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Rally and Obedience
AKC Rally
AKC Rally is one of the newest AKC sports and participation increases every year. Whether you just train or decide to compete, Rally develops better teamwork between you and your dog. Just as importantly, it will sharpen your dog’s obedience skills and behavior – at home and in public.
Rally is all about teamwork. You and your dog navigate a course together, side-by-side, at your own brisk pace. You both move through a course with signs where your dog, and sometimes you also, perform different exercises. Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged. While touching isn’t allowed, you can use verbal commands, clap your hands, pat your legs, and use hand signals to praise and encourage your dog.
You and your dog are a team. You do almost everything together – take walks, eat, relax, and even sleep together. So, think of the fun you would have showing off what a great team you are at a AKC Rally event!
AKC Obedience
Developed in the 1930s, the sport of obedience is all about training dogs to be well-behaved at home, in public, and in the presence of other dogs. During an obedience trial, dogs must demonstrate abilities like walking politely, staying, retrieving, and jumping, all while showing they enjoy working with their handler.
At an Obedience trial, the dog and handler will perform various predefined obedience exercises, which will be evaluated and scored by a judge. The dog must demonstrate basic proficiency in order to receive a passing score which would be 170 points out of a possible 200. There are several different levels from Novice to Utility with some in between levels as well.
Training for obedience trials will strengthen your dog’s manners. Plus, having a well-behaved canine family member means you can enjoy your dog’s company almost anywhere. It will also prevent many problem behaviors, like barking or jumping, by teaching your dog alternative ways to behave. Not to mention all the mental stimulation training can provide. Plus, all that teamwork in the ring will build your bond and give you both a fun activity to share.