RALLY-O
(Obedience with a new twist)
Rally
Obedience is the newest buzz in the Obedience World. Now, you know
we wouldn't be involved in it if it wasn't fun and motivating for
our dogs, right? All that, and more, make this sport loads of fun!
Basically Rally Obedience is a cross between traditional obedience,
freestyle (some of the exercises look they were taken from that sport),
and agility (because every course is different, a unique design).
Higher levels even include tunnels, jumps, weavepoles, leg weaving,
and honour exercises.
Rally in Canada is governed by the Canadian Association of Rally-Obedience
(CARO) Their rules are very similar to the AKC and APDT rules. Visit
CARO at http://www.canadianrallyo.ca/index.htm
The APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) conference held the very
first Rally trials in September 2001. Rally-O is judged similarly
to obedience, but the main difference is that with APDT and CARO Rally-O
mixed breeds are allowed to compete. Also, handlers or dogs with physical
challenges are allowed to compete with course modifications.
In Rally, you can talk to your dog and praise him all around the course.
In addition, in APDT and CARO Rally you can give your dog treats and
pet him in between exercises. Each course is different, and consists
of numbered signs that give directions for what to perform at each
location; everyone gets a chance to walk the course without their
dog prior to running it. Level 1 is performed on leash; Level 2, and
higher are performed off leash.
Dogs
have more fun if they know basic obedience, but it is not necessary
to start playing Rally.
Class
Schedule
