Rally Obedience FAQ
This page provides an overview of Rally Obedience as well as information on its rules, classes and titles. This is condensed from the official Canadian Kennel Club Rally Obedience Rules.
Rally Obedience Rules Overview
Rally Obedience is a fun, beginner-friendly dog sport where you and your dog move together through a course of numbered signs, with each sign showing a simple exercise like a sit, turn, or walking in a circle. Instead of performing long, silent, formal routines, you work as a team at your own pace. The judge tells you to begin, and then you and your dog navigate the course of stations continuously at a brisk but normal pace.
It is a fantastic way to build confidence, strengthen communication, and enjoy a relaxed introduction to the world of dog sports
NOTE! These are rules that apply to Rally Obedience trials. Classes are far more relaxed and designed so that people and their dogs can learn the rules a bit at a time.
Who Can Play?
All Dogs Welcome: Rally Obedience is for any domestic dog, regardless of breed, mix, or size.
Inclusive Sport: Deaf dogs, dogs with partial vision, and dogs with physical differences (like tripods) can play.
How a Run Works
The Course Layout depends on your class level. A course will have between 10 and 20 designated stations. Each sign features a simple exercise for you and your dog to perform, such as a sit, a turn, or walking in a circle.
Starting the Run Your run begins when the judge tells you to begin with the order “Forward,” which is also when your timing starts. Timing ends the moment you and your dog cross the Finish station.
Moving Through the Stations Instead of performing long, formal, and silent routines, you and your dog move continuously through the stations at your own brisk but normal pace. Your dog should be under control at your left side, but perfect heel position is not required.
Communication and Teamwork
The sport places a huge emphasis on the partnership between you and your dog.
Throughout the entire run, you are permitted and encouraged to talk to, praise, and encourage your dog. You can use verbal commands, multiple hand signals, and even clap your hands or pat your legs to keep your dog happily engaged.
In alignment with positive training philosophies, loud or harsh commands, intimidating signals, or physical corrections are strictly penalized
Scoring
Every team starts their run with a perfect score of 100 points.
As you navigate the course, minor deductions (like a tight leash or being out of position) or more substantial deductions (like incorrectly performing a station) can be subtracted.
To pass and earn a qualifying score, you and your dog only need to finish with a minimum of 70 point
Competition Class Levels
As you and your dog build your skills, the courses introduce new signs, off-leash work, and fun obstacles like jumps!
Rally Novice. The perfect starting point for newcomers!
- On-Leash: All exercises in this class are performed safely on a leash.
- The Course: You will navigate between 10 to 15 stations (not including the Start and Finish signs).
- The Skills: There are no jumps in Novice. The focus is on basic teamwork, including halts, simple turns, and pace changes.
Rally Advanced. For dogs who have mastered the basics and are ready for more independence.
- Off-Leash: All exercises in this class are judged off-leash.
- The Course: You will navigate a slightly longer course of 12 to 17 stations.
- The Skills: Advanced courses introduce a required jump and more complex signs.
Rally Excellent. For highly polished teams looking for an exciting challenge.
- Off-Leash: All exercises are performed off-leash.
- The Course: You will navigate a complex course of 15 to 20 stations.
- The Skills: This level requires your dog to clear two jumps and complete a specific “Sit Stay” exercise while you walk away to retrieve their leash.
- The Challenge: Because this is the top tier, handlers are no longer allowed to pat their legs or clap their hands to encourage the dog, though verbal encouragement and hand signals are still happily allowed