Welcome to Rally Foundations: From First Steps to Your First Title

Module 1: Welcome to Rally

Lesson 1: What Is AKC Rally?

AKC Rally is often described as a bridge between everyday obedience and competitive obedience. Unlike traditional obedience, handlers are encouraged to communicate with their dogs throughout the course by using verbal encouragement, praise, and body language.

The goal isn't perfection, it's teamwork.

Every Rally course is made up of numbered signs. Each sign tells you and your dog which exercise to perform before moving on to the next station. While every run is different, the skills are built on the same foundation: attention, communication, and precision.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of Rally is that it teaches handlers to become better trainers. You'll learn how your dog responds to your body language, timing, and reward placement, while your dog learns that working with you is fun and rewarding.

Whether your goal is a championship title or simply a well-mannered companion, Rally provides practical skills that carry over into daily life.

Key Takeaways

  • Rally emphasizes teamwork over rigid precision.

  • Dogs and handlers navigate a course together.

  • Communication is encouraged throughout the run.

  • Every exercise builds on strong foundational skills.

  • Rally improves real-life obedience as well as competition performance.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did you decide to try Rally?

  2. What do you hope to accomplish with your dog?

  3. Which part of Rally excites you the most?

  4. What concerns or challenges do you anticipate?

Lesson 2: Why Rally Is An Excellent First Dog Sport

Many people begin their competition journey with Rally because it is welcoming, rewarding, and approachable for new handlers.

Unlike some sports that require specialized equipment or significant travel, Rally can be practiced almost anywhere. A parking lot, your backyard, a local park, or even your living room can become your training space.

Rally develops skills that benefit every dog:

  • Better focus

  • Improved leash manners

  • Stronger recalls

  • Increased confidence

  • Better impulse control

  • Improved handler communication

These skills also create a stronger bond between you and your dog.

Think About It

What everyday behaviors would you like Rally training to improve?

  • Loose leash walking

  • Focus around distractions

  • Reliable recalls

  • Confidence

  • Better attention

  • Calm behavior in public

Downloads

Course Roadmap

Student Success Guide

Lesson 3: Understanding AKC Rally Levels


AKC Rally is designed to help teams gradually build skills through multiple levels.

Rally Novice

  • Performed on leash

  • Foundation skills

  • A and B Designation

    • To be eligible for Rally Novice A, neither the handler nor dog may have earned any rally title or obedience title higher than a BN.

      • Handlers MUST be owners or members of owner’s household.

    • All dogs and handlers are eligible for Rally Novice B

    • A and B courses are always the same pattern, and are judged by the same metrics.

Rally Intermediate

  • Performed on leash

  • Introduces more advanced exercises

    • Courses can include all advanced signs EXCEPT jumps

  • Increased handler precision

  • Optional title, is not required to move to advanced.

    • No A or B designation.

Each level builds on the one before it. Rather than rushing ahead, focus on creating strong fundamentals.

Remember: Fast progress is never as valuable as consistent progress.

Reflection

What strengths does your dog already have?

What skills need the most improvement?