Rally!

Finn and I went to a Rally clinic today, to try it out.

So what is Rally you say? Rally is an obedience event where you and your dog coordinate to accomplish specific moves. The emphasis is on the relationship between you and your dog, and fun!

From the AKC site:

"Rally is a new dog sport that is sweeping the nation. It was created to promote a positive relationship between the dog and its owner. Animation and enthusiasm throughout the performance is encouraged. Emphasis is on fun and excitement for the dog and handler, and the spectator, by providing a more "natural" approach to the performance.

Each team is judged on the execution of a single, continuous performance of numbered exercises on a course, uninterrupted by orders from the judge. Many of the exercises are derived from "doodles" people use when training for Obedience.

Perfect heel position is not required but you must maintain a loose leash at all times. Harsh verbal or leash corrections are not tolerated."

• Question: "Who can do Rally?"
  
  Answer: "Anybody! Rally was designed with the average pet dog owner in mind, as a way to introduce them into the world of dog sports and for people to just have fun with their dogs. Whether you've just completed your CGC or are looking for something else to do, or you want to hone up on your obedience skills, Rally has something to offer you and your companion."
  
  
• Question: "Will this help my dog to compete in regular Obedience?"
  
  Answer: "Rally is a wonderful sport for dogs and handlers who experience "ring stress", or for whatever reasons, would not be successful in traditional obedience. The Novice level is all on leash, you are allowed to use multiple hand and verbal cues, and you can talk to and encourage your dog throughout the performance. This makes it a great place to work through both of your ring nerves and to have some success in the ring."
  
  
• Question: "Can beginners do Rally?"
  
  Answer: "Absolutely! Rally makes a great entry-level class for both obedience and agility. But don't be fooled! Rally can still be a challenge. You must work closely as a team as you negotiate the course, heeling from sign to sign and performing one of the many different exercises. Some are quite complex (there are 50 different exercises to choose from)."

It was really, really fun! Finn did quite well, I think we may try it in a show this spring.

It is also quite tiring..here is a photo of Finn and an IW puppy towards the end of the class.

This is a cell phone photo, it is really hard to take good photos of an event when you are busy enjoying the event yourself!