Rally, the newest addition to AKC Companion Events, is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the Rally judge.  The judge tells the handler to begin and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10-20 depending on the level*).  Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed.  Scoring is not as rigorous as formal obedience.

To be eligible to compete in AKC Rally trials, a dog must be:

• Registered with the AKC

• Listed with the AKC Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) program

• Listed with the AKC Canine Partners program

• Be a Foundation Stock Service (FSS) recorded breed.

• 6 months of age or older

The team of dog and handler move continuously with the dog at the handler's left side.  They perform the exercises indicated by a numbered sign at each station.  After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence correctly.  Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized.  Handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement.  Handlers may not touch their dog or make physical corrections.  Loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.

* NOVICE: 10-15 exercises

  ADVANCED: 12-17 exercises

  EXCELLENT: 15-20 exercises

 Rally Links

Rally Signs (Adobe format, from the AKC website)

Rally on the AKC website (http://www.akc.org/events/rally/index.cfm)

Website with Signs that can be printed for FREE; site also has templates and tiny signs that can be used to design your own courses in Word. (www.rallyobedience.com/)

Two  cards with general info & point deductions (word/Start-Finish.doc)

Website with some course designs and other information. (http://www.gracegift.info/rally/rally_index.html)

Charles "Bud" Kramer's website.  Bud is the inventor of Rally-O.  You can purchase his book directly from him; he also has Rally equipment and signs for sale. (http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~kramerc/home.htm)