Newfoundland Athletic Dog Association, Inc.

What Is Rally?

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Rally is a highly motivational Obedience sport, which both you and your dog will enjoy tremendously! Hand signals and/or verbal cues and body language are encouraged in all classes, and are a major part of the teamwork. Rally is considered by many to be a hybrid of both Obedience and Agility.

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The basic objective of Rally is to provide an activity that does not require extensive precision for success. Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the Rally judge within a 4-minute time limit. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10-20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign with a diagram and text describing what is to be performed. The dog may be asked to sit, down or stand next to their handler, the handler may be asked to walk around their dog in a circle, the dog may be asked to run and take a jump - every single course is different!

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Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional Obedience. The team of dog and handler moves continuously at a brisk, but normal pace between exercise signs. Perfect heel position is not required. After the judge says “Forward,” the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence of numbered signs correctly.

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Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. In doing the exercises you may use hand signals and/or voice cues as well as talk to your dog and encourage them throughout the performance.

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Who Can Participate?

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The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) allows all dogs, regardless of pedigree, size, or age to take part in Rally. Dogs must be individually registered with CKC to enter their trials. Dogs who are not CKC registered may apply for a Performance Event Number (for purebred dogs) or a Canine Companion Number (for mixed breed dogs) to compete in CKC events, as these events are no longer restricted to purebred dogs!

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NADA, Inc. runs classes for dogs aged 6-months and older. CKC trials (competitions) are also restricted to dogs 6-months of and older, and requires that dogs are physically sound and are not aggressive towards people or other dogs

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The height of the jumps at the Advanced, Excellent, and Master levels are determined by the height of the dog. While Rally does not offer Veteran or breed-specific height reductions as Obedience does, Rally heights are already set to be significantly lower than most dogs Obedience jump height - equivalent to what their "Specials" jump height would be in Agility.