AKC Rally® is a companion sport where handlers and dogs work together to complete a course of numbered signs, each directing a specific skill. Teams are judged on accuracy, control, and communication rather than speed. Open to dogs of many backgrounds and handlers of all ages, Rally offers a fun introduction to dog sports while strengthening the bond between dog and owner.
Understanding AKC Rally
Just like any team sport, AKC Rally requires both teamwork and skill. Handlers and their dogs work side-by-side, navigating a course of 10-20 different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions for the next skill to perform.
Watching AKC Rally can seem confusing at first. But once you pick up on ring procedures, how scoring works, and what it takes to earn a qualifying score, the sport becomes much easier to follow.
AKC Rally is one of four companion events, along with obedience, agility, and tracking. The sport began in 2005 and is open to all AKC-recognized breeds and All-American Dogs registered with an AKC PAL or Canine Partners number.
It’s also open to handlers of all ages. Currently, there are no minimum age requirements for handlers in AKC Companion Events, and Juniors typically compete alongside adults.
What Happens on an AKC Rally Course?
The number of signs on a course, and which skills they call for, depends on the class level (see the class breakdown below). The handler doesn’t know which ones will be present on the course until the day of the event. Here are just a few of the signs you might see at an AKC Rally competition:
| Can be used in all class levels: | Can be used in Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, and Rally Advanced Excellent classes: | Can be used in Excellent, Rally Advanced Excellent, and Master classes: |
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Although performances are timed, quickly completing a course isn’t the goal. AKC Rally is ultimately about the handler and their dog working together to execute the specified set of skills, with the dog remaining under control throughout the entire presentation.
How Handlers Communicate and Earn Scores
At every AKC Rally level, handlers can use verbal commands and hand signals to encourage their dog throughout the course. At lower levels — like Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced — handlers can also clap their hands and pat their legs to engage with their dog.
As for scoring, each participant begins with a perfect score of 100, and points are deducted along the way. Minor deductions range from a dog interfering with their handler’s movement to a dog responding too slowly to a command. More substantial deductions include incorrectly performing a sign or luring or pleading with a dog to perform the exercises on the course.
Teams must finish the course with at least 70 points to earn a qualifying score and earn a “leg” toward a title.
An Intro to AKC Rally Classes
AKC Rally offers multiple levels that gradually increase in difficulty as teams gain experience. At every level, teams need three qualifying scores of at least 70 points to earn a title.
- Novice: All exercises are performed with the dog on a leash. There are between 10 and 15 signs, depending on the course.
- Intermediate: Teams perform similar courses as the Advanced class, without the jump and with the dogs performing on leash. There are between 12-17 signs, depending on the course.
- Advanced: All exercises are performed with the dog off-leash, and one jump is required. There are between 12 and 17 signs.
- Excellent: All exercises are performed off-leash and the dog is required to jump twice. There are between 15 and 20 signs.
Getting Started in AKC Rally
If you’re inspired to start training your dog in AKC 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 required skills. 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 AKC Rally resources page.
For your dog to compete in an AKC Rally trial, they must be at least 6 months old and have an AKC number via AKC Registration, AKC Canine Partners, the PAL program, or the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) for breeds on the road to full AKC recognition.
This fast-growing sport is becoming more and more popular every year and is a great option for dogs that are new to competition. Plus, it’s an excellent form of mental stimulation for dogs and is a wonderful bonding activity for you both.
The AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has crowned its 2025 Best in Show! Learn more about conformation and follow your favorite breeds at dog shows throughout the year.