Rally obedience is a dog sport based on obedience. It was originally from the obedience practice of “doodling”- doing a variety of interesting warm-up and freestyle exercises. Many of the Rally exercises are the same as or have the same parts (elements) of traditional obedience.
Rally Obedience is a dog performance class that uses directional signs that are numbered to indicate the course the handler is to follow during the performance. The team of dog and handler heel from sign to sign, and perform the exercises indicated by the numbered sign at each location. At the start sign, the judge gives permission to start the course and then the dog and handler go through the course.
The judge will say “Are you ready?” followed by “Forward”. No other directives are given. The course consists of signs that instruct the team what to do. Unlike traditional obedience, handlers are allowed to encourage their dogs during the course. There are 4 levels (Beginning Rally, Rally 1, Rally 2 and Rally 3) and the number of stations/signs are noted below. The start and finish signs are not included in the sign count and are automatically used. Signs may be duplicated and used more than one time to create the course.
Scoresheets can be found here: https://4h.unl.edu/fairbook/live-animals/dog
RING SIZE AND CONDITIONS
The ring sizes for Rally are recommended to be 40 x 50 feet to 50 x 60 feet (between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet) with a minimum width of 30 feet. The floor must have firm footing, using rubber or similar non-slip material at least 4-feet wide for the takeoffs and landings of all jumps, unless the judge feels the surface does not require it. At an outdoor show, the ground should be clean and level. Any grass should be cut short.
RALLY SIGNS
Rally signs are required for these classes. Refer to the AKC Rally Regulations for more information about Rally signs. The signs and holders should be 8 ½ x 11 inches up to 11 x 17 inches. The designated wording and symbols must be used. Signs can be purchased or there are files on the internet that can be downloaded.
The numbers (cones, bricks, etc.…) used for Agility may also be used to designate the course order for Rally Obedience courses.
Rally Sign Resources
***Scan to access AKC YouTube rally signs:
FAMILIARIZATION TIME
The course for each class will be posted at the ring when the judge arrives. Copies of the course may be given to exhibitors prior to the show (up to show office discretion). A 10-minute walkthrough will be allowed for handlers without their dogs. The judge must be available in the ring to answer any questions the handler might have. The judge may also choose to brief the handlers on the course during that time.