What is Rally Obedience?

Rally Obedience is a fairly new class being offered by many kennel clubs.  This class requires you to heel your dog through a course of designated signs that instruct you on which behavior to perform.  Rally is a beneficial place to start showing your dog because of one big difference from the other classes; you can talk to your dog and provide him/her with a great deal of support!  Many dogs get nervous when beginning their show careers and being able to offer them information and support can be a critical variable in their ability to perform.

Is Rally class right for me and my dog?

Any dog with basic obedience skills and no serious behavioral problems is welcome to participate in Rally class.  Although we do focus on the behaviors required for Rally and in educating students about dog shows, this class is also designed to teach you excellent training skills and your dog excellent obedience skills.  Our focus is always on building a great relationship between you and your dog.

What if I don’t want to show my dog?

You do not have to be interested in showing your dog in dog shows to participate in a Rally class!  Dog shows originated as a way to test the obedience and training level of a dog and they were and still are based on basic skills all dogs should have.  This class could also appropriately be named Advanced Obedience.  If your dog possesses basic obedience skills and does not have any serious behavioral problems such as human or dog aggression you will find this class beneficial and fun!  As an instructor my first goal is to help you and your dog become a great team and then see where you want to take it from there.

Please visit these websites for information about Rally Obedience:

http://www.akc.org/events/rally/getting_started.cfm

http://www.apdt.com/rally/about/default.aspx

For more information on all obedience class levels go to:

www.akc.org