OBEDIENCE and RALLY-O

Developed in the 1930s, Competition Obedience is one of the AKC’s foundational sporting events. Ranging from precise on- and off-leash heeling to complex retrieving and jumping exercises, Obedience trials showcase companions who are exceptionally well-mannered at home, in public, and around other dogs. Crucially, the modern standard requires that the dog demonstrate visible willingness, enthusiasm, and genuine enjoyment while working as a team with their handler.

While traditional in-person Obedience trials are held at formal, AKC-sanctioned dog shows, they contrast beautifully with programs like Rally. Rally is much more relaxed, allowing you to seamlessly film your performances in your own space and upload your videos directly to the AKC Virtual titling platform for official judging and title recognition.There are three progressive levels of AKC Obedience competition:

  • Companion Dog (CD): Focuses on foundational heeling patterns, basic recalls, and group stay exercises.
  • Open (CDX): Introduces advanced off-leash work, dumbbell retrieves, and clearing high and broad jumps.
  • Utility (UD): The pinnacle of precision, featuring long-distance signal work, directed jumping, and advanced scent discrimination retrieves.”

 

 

Rally Obedience, also known as Rally, is a dynamic dog sport rooted in foundational teamwork. It was originally devised by Charles L. ‘Bud’ Kramer from the traditional obedience warm-up practice of ‘doodling’—performing a fluid variety of engaging, creative freestyle maneuvers.

Unlike traditional Competition Obedience, teams do not wait for a judge’s specific verbal orders. Instead, the handler and dog proceed smoothly around a custom course of designated stations at their own pace. The course features ten to twenty distinct signs that instruct the team exactly which maneuver to perform next.

A wonderful benefit of Rally is that handlers are warmly encouraged to talk to, praise, and cheer on their dogs throughout the entire ring performance. It functions as a beautiful blend of obedience focus and agility flow, offering the joyful partnership of a sport without the rigid formality of traditional trials or the high-speed intensity of agility.

The AKC offers multiple progressive levels of sign patterns, providing an accessible and deeply rewarding pathway to national titling.”