| WESTERN LAKES TRAINING CLUB OF BUFFALO 716-695-6440 |
Rally obedience, or “Rally-o” as it’s quickly being termed by enthusiasts, is the latest American Kennel Club event to hit the show circuit. As in agility, each course is different every time and a layout is posted at ringside; handlers are also given a printed copy of the course and can walk it without their dogs prior to the start of the class. Ring size is roughly twice that of the 35-foot by 50-foot utility ring and accommodates 12-15 stations for level one and 15-18 obstacles for level two. A sign at each station gives instructions to the dog-handler team, and each team must execute the station’s particular task within 2-4 feet of the sign. Once the judge gives the command “forward,” the dog and handler complete the course on their own without further commands from the judge, except for “exercise finished” at the end of the course. Handlers may do anything to encourage their dogs except physically touch them or make corrections with the leash. Many dogs enjoy this change from the usual silent heeling of traditional obedience as their owners can clap hands, talk, whistle (even sing!) to them throughout the entire course without penalty. Those who participate in agility trials will recognize the pre-class “walk- throughs” and the challenge of working with their dog partners in an almost dance-like flow from one station to another. Titles which can be earned are: Rally Novice (RN) title Rally Advanced (RA) title Rally Excellent (RE) title Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE) title |
| Rally-O!! |
