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
Why did you decide to try Rally?
What do you hope to accomplish with your dog?
Which part of Rally excites you the most?
What concerns or challenges do you anticipate?
Downloads
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
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?
Lesson 4: How AKC Rally Is Judged
Every Rally run begins with a perfect score of 100 points.
As you complete the course, points are deducted for handling mistakes, inaccurate performance, lack of precision, or errors in teamwork. To qualify, your team must earn a score of 70 or higher while correctly completing the course.
One of the things that makes Rally unique is that judges are evaluating the team, not just the dog. Clear communication, smooth handling, and accurate execution all contribute to a successful performance.
Common Point Deductions
Tight leash
Slow responses
Lack of teamwork
Out of position
Incorrect performance
Non-Qualifying Errors
Skipping a station
Harsh corrections
Dog eliminating in the ring
Failure to complete the course
Remember that every judge has some discretion within the AKC Regulations,
but the goal is always to reward accurate, confident teamwork.
Reflection
Which deductions do you think new handlers make most often?
How can careful practice help prevent those mistakes?
Homework
Watch the rally run in this lesson’s video, and identify at least five deductions you think the judge might make.
Lesson 5: Equipment You’ll Need
One of Rally's greatest strengths is that you don't need expensive equipment to get started. In fact, many exercises can be practiced in your living room.
Essential Equipment
Flat buckle, martingale, or slip chain collar. No prong collars!
Leash long enough to form a “J” in slack
High Value Treats
A Positive Attitude!
Helpful Equipment
Cones
Printed Rally Signs
Sign Holders
Equipment to Avoid
Retractable Leashes
Prong & E-Collars
Reflection
Which items do you already own?
Which items do you still need?
Downloads
Lesson 6: Setting Training Goals
Many new competitors make the mistake of focusing only on earning a title.
Titles are wonderful accomplishments, but they are the result of consistent training, not the purpose of training.
Set Process Goals
Process goals are specific actions or habits that can be done routinely. Some examples are:
My dog offers eye contact before we begin the course
We can heel with attention for thirty seconds
My dog was confident in a new environment
Trainer Tip
Measure progress by consistency, not speed
Focus on small improvements
Equipment to Avoid
Retractable Leashes
Prong & E-Collars
Reflection
What is one long term goal you have for your Rally journey?
What is one small goal you can accomplish this week?
Downloads
Goal Setting Worksheet
Lesson 7: How to Succeed In This Course
This course is designed to be completed at your own pace. Each lesson build upon the previous one, so avoid skipping ahead.
Set Process Goals
The recommended learning sequence is:
Watch the lesson video
Read the lesson
Practice the exercises
Complete the homework
Record your observations
Trainer Tip
Five focused minutes are almost always more productive than thirty distracted minutes.
End every training session while your dog still wants more
Reflection
How many days each week can you realistically dedicate to training?
What obstacles might interfere with your schedule?
Homework
Create your personal weekly training schedule.