Although she’s young, Brianne Farr has been training dogs nearly her whole life. On top of teaching training classes, she competes in Obedience, Rally, Agility, Herding, Disc Dog, and Dock Diving. While she has earned over 50 different titles on her dogs over the years, the best reward may have come on Dec. 11, 2020 at the AKC Rally National Championship. It was there that Brianne and her dog Aurora became the AKC Rally National Champion.
To compete in this one-day event, dogs meet entry eligibility requirements at more than 1,000 events over the past year. “The dogs competing this year are considered among the best of the best.” said Pamela Manaton, Director of Obedience, Rally and Tracking.
After receiving all perfect scores, Brianne’s win came down to time. Was she speedy enough to take first? She was ecstatic when she learned the answer was yes.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable,” Brianne said. “Aurora and I have been doing rally for several years together. This is our third time competing in the Rally National Championship.”
When Brianne first picked up Aurora as a puppy, Brianne was at a low point in life. “She helped me so much just to get up and get out every day and train.”
In the past year, Aurora has earned her MACH and her RACH. “And now she’s the Rally National Champion,” Brianne said. “I could not be more proud of her.”
The 2020 AKC Rally® National Championship Winners
The 2020 AKC Rally® National Champion is: MACH POWERHOUSE HAPPILY EVER AFTER CDX PCD BN GN RM RAE2 PT MXB MJB XF DJ CGCA, a BORDER COLLIE known as “AURORA,” handled by BRIANNE FARR of DACULA, GA.
Rally Master: OTCH KATWALK’S DON’T BLINK UDX3 OM5 BN RM AX AXJ XF, a BORDER COLLIE known as “BLINK,” handled by ANN MARIE SCRIPKO of PEDRIEKTOWN, NJ.
Rally Excellent: KANOSAKS PRETTY IN PINK CDX BN GN RE OA OAJ BCAT CCA RATM DS CGC TKN, a GOLDEN RETRIEVER known as “ANDIE,” handled by NANCY YOUNGEN of MAPLE PARK, IL.
Rally Advanced: COPPER RIDGE ADVENTURE AWAITS RA NA DN CGC, a BORDER COLLIE known as “BACKPACK,” handled by BAILEY EDMUNDS of DACULA, GA.
Rally Intermediate: CLEVER K9’S SHE’S MY KIND OF RAIN RI OA OAJ OF, a BORDER COLLIE known as “RAIN,” handled by ANN MARIE SCRIPKO of PEDRIEKTOWN, NJ.
Rally Novice: MPACTS MAJESTIC STAR RISWN SCNE SHDN CGC TKN, a BELGIAN MALINOIS known as “GALAXXY,” handled by AMELIA GRENINGER of BUFFALO, MN.
Watch the 2020 AKC Rally National Championship
Missed the event? Catch up on all the action on AKC.tv:
How to Get Started in AKC Rally
If you’re inspired to start training your dog in Rally after watching a competition, get connected with your local AKC Club or dog training facility to take a class. Instructors will show you how to train your dog to perform the skills required for Rally. But it will also take plenty of practice on your own. No specialized equipment is required to get started and videos of each skill are available on the Rally resources page.
For your dog to compete in an AKC Rally trial, he or she must be at least six months old and have an AKC number via AKC Registration, AKC Canine Partners, the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program, or the Foundation Stock Service for breeds on the road to full AKC recognition.
This fast-growing sport is becoming more and more popular every year and is an excellent option for dogs that are new to competition. Plus, Rally is an excellent form of mental stimulation for canine companions and is a wonderful bonding activity for you and your furry BFF.