Rally & Obedience
While Rally and Obedience are technically different sports, much of the training is the same. The classes are structured with that in mind. Once we have enough students, we'll open up separate classes that focus more on the different sports and their nuances.
Rally and obedience are very beginner-friendly and suitable for all dogs.
What is Rally-obedience?
Rally obedience, or "Rally-O," is a dog sport that combines elements of obedience and agility. In a rally course, dog-and-handler teams navigate a series of stations, each marked by a sign that indicates a specific exercise to complete. At the novice level, these exercises are relatively simple (heeling with direction changes, sits/stands/downs) but it gets progressively more complex through the levels.
Rally differs from obedience in a few ways. Firstly, the handler receives their directions from signs throughout a 'course' and not from a judge or steward. Secondly, you are able to talk to your dog and help them (within reason) during a trial. Because of this, rally was originally intended to be a beginner-friendly sport as a stepping stone towards obedience. Nowadays, while still beginner friendly, it's taken on a life of its own and the more advanced courses can be quite challenging!
Rally and obedience are relatively low impact, fun, yet mentally challenging for your dogs. They're a great way to improve your dog's general obedience, as well as your relationship.
1
Fancy Pants Heeling
Pre-requisites: foundations, suitable for all ages (dogs must be in good physical health)
$240 | 10 dogs | 5 weeks
This course is suitable for those interested in both rally and obedience. By the end your dog will have a very good idea of competition level heeling.
Over the five weeks, you and your dog will learn:
- Return to heel
- Pivoting off the touch pad
- Lateral movements
- Pace changes
- Head positioning
- Methods for getting that fancy-prance gait everyone loves
- Fading lures and teaching a focal point
- Auto-sits and fronts
- Hand touches (for rear end engagement)
2
Obedience basics
Pre-requisites: foundations and fancy pants heeling
$240 | 10 dogs | 5 weeks
With a solid heeling foundation in place, you and your dog are ready to mix and mash with the rest of the obedience/rally skills. These include:
- Positions (stand, sit, down)
- Fronts and finishes
- Retrieves
- Advanced heeling and heeling routines
- Non verbal cueing
- Introduction of rally signs and courses
