,

Starting With Rally Class

This boy has an exciting future

Marcia
3–4 minutes
JB, an Old English Sheepdog, sits and looks up at a handler during a rally obedience exercise in an indoor training area

Starting Your Dog in the Sport of AKC Rally: A Fun Journey with Puppy JB (Island Bound It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere)

Old English Sheepdog sitting calmly beside its handler during a rally class, with a small phone on a stand in front

If you’re looking for a dog sport that builds strong teamwork, boosts your dog’s focus and confidence, and lets you cheer your furry partner on throughout the performance, AKC Rally is one of the most approachable and enjoyable options out there. Unlike traditional obedience trials where silence is golden, Rally encourages you to talk to, clap for, and enthusiastically encourage your dog as you navigate a course together. It’s often described as “obedience with a conversation,” making it perfect for beginners and a great stepping stone into other performance sports.

JB, and I are just getting started on this adventure, and it’s already brought us closer while giving him an outlet for his boundless energy and herding instincts. JB is so smart, bouncy, and eager to please —Rally really is tailor-made for his playful personality.

What Exactly Is AKC Rally?

In AKC Rally, you and your dog work as a team to complete a course of 10–20 stations (depending on the level), each marked by a sign that tells you what exercise to perform next. You heel together at a brisk but natural pace, executing commands like sits, downs, turns, pace changes, and more. The judge scores you on teamwork, attitude, and precision, with a qualifying score of 70 out of 100 needed for a “leg” toward a title. You need three qualifying scores under at least two different judges to earn titles like Rally Novice (RN).

There are six levels, starting with:

  • Rally Novice (on-leash, 10–15 signs): Ideal for beginners. Focuses on basic heeling, halts, turns, and simple stationary exercises. You can freely encourage your dog with praise and cues.
  • Higher levels (Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, Master) add complexity like off-leash work, jumps, and more challenging maneuvers.

Rally emphasizes fun and partnership over perfection, which is why it’s so popular for puppies and first-time handlers.

Getting Started: Build a Strong Foundation

Before jumping into Rally-specific training, make sure your dog has solid basics. JB already knows sit, down, and loose-leash walking pretty well for a young puppy, but we’re reinforcing them daily with short, positive sessions. AKC recommends preparing with the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) skills as a great base—things like polite greetings, staying calm around distractions, and reliable recall.

Key foundational skills for Rally Novice include:

  • Heeling on your left side (loose leash, focused attention).
  • Reliable sit and down in heel position.
  • Simple turns (left, right, about turns).
  • Coming to front position and finishing back to heel.

Practice in short bursts—puppies like JB have limited attention spans, so 5–10 minute sessions multiple times a day work best. Use high-value rewards (treats, toys, or praise) and keep it fun to build enthusiasm rather than pressure.

At home or in class, familiarize yourself with the signs. The AKC provides free videos and resources explaining every Rally sign, so you can practice sequences step by step. Start with short course segments (2–3 signs) before stringing full courses together.

JB and I go to a drop in Rally Class every Tuesday for beginners at our local Rocket Dog Academy Our instructor Lisa is the BEST!!

For first-timers, tips include:

  • Attend a fun match or practice trial first to get the feel of the ring.
  • Arrive early for walkthroughs (time to study the course without your dog).
  • Stay relaxed—your attitude affects your dog’s performance!
  • Bring plenty of rewards for after the run (no food/toys in the ring itself for competition).

Why Rally Is Worth It

Rally will strengthen our bond and give JB a job that uses his brain and body. For breeds like Old English Sheepdogs, who can be independent thinkers with herding drive, structured activities like this prevent boredom and channel energy productively. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch him navigate a course with confidence and joy.

If you’re thinking about starting Rally with your own dog, find a local class, grab the AKC Rally regulations, and start practicing those basics. The community is welcoming, and the “Q” (qualifying) rosettes feel amazing when you earn them together.

Here’s to many happy heeling adventures—JB and I can’t wait to see you out there!

Marcia & JB (Old English Sheepdog in training)

More from the Journal