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.
Rally Intermediate is performed On Leash without a jump. Rally Advanced is Off Leash with the addition of a jump.
About Rally
Rally is a fairly new dog sport to AKC. There are five levels which get more challenging the more advanced you are . They go from Novice, Intermediate (both on leash) , Advanced, Excellent and Masters (off leash) . You start in Novice and work for “legs” or a qualifying score of 70 or higher (out of 100 possible). After three “legs” you get a title and move to the next level. The courses have 10-20 signs on a course, set up by the judge. You don’t know what signs you have until you walk the course prior to your class. The signs are more challenging the higher you go. Runs are timed in case of a tie score- faster time places higher. Dog and handler must work as a team- it looks smooth like dancing . You would need to learn all the signs at each level to show. You can look for Rally on the AKC website for more info. There are also Apps on smart phones for the signs.
