Alice White
Rally obedience is a dog sport from the USA, which is also gaining more and more fans in this country. No wonder, because the trend sport combines exercises for basic obedience with a varied course run.
What is Rally Obedience?
No more boring training sessions! In Rally Obedience, commands such as “sit” and “lie down” are consolidated in a playful way. And that ensures a high fun factor for dogs and humans.
One reason for the hype about rally obedience is as follows: The exercises can be perfectly adapted to almost every fur nose and do not require above-average fitness. Almost anyone can test it out and together the two-legged and four-legged team playfully owner a course of small challenges and obedience exercises – because “obedience” means something like obedience.
Rally Obedience: Course and Rules
Rally obedience is a dog sport that takes place both outdoors and in a gym. The dog-human team contests a given course. There are signs at intervals of a few meters. These provide dog owners with information about the task at hand and which direction to take next.
The aim of rally obedience is to work through the individual stations gradually and precisely. Communication with the dog is expressly permitted here.
The dog owner determines the pace. Depending on how experienced the team is in rally obedience and how to fit dog and person are, either a quick or a more leisurely run is done.
In contrast to regular obedience, which is referred to as the supreme discipline among dog sports, rally obedience does not require a successful companion dog test. Membership in a club is by no means a prerequisite for the new trend sport.
Rally Obedience: The Assignments
Overall, Rally Obedience impresses with a variety of up to 50 different tasks. There are around ten to twenty obedience exercises waiting in a course, which can be done with or without accessories and aids. Through the different exercises, the team grows together and pursues a varied leisure activity.
The exercise of basic commands is the be-all and end-all in this dog sport. B. from the dog to execute the commands “sit” or “down” at one point. Typical for a rally obedience course is also hold-up and call-up exercises. A combination of the different exercises is also possible.
But that doesn’t limit the variety by any means. Here is a small excerpt of the possible tasks:
- 90 ° to 360 ° rotations;
- Slalom run around pylons;
- Obstacle course;
- Jumps;
- Passing feeding stations as a special obedience exercise.
Dog Breeds for Rally Obedience
An active Border Collie is perfect for agility and a hardworking Bloodhound is enthusiastic about tracking down – but what about rally obedience? The trend sport is suitable for almost every four-legged friend, big or small, stocky or petite, and young or old. The breed of dog does not play a role in the trend sport.
Anyone interested in the sport can adjust the level according to their dog’s ability. Among other things, the dog’s shoulder height is decisive for the different levels of the course. Means: dog breeds with short legs, such as B. dachshunds, overcome obstacles that are adapted to their size.
Other breed-related factors should also be taken into account.
- For sporty dog breeds, such as B. Belgian Shepherds, a challenging course can be set upon request;
- Pug, English bulldog, and co .: brachycephalic four-legged friends compete on a course that is tailored to their performance;
- In the case of heavy dog breeds – such as St. Bernard dogs – for example, exercises that require particular agility and jumps should be avoided.
Whether you are a sports fanatic or a four-legged friend eager to learn: For man’s best friend, rally obedience is a welcome change from simply playing ball in the garden.
Rally Obedience: The Dog’s Health
Before starting the Rally Obedience, a veterinary check-up is recommended. The veterinarian examines the dog’s sports contender for possible cardiovascular disorders and determines his general fitness. If the vet gives the green light, nothing stands in the way of the sport.
The great thing about Rally Obedience is: Handicap dogs are not excluded – both in the hobby and in the competitive area. The course is to be designed flexibly so that four-legged friends with a physical disability can enjoy it.
Rally Obedience: When is the Perfect Age?
A lot of exercises is a basic need for most dogs. But caution is advised with the very young four-legged friends. During the growth phase, excessive activity damages your joints. Dog owners of puppies have to be patient until they do the first course with their darling.
There are a total of five performance classes in the competitions, which are divided among other things according to the age of the dog. From beginners, advanced dogs to older dogs from the age of eight – there is something for everyone.
Rally Obedience: What Else is There to Consider?
Whether youngster or sprightly fur nose – Rally Obedience is adapted to the age and fitness of the dog. Nevertheless, the trend of the sport always goes hand in hand with the physical and mental workload. The training must therefore be designed in such a way that the dog can enjoy it at all times and does not suffer from increased ambition on the part of its humans. Also important: After training, the dog owner should allow the four-legged friend to rest.
