AKC Rally® is a team sport for you and your dog. It’s all about teamwork as the dog performs skills such as sit, down, stay, etc., that are specified on signs along a short course. The dog and handler will move at their own brisk pace through the course with the dog under control on the handler’s left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs and as the dog performs the different skills. There is unlimited communication allowed from the handler to the dog, with verbal commands, clapping your hands, patting your legs and using hand signals to praise and encourage your dog. Although each performance is timed, having a good race time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control.
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First Steps
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AKC Rally is based on beginner obedience skills, so it is helpful for your dog to know the basics before entering the sport. One way to help your dog with the basics is to prepare them to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This program focuses on 10 skills, including sitting politely for petting and coming when called. A dog that can walk on a leash, sit, down, and stay will be successful in training for AKC Rally.
There are 42 signs that may be used at the Rally Novice level, which is the level for beginners. You can learn about all 42 signs here.
For AKC Canine and Me, you will create a video that demonstrates a right turn.
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