AKC Rally 101: How Dogs Compete in AKC Rally

Just like any team sport, AKC Rally^® requires both teamwork and skill. Handlers and their dogs navigate a course, side-by-side, as the handlers steer their dogs through a course of 10-20 different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed.

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, it’s easy to become hooked. So, what should every potential spectator or future participant know about Rally? We break down this fun and exciting activity.

Setting the Scene

AKC Rally is one of four companion events (obedience, AKC Rally, agility, and tracking). The sport is nearly 20 years old, having started in 2005. It’s open to all AKC-recognized breeds and All-American Dogs registered with an AKC PAL or Canine Partners number. It’s also open to people of all ages. Currently, there are no minimum age requirements for handlers at AKC Companion Events. At most trials, Juniors compete alongside adults.

The most important thing to understand is that the sport is all about teamwork. A handler and their dog navigate a numbered course of signs together, during which the team must complete a series of specific numbered skills.

Photo by Pix 'n Pages ©American Kennel Club

Learning the Basics of AKC Rally

Each course is filled with 10-20 signs (the number depends on the class level) indicating which skills the dog-handler team must perform. 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:

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.

Another significant part of this sport is communication. 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.

David Woo / American Kennel Club

An Intro to AKC Rally Classes

Here’s what you need to know about four of the levels:

• Novice: In this class, all exercises are performed with the dog on a leash. There are between 10 and 15 signs, depending on the course. It takes three qualifying scores of at least 70 points to earn a title.
• Intermediate: In this class, teams will 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. It takes three qualifying scores of at least 70 points to earn a title.
• Advanced: In this class, all exercises are performed with the dog off-leash, and one jump is required. There are between 12 and 17 signs. It takes three qualifying scores of at least 70 points to earn a title.
• Excellent: In this class, all exercises are performed off-leash and the dog is required to jump twice. There are between 15 and 20 signs. It takes three qualifying scores of at least 70 points to earn a title.

How to Get 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. It’s also an excellent 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.