What is Rally?

A competition event that incorporates heeling, changes of position, and changes of direction.

A Rally course consists of a series of stations where the team (handler and dog) complete a specified behavior and then proceed at heel to the next station - much like circuit training for dogs!

Why Participate in Rally?

Training for rally improves dog/handler communication.  Perfecting the skills for rally can also provide a strong foundation for:

  • agility,
  • traditional obedience,
  • tracking,
  • freestyle, and
  • many other dog sports.
If you're looking to continue your training, prepare for competion in AKC events, or just have fun with your dog, then Rally is for you!

AKC Rally

Visit the AKC's web site to learn more about AKC Rally.

Dogs registered with American Kennel Club (AKC) are eligible to compete in performance events, including AKC Rally.  For more information about registering, see these sites.

Austin Dog Sports currently offers AKC Rally classes.

Other Rally Venues

There are several other venues that offer rally competitions, but none so active in Austin as AKC.

  • ASCA: The Australian Shepherd Club of America allows allows all breeds and mixed-breeds to compete in Rally.  Austin Dog Sports offers an ASCA Novice Rally seminar for students familiar with AKC Novice Rally.
  • APDT: The Association for Pet Dog Trainers allows all breeds and mixed-breeds to compete.  APDT trials are not currently offered in Texas.
  • UKC: UKC trials are offered in the DFW area.
Austin Dog Sports does not currently offer APDT or UKC Rally classes. 

RALLY & OBEDIENCE CLASSES

SEMINARS

Heeling & Position Seminar

A great transition from pet manners class to Rally. Covers the tuck sit, the drop down, the kick-back stand, the right finish, and the left finish. Then join the Novice Rally I class to proof your new skills!

  • 1 session, 2 hours
  • $50 (working), $25 (auditing)
  • Prereq: basic obedience class

 

GROUP CLASSES

Obedience Foundations I: Heel, Front, & Stay

If you’d like to begin heel work, are prepping for Beginner Novice obedience, or would like to take a Rally class in the future, then Obedience Foundations I is a great start! This course introduces heel and front positions, provides exercises for proofing the stay, and offers demonstrations of a variety of recall games.

  • 4 weeks, 1 hr weekly
  • $115
  • Prereq: Basic Obedience Class

Obedience Foundations II: Heel, Front, & Stay

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Obedience Foundations II continues to work on heeling, including adding more movement with your dog. We begin to proof front position, add sit for exam, and continue proofing stay. Take Obedience Foundations II to prepare for Beginner Novice Obedience, your next rally class, or to help refine your Canine Good Citizen (CGC) skills.

  • 4 weeks, 1 hr weekly
  • $115
  • Prereq: Recall & Heeling I

Novice Rally I

This class includes ½ of the Rally Novice signs, the rules of AKC Rally, 1 short course each class, and a brief introduction to straight line heeling. (Take our Recall & Heeling I & II classes to improve your heeling.) Check our calendar for the next scheduled class. Register now!

  • 5 weeks, 1 hour 15 minutes each week
  • $150
  • Prereq: Instructor Approval

Novice Rally II

This class includes the remaining Novice signs, the rules of AKC Rally-O, 1 full Novice course each class, and a brief introduction of heeling with right and left turns. (Take our Recall & Heeling I & II classes to improve your heeling.)

  • 5 week, 1 hour 15 minutes each week
  • $150
  • Prereq: Novice Rally I and Recall & Heeling

Advanced & Excellent Rally

This class includes introduction of the non-pivot AKC Advanced Rally signs, the Excellent AKC Rally signs, and the broad & bar jumps. 1 mini-course is offered each class, as well as continuing heel work.

  • 5 weeks, 1 1/2 hours each week
  • $175
  • Prereq: Completion of Rally Novice II and Recall & Heeling I

DROP-IN CLASSES

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Available to Austin Dog Sports' students interested in practicing full courses. Open to the public, but instruction is limited. 1 full Novice course is available for as many run-throughs as time and participation allow. Limited to 6 participants; pre-registration required.

  • 1 1/2 hour
  • $10 for ADS students, $15 for public participants
  • A basic knowledge of the Novice Rally behaviors

Last Updated (Saturday, 07 January 2012 05:18)