Rally is a sport in which dog and handler complete a course that has been designed in advance by the rally judge.  The course consists of a series of 10 to 20 skill-testing stations.  Each of these stations has a sign indicating which exercise is to be performed.

Rally is similar to obedience: both require teamwork between dog and handler, along with similar skills.  However, rally does not require the exact precision of obedience.  More importantly, a dog should demonstrate willingness and enjoyment and the handler may use praise and encouragement throughout the rally course.

Rally goes beyond basic heeling by interspersing various exercises with the typical sits, turns and changes of pace of traditional heeling.  The rally judge selects from many different exercises including 360 degree turns, moving side steps, 90 degree pivots and serpentines.

Click here for more information on the sport of rally from the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) website.