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.

I enjoy it because you don’t have to be as precise as you do 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 around the course.  This is a fairly new dog sport for New Zealand.  I find it much more fun than obedience and I have found that it is helping my dogs focus for my agility as well.  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.

Our club is doing Rally link on the first Tuesday of every month at the club grounds at 6 pm.  We also have a training evening on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm as well. 

 

If you are interested in finding out more about Rally contact
Bobby Dickerson 06 874 9411 or Robyn Fargher 06 856 8205