Rally

KeeperBoy · 08-16-2009, 06:55 AM

Anyone done AKC rally with their boxer (or any other dog)? I'm putting Keepers in a basic obedience class in the fall as a pre-rec for rally. I think it would be great for him to work on focus and we can do novice on lead. The only thing stopping us from agility right now his keeping him off lead and in the ring around so much activity. I think it is more my own anxiety about him than his own, so I'm hoping rally would build both of our confidence.

On a side note, we've taken a class called "control unleashed" based on the book of the same title and it was awesome, I just want to do something more fun with Keepers right now and that class could be a bit stressful.

About rally: Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. 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 providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience.

The team of dog and handler moves continuously at a brisk, but normal, pace with the dog under control at the handler's left side. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during the numbered exercises and between the exercise signs; however, perfect "heel position" is not required. Any faults in traditional obedience that would be evaluated and scored as a one-point deduction or more should be scored the same in Rally, unless otherwise mentioned in the Rally Regulations. After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence of numbered signs correctly.

Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. Unless otherwise specified in these Regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Multiple commands and/or signals using one or both arms and hands are allowed; the handler's arms need not be maintained in any particular position at any time. The handler may not touch the dog or make physical corrections. At any time during the performance, loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.

Have I mentioned I LOVE this stuff?!

daisy'smom · 08-16-2009, 07:58 AM

That sounds like it is right up your and Keepers alley!

KeeperBoy · 08-16-2009, 08:43 AM

We're trying it with Boo also. She's not as smart (or motivated) as Keepers, but she does like her group classes. I'm so excited!

There has been some drama at our agility club, mostly involving our trainer. She isn't teaching any group classes this semester and is teaching at another club one night a week (actually, the club we are doing rally at). It's so hard to schedule privates so I'm thinking this is the perfect chance to try something new.

Spyglass Sally · 08-16-2009, 10:24 AM

If you can, post some pics. I've never seen anything like that and it sounds interesting. Good for you guys!

whitedaisy · 08-16-2009, 12:37 PM

I'm glad you are having so much fun!! I love to watch it!

brindlebox · 08-17-2009, 09:00 AM

I have been taking rally classes for just about 1 year and we love it! Our first CKC competition is coming up in September and I can't wait! Not sure how well the dogs will do cause it's hard to keep such a loose leash! and not screwing up the signs! LOL But we love regardless.

brindlebox · 08-17-2009, 09:01 AM

What agility club do you belong too? I usually come over and do some CPE and I also do USDAA at Awesome and Total dog sports? Do you go to any of there trials?

There has been some drama at our agility club, mostly involving our trainer. She isn't teaching any group classes this semester and is teaching at another club one night a week (actually, the club we are doing rally at). It's so hard to schedule privates so I'm thinking this is the perfect chance to try something new.[/QUOTE]

KeeperBoy · 08-17-2009, 09:43 AM

We train at Canine Sports and Rec in Dexter. One of their trainers (the lady we did work in our home with) ended up renting a unit for herself a few doors down. Our agility instructor thought it was a great idea too, but apparently some of the other people at CSR didn't think she should be doing her own training in the same complex and so lines were drawn. We are starting rally at Ann Arbor Dog Training Club.

brindlebox · 08-17-2009, 10:41 AM

I know exactly where that place is at! We go to the CPE trials there, I believe Mandy is the one who ownes the place and I think she's an instructor too! I think I know where ann arbour dog training club is too, the lady who used to teach there I think teaches at CSR she had blond curly hair and has a dalmation and jack russel plus a border collie I think. This place is off of that same road you take to cabella's but go the other way correct?

KeeperBoy · 08-17-2009, 10:49 AM

Blond curly hair is deb. She's our teacher and the only one I trust with Keepers. He is fear reactive (never been aggressive, but I won't put it past him) and I trust Deb with him. She owns the most titled dalmation in agility, kinda cool. Deb is back at AADTC this semester, we are meeting with her tomorrow so I'm excited to see what's been going on with her. Keepers loves agility but I think he's been getting a little bored with it lately, just isn't as excited about it as he used to be.