Rally O

WHAT IS RALLY-O?

Rally Obedience (formerly known as Rally O prior to March 2020) was invented by Charles (Bud) Kramer of the USA and has spread to countries all around the world.  Rally trials officially started in 2012 in Australia and our club holds regular trials throughout the year.  Rules for Rally O can be found here https://dogsaustralia.org.au/media/9695/10-rally-rule-book-01-01-2021-v32.pdf

Great Introduction to Obedience

Rally is a wonderful introduction to the sport of obedience for dogs and owners, an opportunity for veteran dogs to remain active, and a chance for shy or anti-social dogs to get ring experience without worrying about being examined by a judge.

No marching around in silence

Many dogs enjoy this change from the usual silent heeling of traditional obedience as their handlers can clap hands, talk, whistle (even sing!) to them throughout the entire course without penalty. Those who participate in agility trials will recognise the pre-class "walk-throughs" and the challenge of working with their dog partners in an almost dance-like flow from one station to another.

Rally combines characteristics of sports car racing, dog agility, and traditional obedience into a new fun sport.

Features of Rally-O

• each dog and handler, known as a team, is timed

• includes a total of 76 stations ranging from Novice through to Masters. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know all of the 76 signs at once! The Novice beginners level starts with 32 very manageable signs to learn and enjoy with your dog on lead.

• is scored by a judge who watches for a smooth performance as well as skill in following the directions at each station.

Levels of difficulty:

• Novice (RN) with on-leash exercises that demonstrate the dog's understanding of basic commands such as sit, stay, down, come and heel position.

• Advanced (RA) a set of exercises performed off-leash that includes at least one jump.

• Excellent (RE) a more difficult off-leash course that has two jumps and demonstrates more precise skill and coordination between the dog and handler; and

• Masters (RM) courses consist of 18 to 24 stations selected from the 76 stations and conducted off-lead, although there are no jumps at this level. The course must contain a minimum of 4 Excellent and 3 Master Class stations.

• Champion (R. CH) can be attained with another 10 qualifying scores in Masters of 90 or more points.

What is the link with Agility

• Courses are designed by the judge and are different in every trial.

• Exhibitors receive a course map from the judge and can walk the course without their dogs prior to the start of the class.

• Judges design their courses by choosing from many exercises that are put together that direct handlers and dogs to perform specific exercises in a specific order.

Signs describe what you must do

• A sign at each station gives instructions to the dog and handler.

• Each team must execute the station's particular task with a minimum distance of four (4) metres between sequential signs or after completion of a station. 

• Once the judge gives the command "forward," the dog and handler complete the course on their own without further commands from the judge.

• Praise and encouragement are allowed, dogs should remain under control. Patting of the dog is permitted for praise. Physical contact must not be used for physically guiding or assisting the dog into position.

• The Handler may not take food or other training aids into the ring at any time during the walkthrough or competition.

Types of Signs

Signs instruct teams to do, for example:

• go fast or go slow or halt,

• to make turns and circles,

• to sit, stand and drop & to reverse direction,

• to sit, down & stand stays & sit-recall

Scoring

• Each team at all levels has a starting score of 100 points.

• Points are deducted for such faults as missed or incompletely performed stations, physically assisting the dog, leash corrections, etc.  The dog has to heel on a loose lead (in Novice class only), sit, stand and drop on command.

• Teams are ranked from the highest to the lowest score (i.e. fewest number of faults wins first place).

• If two teams achieve the same score, the judge determines the placements according to the time recorded for each team's course completion.

What do I do if I want to compete?

All dogs regardless of breed can compete in trials, but you need to join Dogs Queensland (CCCQ) first.  

There is a combined joining and annual fee to pay for either single or joint membership. Their website www.dogsqueensland.org.au provides all the info you need.

Rules for the Conduct of Obedience Trials is here: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/media/9695/10-rally-rule-book-01-01-2021-v32.pdf

Or Contact Us!

Once that is done you can compete in any trial in Australia and gain Titles and even Championships in these fields – but the main thing is to enjoy being active with your dog!