| Archive for workinghprs.myfastforum.org Chat forum for owners of working HPR and Versatile gundog breeds. |
| josie |
rally obedienceChrissie (or anyone) what is it?
|
| Vital K9 |
Rally Obedience - DescriptionPermit me to use this description from the CARO site (Canadian Association of Rally Obedience www.canadianrallyo.ca) to explain the nuts and bolts of this fun dog sport. I compete in CARO trials, but the AKC in America also holds RallyO trials and the CKC in Canada will start doing the same soon too. So here it is:RALLY OBEDIENCE The decline in the number of competitors in Obedience Trials prompted the idea of a new and different approach to the sport. Rally Style Obedience concept creates an obedience program that emphasizes FUN and EXCITEMENT for the dog, handler and spectator, by providing a more "natural" approach to the performance. This new sport is intended to promote positive relationships between dogs and owners based on trust and respect. Rally encourages participation of ALL dogs, purebred or mixed breed, pets or titled champions as well as physically challenged dogs and or handlers. ATTITUDE is more important in RALLY than precision. Dogs and handlers "just gotta have fun". The concept of a single continuous performance, uninterrupted by orders from the judge, demands a sustained communication between the dog and handler. The handler may talk and give hand and body signals to his or her dog throughout the performance. This provides a mental stimulus for the handler as the course outlines are different at each trial. This is a new program for dogs and their owners, where dog and handler use directional signs to run through a numbered course within an allotted time. Rally Obedience goes beyond basic heeling by interspersing over 40 obedience movements with the sits, turns and paces of traditional heeling. It also requires a brisk pace, positive attitude and happy demeanor. Rally is for those who desire an effortless activity that is fun and games. It is not simple or easy, but challenges you and your dog in a partnership that improves heeling and teamwork. The ability to work as a team in this way during a Rally Style Obedience performance, greatly adds to the handlers ability to maintain the dog's attention and attitude at a high level. This feature, along with variability incorporated into course design and format, creates a fast moving continuous performance. Rally is designed so that dogs in all levels of training may participate . A beginners course could include heel, sits aided by the handler, turns and changing pace (slow, fast, normal), sit stay and elements of the recall. As the dogs gain skill, more difficult courses are designed which will improve you and your dogs performance levels and confidence. |