Rally Classes

Rally is a sport that offers dogs and handlers a fun and energizing way to continue their training. A Rally course consists of a number of stations, each of which describe behaviors that the dog and handler must perform. Stations are numbered and the dog and handler move from one station to the next after performing the behavior at each station. The handler can encourage and talk to the dog through the entire course. These classes will build a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The dog should be in an approximate heel position but scoring is not a rigorous as in traditional Obedience. This is a fun way to continue training and building a relationship with your dog!

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND?

Dogs must have 2 sets of the DHLPP vaccine ("puppy vaccine") prior to starting class.

Rabies vaccination is required. A titer is sufficient for vaccination status.

We also recommend (but don't require) a Bordetella vaccine.

**Prerequisite:

Dogs must have completed STAR Puppy, Basic Obedience, have a CGC or have a title in another sport.

The Obedience Fundamentals course is not required, but will give you a good start on the skills needed for Heeling, Sit, Down, and Stand that will be used in Rally.

Dogs must be attentive to their handler, have an excellent recall, work well around others and tolerate being crated for certain portions of the class. (Handlers should expect to crate their dogs when not working in the ring).

The instructor has the final say on whether a dog is ready for their class.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Lots of small, soft food treats as rewards.
Collar - flat buckle collar or martingale recommended, no shock or e-collars.
Leash - 4 foot nylon or leather. Please NO retractable (Flexi) leashes.
All vaccination records (listed above). Without these, you will not be allowed in the class.
Completed registration form or member registration form along with the class fee - we accept CASH, CHECKS or CREDIT (small fee).
On the first night of class, please plan to arrive 10 minutes early for registration.
It helps to have pants with pockets or bring something that attaches to your waist to hold your dog’s treats.
YOU MUST have closed-toe comfortable (running) shoes.

Rally Fundamentals

Rally Fundamentals will introduce the handler and dog to the basics of Rally and how to properly perform any of the 31 novice signs. By the end of the course the students will be performing small courses with their dogs.

Rally Novice

Rally Novice is the continuation of Rally Fundamentals. In this Class, AKC Novice courses will be set up each week for students to practice the different signs. The instructors will work with the students to be sure they understand each sign and what is expected of them if they want to enter an AKC Trial. It's great for students that want to get their AKC Rally Novice Title or for students that just want to work with their dogs. At the Novice level, exercises are performed on-leash.

**Prerequisite: The handler must have taken the Rally Fundamentals classes or must have previous rally training.

Rally Intermediate

This is a continuation of the Rally Novice Class and introduces and teaches the students how to execute the Rally signs used in the Advanced level of competition but with the dog still on-leash. The focus will be on learning the correct performance of the signs used at this level. This course does NOT teach other skills that would help the handler in performing the complex behaviors required at this level.

**Prerequisite: The handler must have taken the Rally Novice classes, have Rally Novice qualifying scores, or must have previous rally training to a level approved by the instructor.

Rally Advanced

This is a continuation of the Rally Intermediate Class and introduces and teaches the students how to execute the Rally signs used in the Advanced level of competition. At this level of training the signs must be executed with the dog off-leash and courses will include one jump. This course does NOT teach off-leash heeling nor does it teach other skills that would help the handler in performing the complex behaviors required at this level.

**Prerequisite: The handler must have taken the Rally Intermediate classes, have Rally Intermediate qualifying scores, or must have previous rally training to a level approved by the instructor.

Rally Excellent/Master

This is a continuation of the Rally Advanced Class and introduces and teaches the students how to execute the Rally signs used in the Excellent level of competition. At this level of training the signs must be executed with the dog off-leash and will include 2 jumps. This course does NOT teach off-leash heeling nor does it teach other skills that would help the handler in performing the complex behaviors required at this level.

**Prerequisite: The handler must have taken the Rally Advanced classes, have Rally Advanced qualifying scores, or must have previous rally training to a level approved by the instructor.

The class levels may be combined depending on participation.

Competitive Obedience