Rally Obedience

Rally Obedience is a relatively new sport for dogs combining obedience exercises on a course like agility. It was originally devised by Charles L. "Bud" Kramer from the obedience practice of "doodling" - doing a variety of interesting warm up and freestyle exercises. Rally stresses the importance of team work between the handler and dog over precision. The course is a series of stations with a sign explaining the next exercise to be performed. After the judge gives the forward command the team must briskly navigate the course in the correct sequence.


On the course handlers are allowed unlimited communication including hand signals and the handler's hands do not have to be in any particular position. The handler may not give harsh verbal commands or touch their dog on the course. The dog does not have to be in perfect heel position and scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience.


Rally may not burn as much energy as agility but it provides non-impact exercise as well as great mental simulation. Some handlers don't ever plan to compete but use Rally as a way to practice basic obedience in a less formal class setting. There are a four venues that offer Rally obedience in the United States. They are American Kennel Club (AKC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (ADPT), United Kennel Club (UKC), and the newly formed Canine Work and Games (C-Wags).

Best Friends offers two options for those wishing to take Rally classes. The first option is a six week class for those who have no prior rally experience. The first two weeks we cover the stations for AKC rally including practicing proper performance and introduction to simple courses. The following weeks we will increase the length and difficulty of each course with the final class set up as a mock trial. The second option is for those who have some prior knowledge of rally, even non-AKC venues, and consists of a drop-in class. While AKC obedience is covered the other venues will be added in as some of their stations differ. In order to join either class basic obedience is a minimum and advanced obedience is preferred.

For more information please give us a call at 586-792-3000.