What is Rally?

"Think of an AKC Rally event as any team sport: You and your dog navigate a course, side-by-side, as you steer him through a course of 10-20 different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control at the handler’s left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs. Although each performance is timed, having a good race time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control." -from the AKC website

 

The main objective of Rally is to produce happy, engaged dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. AKC Rally rules, regulations, and showing tips and titling will also be covered in Rally classes. Rally is a popular and fun competitive sport. Where you can talk, and clap, to encourage your dog while performing timed obedience exercises, through one of many designed courses. Kids age 12 and up are encouraged to join the fun.

 

Beginner/Novice Rally:

Pre-requisites: Puppy Kindergarten OR Basic Manners

Duration: 6 weeks, 1 hour class

Cost: $180

Class Description:

This first level is for those just getting started in Rally. All exercises are performed with the dog on a leash. We will work on continuing the foundation of motivated and engaged dogs while performing heeling, sit, down, and stand exercises. The novice course consists of 10 to 15 stations featuring turns, change of pace, cone exercises such as weaves, spirals, and stationary exercises such as fronts/finishes and change of position. At the end of this session, and having practiced your homework, you will be eligible to try for the “Virtual titling class” to obtain your Novice “RN” title. You will also gain a support team, along with learning about competing in Rally shows and meeting new friends!

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*Dogs should have a solid understanding of the basic obedience behaviors of "heel", "sit", "down", "stand", "stay"  in order to participate in this class. 

 

This class is a pre-requisite for Intermediate/Advanced & Excellent/Masters Rally

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Intermediate/Advanced Rally:

Pre-requisites: Beginner/Novice Rally

Duration: 6 weeks, 1 hour class

Cost: $180

Class Description:

Intermediate & Advanced are the second/third levels of Rally competition. Intermediate is performed on a leash with no jumps. While Advanced is performed off-leash with jumps. The majority of the station signs are the same. This course includes 12 to 17 stations featuring more complex exercises such as jumping, figure-eight with distractions, and turns in place. We will continue practicing for motivation and engagement while introducing and performing these new levels. At the end of this session and the practicing of your homework, you will be eligible to try for the “Virtual titling class” for Intermediate and then advanced titles. (RI, RA)

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*Dog and handler must know and be able to perform the Novice signs to participate in this class.

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Excellent/Masters Rally

Pre-requisites: Intermediate/Advanced Rally

Duration: 6 weeks, 1 hour class

Cost: $180

Class Description:

Excellent & Masters are the third/fourth and highest levels of Rally competition. The Excellent and Masterclasses are performed off-leash with the foundation levels perfected. And consists of 15 to 20 stations. At both levels, new signs are introduced. Including moving stands, down while heeling, recalls over jumps, finishes, spins in place, sit-stays, etc. 

There are no virtual titling classes for the “Masters class” as of yet. You will need to attend and compete at AKC dog shows to earn these titles. You will be eligible to try for the “Virtual titling class” for the excellent title. (RE and RM)

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*Dog and handler need to be able to perform the Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced sign to participate in this class.

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Rally Run Throughs

Duration: Drop-In Class

Cost: $15/3 Minute run through

Description:

One AKC Rally course will be set up per session. Each participant is allowed 3 minutes per run through. Maximum of 12 participants per session. 

• 12 pm-Novice/Advanced levels

• 1 pm-Excellent/Masters levels

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Upcoming Rally Run Throughs: TBD

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