Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events. From walking on- and off-leash to retrieving and jumping, or demonstrating your dog’s ability to stay, Obedience trials feature dogs that are well-behaved at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. It is essential that the obedience dog demonstrates willingness and enjoyment while it is working with the handler.
Started in 2005, AKC Rally is a fun family sport and participation increases each year. It’s a perfect starting point for those who are new to canine sports. 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.
Winnegamie Dog Club Obedience/Rally Classes
Novice Rally/Obedience
(Prerequisite: Basic Manners)
Rally is an AKC sport but also a great way to develop a working relationship with your dog, and have fun doing so! You will practice various turns, finishes, pace changes, weaving and get controlled walking down to an art. Great for those who wish to compete or just to have another way to train you dog.
Weekly on Friday 10:00 – 1:30 (unless building is rented, please check calendar weekly)
This is a DROP-IN session for trainers and dogs who have a SOLID FOUNDATION in advanced obedience training and are preparing for competition.
- Active Members are free
- Drop-in members pay $10/session
- Non-members pay $15/session AND MUST SIGN A WAIVER PRIOR TO WORKING A DOG
Obedience/Rally drop-in
This is a drop-in class for people and dogs who have a solid foundation of obedience training and are preparing for competition. The class is self-directed and people can work on whatever skills they want. Pre-registration is not necessary. Drop-ins pay $5.00 per class.
More Rally Information
Levels of Competition
Novice
This is the first level for those just getting started in competition. All exercises are performed with the dog on leash. There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises. The exercises performed vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course. Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands and pat their legs through the course.
Intermediate
This is an optional class to enter as an introduction to the Advanced class signs, with the exception that all of the exercises are performed on-leash and there are no jumps at this class level.
All exercises are performed with the dog on-leash. There is a requirement of 12 to 17 signs (stations) to complete, with a maximum of seven stationary signs. Handler may clap their hands, talk to the dog and, pat their legs throughout the course. This class is not required to move from Novice to the Advanced class in trialing, but is optional to enter if the dog is not ready to work off-leash.
Advanced
This level includes more difficult exercises throughout the course and requires a dog to jump once on the course. All exercises are performed off-leash. There is a requirement of 12 to 17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises. Exercises include a jump as well as calling your dog to the front of you instead of to a heel position. Handlers may clap their hands, talk to the dog and pat their legs throughout the course.
Excellent
This level of AKC Rally is very challenging. Exercises are performed off-leash. There is a requirement of 15 to 20 stations, with no more than 7 stationary exercises and 2 required jumps on the course. Handlers are only allowed to encouraged their dogs verbally. Physical encouragement is not allowed at this class.
Masters
This is the fifth and highest level of AKC Rally. All exercises are performed with the dog off-leash. There is a minimum of 15 to 20 stations to complete, with a maximum of seven stationary signs. One jump is required in this class. Handlers are only allowed to encourage their dogs verbally in Masters.
The Winnegamie Dog Club offers Rally Classes on a regular basis. The trainers have titled their dogs in this fun sport and have lots to offer for handlers and their dogs whether or not competition is in the future.
FOR A DOWLOADABLE PDF OF RALLY SIGNS, CLICK HERE
Free K9Rally app for Android phones: https://goo.gl/UvZ9ce
Pocket Rally for iPhones is available for a small fee from iTunes
