Rally course.
Continue to build good handler and communication skills, as well as improve precision in heeling, turns, and position changes through mark bucket and platform exercises. Along with reviewing the fundamentals of Rally Obedience 1, we will move on to the Intermediate and Advanced level exercises: Moving side step, dog circles handler, and finish to heel. Each class will present an AKC Rally Novice or Intermediate course to run with the option of video for the AKC Virtual Rally Titling program. Students will also receive instruction for in-person trial readiness at Novice and Intermediate levels. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval, as well as successful completion of Rally Obedience 1, Novice title, or in-progress Intermediate title.
For experienced students training toward or competing at Rally Advanced and Masters levels. We will practice advanced handling skills, preparing you to meet the challenges of Rally in-person and/or virtual titling competitions. Teams will practice precision heeling, pivots, changes of position, and jumps, as well as work toward the goal of running courses off-leash and with no treats. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval and graduation from Rally Obedience 2 (or equivalent placement test).
