Rally
What is it?
Rally is a team sport. The team consists of you and your dog. Your team completes a numbered course consisting of 10 to 20 “obstacles.” Rally courses are very similar to agility courses except the “obstacles” are actually signs that instruct the team to complete an action while demonstrating a left sided heel between signs. Each sign has a different task written on it, such as “Sit – Down” that your dog tries to successfully complete before moving on. Your entered level and organization will determine whether your dog is on leash or off leash during the run. Similar to Agility, Obedience, and Disc Dog there are a variety of organizations that offer Rally with differing rules and signs. (ASCA, UKC, AKC, CKC, WCRL)
A lot more relaxed than Obedience or Agility, Rally is newbie friendly and judges are accommodating to those getting used to the rules and walking through stations. Whether you want to try it once and see what happens or have goals of becoming a Rally Champion, this is a sport that ANYONE can play and compete in.
How do you do it?
The first step is learning the signs. In order to do this, you have to decide what level you want to compete at and with what organization. Then look up the signs that will be in your level and learn what they are. Next step; teach your dog a reliable heel. Heeling is the premise of Rally and where most dogs lose points. Having a relaxed heel will make this sport easy peasy. Third step; practice the signs. Once you know the exercises/commands you need, you can walk around a Lowes or Home Depot, do some cool tricks, and before you know it, you’re ready for the last step… COMPETE! Find a club, an organization, and sign up! You won’t regret it.
Here's how I got involved
I had a dog that was retired from Conformation and I wanted to get involved in competitive Obedience. However, being a lower drive Aussie, he wasn’t making the times for Agility to qualify. I wasn’t ready for the precise atmosphere of Obedience, so I decided to dabble in Rally. At first I thought it was some silly sport that anybody with a lazy dog could do. But after our first competition, I was pretty hooked! I saw how happy my retired dog was. He was enjoying the show atmosphere without being pushed over his physical limit and he couldn’t wait to do it again!
Top 3 ways it will help your Disc Dogging
- “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win Championships” – Michael Jordan. Your Disc Dog may have talent coming out of their ears, but if they can’t focus and listen to you then you aren’t going to go very far. Disc Dog is a TEAM sport, and you need to work as a team. Rally is a great way to build that team dynamic on and off the disc field. You know that guy who gets dragged to the field, discs flying out of his arms, dog barking like a lunatic? You won’t have to worry about being THAT guy if you have a dog that’s able to compete in Rally! Cool, calm, and collected… until those discs start flying!
- Some organizations that offer Rally allow dogs to start competing as early as 6 months old. What better way to expose your baby dog to the competition atmosphere than at a Rally Trial! Having an up and coming Disc Dog Champion, listening and focusing in a Rally trial, will translate into a grown dog chasing down discs and flipping on a dime.
- Disc Dogs grow up and grow old. It’s a hard fact to swallow, but a dog that has been competing for years can have a hard time adjusting to retirement. Rally is non-impact and slow paced, meaning your retired pooch can still play and compete. Also, if your dog is recovering from injury, this is a sport that can ease them back into competition.
Here's what you need to do to try it
Not a whole lot! Print off the rules and practice signs. Get a 6 foot leash, collar, and you’re ready to rock and roll. All you have left to do is register your dog with the appropriate organization you want to compete with. Costs for entries usually run between $10 and $40, but typically will cost less than $20, depending on the club.
Links & Resources
Wrap Up
Just like that, you are ready to improve your Disc Dogs’ focus, give your old dogs a fun sport in retirement, and provide a great competition atmosphere for exposing your young dogs. Get out there and try a new sport!
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Educators and Contributors
Here at DDU we are thrilled to present the best instruction from the best Disc Doggers and trainers in the world. This article was put together by Taylor Justice – Trainer, Enroute Canines
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Asst. Dog Trainer Incredible Dog Team
