As of now, Rally is a non-regular class that can be offered at AKC licensed trials. Input received from the clubs and exhibitors will determine future guidelines and scoring for this class. It is rumored that this could become a titling event in the future.

Rally will be offered by other venues to allow the competition of All-American dogs.

In Rally Classes, the team of dog and handler move continuously and perform the exercises indicated by the sign at each location.

After the judge’s "Forward" command, the team is on their own to complete the entire sequence correctly.

Many of the exercises in both the Level 1 and Level 2 Classes are the same as those of the traditional Obedience program and thus, are performed in the same manner. The exception to this is that the handler may talk and give signals to his/her dog repeatedly as desired throughout the performance. Also, the judge gives no verbal directions during the performance. When given a clearance to start the performance by the judge, the handler and dog heel toward the first exercise sign. As they approach the sign, the handler commands the dog with verbal commands and/or hand signals, to perform the exercise as indicated by the sign. When the team has completed the exercise, they heel to the next sign. Heeling between exercises is considered a part of the performance. The judge moves with the team scoring any errors that might be made by the dog or handler. The performance starts as the dog crosses the START line and concludes as the dog crosses the FINISH line.

Scoring:

All scoring deductions will be made from a perfect score of 200 points.

Unlimited communication from handler to dog between signs is to be encouraged and not penalized. However, minor to substantial penalties should be deducted for any physical guiding, reluctance of the dog to move with the handler, interference with handler’s freedom of monition, or failure to move briskly from sign to sign.

Deductions from minor to substantial shall be made for any errors on the part of the dog performing the designated exercise at a sign. Andy dog or handler not completing an exercise as indicated by the sign will be penalized 10 points.

Level 1. All exercises are performed on lead, with 16 – 20 exercise signs.

Level 2. Exercises are off lead with 18 – 22 exercise signs. One or more jumps must be included.

Height of dog at withers Height to be jumped

Less then 14" jump 8"

14" to less than 20"jump 14"

20" or more jump 20"

Kong Dog Toys are uniquely shaped, extraordinarily durable rubber dog toys with a hollow center, which can be filled with food or treats. Kong's unpredictable bounce lures most dogs into an on-going game of JAWROBICS® chase catch and chew.

Unstuffing Kongs has become a very popular and important activity because it can keep dogs contentedly busy for hours while they crunch up and lick out the food nuggets and tasty treats (reward/pay) stuffed inside.

5 simple steps to hours of fun!

1. Start with at least 1 Kong toy (sized-right for your dog)

2. Place a little bit of freeze dried liver, peanut butter, or cheese into the little hole on top.

3. Fill 2/3 of the Kong with dry dog food laced with some tastier morsels.

4. Top-off the Kong with canned food or Rollover Dog Food, then wedge a piece of dog biscuit into the end.

5. Leave a nice easy-to-get-at tidbit that will provide an immediate reward and will encourage your dog to get serious about the job at hand.

As your dog becomes more experienced at removing the food treats, you may want to make it more of a challenge, here is how:

1. Pack stuffing tighter.

2. Wedge biscuits inside the Kong using the inside rim of the opening to secure them.

3. FREEZE IT! very popular. Use different combinations of canned food, gravy, noodles, rice, and mashed potatoes mixed with kibble, and freeze.

4. Create a Kongsicle by placing a dab of peanut in the small end of the Kong to plug it. Turn it upside down in a cup. Fill it full of water, chicken broth or fruit juice and freeze. Recommended for outdoor use.

5. Cheese it! Mix cheese pieces or spread with food nuggets and MICROWAVE for approximately 90 seconds to create a crust that sticks to everything inside. Let cool to a safe temperature.

NOTE: use a cup to contain the Kong when freezing or microwaving.

OTHER IDEAS

Be creative; try different ideas and recipes. Develop a variety of recipes, but be sensitive to your dog's tummy as you experiment.

Hide stuffed Kongs indoors and/or out. The hunt is great fun and rewarding. Excellent for separation anxiety issues.

Provide stuffed Kongs randomly so they won't always be associated with you leaving.

If your dog is unstuffing several Kongs per day, you should appropriately reduce the amount of bowl feeding.

CLEAN KONGS THOROUGHLY AFTER USE! Dishwasher is recommended. Your dog's job will last until the Kongs are unstuffed. You can keep your dog "working" all day if you provide enough stuffed Kongs!

(A great training treat)