Rally-O
Our club is now participating in another variety of dog sport, Rally Obedience. Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a set course. The handler proceeds at a brisk walking pace, with the dog under control at their left side, 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. The challenge is to communicate well enough with your dog to get around the course successfully.
The idea is to gain certificates upon successful completion of the course. A Qualified (gold) certificate means you have gained at least 90 out of 100 points and a Merit certificate (white)at least 70 points out of 100. Three gold certificates mean that you can graduate to the next level of course.
It is enjoyable because you don’t have to be as precise as in obedience, but you do have to think as you work your way around the course. Unlike agility, you don’t need to be able to run. Dogs do not have to be a certain age to do Rally so it is another achievement that all owners can aim for with their dogs.
Rally-O trains the first and third Monday of the month from 6pm.