Waggin' Tails Rally Program
Rally is a fun sport where the dog and handler heel continuously
through a course and at each numbered station perform the obedience
exercise indicated on the sign. The requirements of Rally are more
relaxed and natural than precision competitive obedience. The variety
of exercises and courses
allows you to show off your versatility and teamwork. Rally is
enjoyable all on it's own but it is also great for increasing teamwork
and
attention for dogs involved in other sports like agility.
Rally courses, depending on the titling organization (APDT and AKC) and competition level, consist of 10 to 22 stations, laid out in a numbered pattern, performed on-leash or off. Handlers get to see the course and familiarize themselves with the pattern without their dog before running the course. During their turn, the dog and handler move through the course in heel position, performing each exercise in turn. The highest scores will be earned by teams who move smoothly through the course, completing each exercise accurately, and with enthusiasm and a good attitude. Praise and verbal encouragement during your run is allowed, and you even get "do overs" for a point penalty. Rally is fun and interesting to watch as the individual style of each team can really show through.
There are dozens of different stations which might be seen in a
Rally course, primarily variations on basic heel exercises and other
traditional Obedience skills. Many of the stations involve activities
you
are probably familiar with, such as heeling Slow/Normal/Fast Pace,
Halt,
Left/Right/About Turn, and Finish Right/Left. Others are simple
extensions, such as 270° and 360° right/left turns, heeling past
food or toys on course, weaving and spiral patterns, and send over
jumps.
WHAT DOGS CAN DO RALLY?
Any dog that is healthy, fit, and friendly is a good candidate for Rally. If your dog already knows how to sit, down, stand, stay, and heel (does not have to be perfect) then you can learn Rally. If not, consider taking our obedience classes first. You may decide to do rally just for fun but you may also decide to compete. Waggin' Tails students are successfully competing in all levels of Rally.
THE PROGRAM
A 4-level rally program with each
level teaching different and progressively
more advanced concepts. These classes are 6-8 weeks and you must be
able to attend all 6 or 8
classes. If you miss a class, you will be responsible for
scheduling and paying for a make-up lesson
so you will be ready
for the next week's lessons with everyone else. As with all our
training, we use positive motivational methods to achieve great results
and a happy dog.Once you are enrolled in classes you may practice on the field anytime there is not a scheduled activity. Field hours are from dawn to 10pm. Please remember to potty dogs before allowing them to run and play on the training field. Please also pick up after your dog.
METHODS
Our training methods are based on positive motivation, utilizing
toys, treats, petting, and praise to make training fun and successful.
This
type of training focuses on teaching and rewarding correct behavior.
This
builds a relationship based on
trust and cooperation. These methods are effective for puppies as well
as adult dogs, bold dogs and shy dogs, large dogs and small dogs. We
welcome mixed breeds as well as purebred dogs. You will need to bring treats and toys to
class to reward your dog for trying new things!