Rally Obedience

 

Rally obedience is an activity that has come over from the USA and it's ideal for people who want to have some fun and great interaction with their dog whilst competing at rally events.

 

The idea of rally obedience is that a judge sets a course which consists of a number of exercises to be completed at the handler's pace. The exercises form a continuous route around an arena which looks a bit like a dressage arena for horses. At each stage of the course there are markers set out with instructions on what to do when you reach that point. It may be heelwork or recall or the handler may have to do a 360 degree turn.

 

Rally obedience is not as formal as Kennel Club obedience in that the dog doesn't have to do all the perfect heelwork and positioning of sits etc. The handler can use voice and hand signals and as much encouragement as they want.

 

 

The sport is in the early stages of being introduced to the UK by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

 

 

To give you an idea of what's involved in competition I've chosen this video clip from amongst the many shown on Youtube. This one shows a Slovenian competition. Just look how happily the dogs work for the handlers. I love their enthusiasm.