How to Get Started in Rally Obedience

Rally obedience is a less formal, more fun version of obedience. Competitors follow a course of predetermined stations that tell the team what they need to do. In contrast with formal obedience, Rally-O is less strict and handlers are allowed to talk to and encourage their dogs during a competition.

Competitors in this fun, engaging sport say that training for rally obedience makes their dog better behaved under all circumstances and helps pet parents understand how to meet their dog’s needs.

What is Rally Obedience

It began as a way to warm up their dogs, known as doodling, using various freestyle warmups. These warmups increase precision during a formal obedience trial and help reinforce desirable behaviors.

However, instead of waiting for a judge’s orders, competitors work their way around a course of different stations with their dogs in a heel position. The lower levels allow dogs on leash, but as they collect qualifying scores, they get more challenging courses that require dogs to be off-leash.

Each course is 10-20 stations long and includes actions like sitting, staying in place, jumping over a hurdle, and going around an obstacle.

Can You Get Titles in Rally Obedience

Yes! Just like other dog sports, there are several sanctioning organizations, all with their own titles. Each organization has its own system of points and requirements, but they are similar enough that understanding the requirements is straightforward.

• AKC
• World Cynosport Rally
• UKC Rally
• C-Wags

How to Start Your Dog’s Rally Obedience Training

Just like every other dog sport – you begin with obedience! Basic obedience is the key to unlocking your dog’s potential and teaches you to work as a team. And, since this is an obedience sport, you keep going. You’ll get your dog started in rally obedience with the basics, and progress with things like:

• Spin
• Front
• Weave
• Turn
• Jump

To get your official start in rally obedience, look up local dog clubs to find a competition you can attend in person. It’s always different than watching on YouTube! An added benefit to going in person is meeting different people involved in the sport. You’ll be able to ask all the questions and find answers to your questions.

After you’ve decided that rally obedience looks like fun, take a class. Many instructors offer group classes for rally obedience. However, they may require a basic obedience class before you enroll in anything more advanced.

Do Some Breeds Do Better in Rally Obedience?

While it’s true that some breeds are designed for working with a handler and others are more independent, every breed can succeed in rally obedience. In truth, it even varies within the breed because some dogs are more driven to work and learn than others.

Although AKC is a breed organization and focuses on purebred dogs, they allow mixed breeds to compete in performance events including all the dog sports via the canine companion program. So, if you have a certified Heinz-57 pup, it doesn’t matter. Rally obedience is open to you too.

Some breeds, like huskies, for example, may take a little convincing to perform on command. However, even those dogs with uniquely independent personalities are successful.

Where to Train Your Dog for Rally Obedience

Well now, here’s the beauty. You don’t need any equipment to get started, and you can do most of the basic exercises in your living room. As you and your dog become more experienced, you’ll start finding new places to train skills — a park bench can become a platform or a play structure can be all sorts of fun. Be creative, have fun, and there is no end to the training opportunities you’ll find.

Training Tips

No matter what you decide, the most important thing to remember is to have fun with your dog. Training should always be fun. Here are a few times to help you and your dog get the most out of a training session:

1. Use treats and toys judiciously. Many trainers find that treats enhance calm, while toys build drive and excitement.
2. Start with short training sessions. Dogs who are either young or new to training need time to build their attention span.
3. Finish with a fun exercise. Never end a training session when you or your dog are frustrated. Always find something where they can feel successful.
4. Break bigger tasks into smaller chunks. Many skills build upon one another, so if you’re working on a challenging skill with a few steps, do smaller bits at a time.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Peter-verreussel