Rally

From the AKC regulation booklet: 

Rally provides an excellent introduction to AKC Companion Events for new dogs and handlers and can provide a challenging opportunity for competitors in other events to strengthen their skills. AKC Rally is a companion sport to AKC Obedience. Both require teamwork between dog and handler along with similar performance skills.

Rally trials demonstrate the dog has been trained to behave in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions. 

 All contestants in a class are required to perform the same signs in substantially the same way so that the relative quality of the various performances may be compared and scored. 

The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at a brisk pace through a course, designed by the rally judge, of designated 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.

Rally is "fun obedience", it can build a wonderful, working relationship with you and your dog.  

Hounds seem to enjoy this mental stimulation.  However, we often joke, "a wolfhound will sit the first time to show you they can, the second time in case you missed it the first time, and a third time because they love you".   

Online Resources: 

Introduction to Rally: 

AKC Rally® Dog Sport for All Dogs and Owners - American Kennel Club:

https://www.akc.org/sports/rally/

Rally Rules and Regulations:

https://images.akc.org/pdf/AKC1193_ROR001_1217_WEB.pdf

To see more awesome photos please select the "Events" tab on the home page and then select "Photo Gallery and Past Events."