OBEDIENCE and RALLY-O

Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events. From walking on- and off-leash to retrieving and jumping, or demonstrating your dog’s ability to stay, Obedience trials feature dogs that are well-behaved at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. It is essential that the obedience dog demonstrates willingness and enjoyment while it is working with the handler.

Obedience competitions are only held and AKC sanctioned dog shows. They are more formal in nature as the dog works, in comparison to Rally-O, which is much more relaxed and your videos can then be uploaded to AKC for judging and earning titles.

There are 3 different levels of Obedience competion: Companion Dog, Open, and Utility.  They increase in difficulty from basic healing patterns, long sits and downs to long-distance recalls, scent discrimination retrieve, retrieving a dumbell over a jump and more.  

Rally Obedience, also known as Rally or Rally-O, is a dog sport based on obedience.  it was originally devised by Charles L. “Bud” Kramer from the obedience practice of “doodling”- doing a variety of interesting warm-up and freestyle exercises.  Unlike regular obedience, instead of waiting for the judge’s orders, the competitors proceed around a course of designated stations with the dog in “heel” position.  The course consists of 10-20 signs that instruct the dog/human team what to do.  Unlike traditional obedience, handlers are allowed to talk to and encourage their dogs during the course.  It is more of a blend of obedience and agility, but without the strictness of formal obedience or the speed or intensity of agility.  There are multiple levels available to earn titles.