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Rally is a dog sport where the dog and handler perform a series of exercises that are a combination of obedience exercises and tricks.  The exercises are laid out in the ring in the form of a course.  There are 5 levels of difficulty groupings of the exercises from which the course exercises are chosen from.   You are allowed to talk your dog all the way through the course and can encourage them and give praise.  It is a fun way to challenge you and your dog. 

The following classes are offered throughout the year.  Go to the Class Session page to see which classes are offer which session.

Class Description:

What should your dog know before starting?

Because Rally is based on beginner obedience skills, your dog must know the basics before taking a Rally class. A dog that can walk on a leash, sit, down, and stay can be successful in training for AKC Rally. Other helpful skills include your dog being comfortable around other dogs and people as well as coming when called.

What will we do in class? 

 We will learn the skills to perform the Novice level Rally Signs.  There are 42 in all.  They are made up of some basic skills like “ sit”, “down”, changes of pace like “slow” and “fast” , various turns like “right turn”, “left turn” and “about turn right”  The class will be broken up into half the class learning the skills and what is expected to complete the signs and a the other half performing the skills in a course similar to how a rally trial is run. 

We also address teamwork and attention between you and your dog.  Exercises are broken down into portions, so you learn the proper footwork and what results in point deductions in a trial

It is required that the handlers provide a crate for their dogs while in class, so that they will be free to hear explanations and ask questions as they learn the signs.  You will be walking each course without your dog as well.

This class is limited to six teams.

Class Description:

For handlers and their dogs that have completed Introduction to Rally, Novice Rally, or have some previous Rally experience. The focus will be on learning and practicing the AKC Intermediate/Advanced exercises.

Dog and handler teams will learn the behaviors and exercises needed to run Intermediate/Advanced Rally courses successfully.  The course is broken up into learning each of the exercises defined by the Intermediate/ Advanced Rally Signs and learning how to perform them in a course.  By the end of the session all the signs will have been explained and weekly courses will become more difficult with more of the Intermediate signs incorporated in the course.  This class is taught all on leash. 

A crate is required for this class for your dog. Dogs will be crated when not in the ring during active exercises so handlers can walk the course with the instructor without their dogs.  

This class is limited to six teams.

Class Description:

For handlers and their dogs that are competing successfully at the Novice/Intermediate Rally level and are ready to move up to the Advanced Rally levels (Advanced, Excellent and Masters).  The focus will be on learning and correctly executing the AKC Advanced, Rally signs.  Dog and handler teams will learn the behaviors and exercises needed to run advanced level Rally courses successfully.  This class dogs are off leash.

A crate is required for this class for your dog.  Dogs will be crated when not in the ring during active exercises so handlers can walk the course with the instructor without their dogs.  This class is limited to six teams.

Class Description 

This course is designed for the teams that have a solid background in off-leash heeling including multiple changes of direction. The dog must have a reliable sit, down, stand, stay, and recall. The use of the handler’s voice/signal for commands are both acceptable.

This course will emphasize the signs from the Excellent and Masters levels and will include practice of correct footwork as well as developing a smooth, flowing style of navigating a complete course from “start” to “finish.” As needed, attention will be paid to methods of teaching a dog to do the movements required in some of the more “difficult” signs.