Have you been looking for something fun and a little less formal (but just as competitive) than traditional dog show performances? Rally is a great mix of performance and handling, and what makes the new sport so great is that there are multiple levels of competition — so you and your canine companion won’t feel left out!
There are three levels of competition in American Kennel Club Rally: Novice, Advanced, and Excellent.
Novice Rally
This is the beginner performance level in which the trainer and the dog can get an understanding of the rally competition process. At this level, all exercises will be performed with the dog on a leash to aid in control. The pair must complete 10-15 stations (depending on the course) with five or less stationary exercises.
Many of the exercises are not as complex as the intermediate and expert levels, and will generally consist of tricks such as turning 360 degrees or changing from a walk to a trot. Handlers are encouraged to clap their hands and pat their legs throughout the course to get their dog to perform. However, the handler cannot make direct contact with their dog.
Advanced Rally
The biggest difference at this level is the increased difficulty in exercises throughout the competition, as well as the removal of the leash. The advanced bracket also tends to move through the course much quicker than that of the novice group, which means more stations. Expect 12-17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises.
Some of the more complex tricks that handler’s dogs must perform include jumping, rolling over or calling the dog in front of you instead of calling it to your side. Physical encouragement in the form of clapping or slapping your knees is still allowed.
Excellent Rally
At the highest level of rally competition, handlers can expect challenging stations. Again, the dog must be off-leash. Each station should be completed quickly and efficiently in order to go through 15-20 in a session, with no more than seven stationary exercises. One of the major differences between Advanced and Excellent rally levels is the handler is no longer allowed to physically encourage their dog.
Verbal commands such as “Good,” “Sit” or “Stay” are still allowed, but no hand motions. The dogs are expected to perform difficult tasks such as backing up three steps, lifting their front legs while in a sitting position, and more.
At Canine College, Bow Wow Resort, our professional dog trainers are here to take you and your dog to the next level of rally. We offer flexible class schedules conducted at a pace both you and your dog can keep up with. Contact us today to learn more about our program!
