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What Is Rally?
According to the AKC, "rally is a sport in which the
dog and handler complete a course that has been designed
by the rally judge. The judge tells the handler to
begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace
through a course of designated stations (10 - 20,
depending on the level). Each of these stations has a
sign providing instructions regarding the next skill
that is to be performed. Scoring is not as rigorous as
traditional obedience.
The team of dog and handler moves continuously at a
brisk, but normal, pace with the dog under control at
the handler's left side. There should be a sense of
teamwork between the dog and handler both during the
numbered exercises and between the exercise signs;
however, perfect "heel position" is not required. Any
faults in traditional obedience that would be evaluated
and scored as a one-point deduction or more should be
scored the same in Rally, unless otherwise mentioned in
the Rally Regulations. After the judge's "Forward"
order, the team is on its own to complete the entire
sequence of numbered signs correctly.
Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is
to be encouraged and not penalized. Unless otherwise
specified in these Regulations, handlers are permitted
to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their
legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Multiple
commands and/or signals using one or both arms and hands
are allowed; the handler's arms need not be maintained
in any particular position at any time. The handler may
not touch the dog or make physical corrections. At any
time during the performance, loud or harsh commands or
intimidating signals will be penalized.
Rally provides a link from the Canine Good CitizenŽ
(CGC) program to obedience or agility competition, both
for dogs and handlers. In addition, rally promotes fun
and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition." |
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