Beginning AKC Rally Obedience!

Do you enjoy learning new things with your dog? Do you want to deepen your partnership? Would you like to add precision to your handling skills? Then AKC Rally might be for you! In Rally, a dog and handler team performs a course of connected, obedience exercises. Each exercise sign displays a skill to perform such as sit, down, stay, turns, jumps, etc. This is a great way to keep your service dog sharp too!

This class is an introduction to AKC Rally Obedience in a force-free and choice-based outdoor group class. This sport emphasizes the development of a positive working relationship in a fun and interesting competitive environment. Training using positive reinforcement (R+) is proven to accelerate the learning process for all dogs. We want both you and your dog to enjoy and want to master the Novice Rally signs!

We base our training on markers. Whether a word or clicker, markers make it clear to your dog what we want. Clarity leads to confidence, lowers anxiety, and relaxes the learning process for everyone. To help your dog understand what we want, we use food and toy rewards. Bring something your dog really wants to class for motivation!

What should your dog know before starting this exciting adventure? Because Rally is based on beginner obedience skills, your dog should know the basics before taking a Rally class. A dog that can walk on a loose leash on a harness or flat collar, and has practiced sit, down, and stay can be successful in training for AKC Rally. Other helpful skills include your dog being comfortable around other dogs and people as well as coming when called. All my classes provide enough room to gain distance if you have a sensitive dog. Dogs NEVER meet during my classes.

What will we do in class? First, we will become familiar with how to perform the Novice level signs, such as ‘Right Turn,’ ‘Left Turn,’ ‘Halt – Sit,’ ‘About Turn Right,’ etc. There are 42 signs that may be used at the Rally Novice level. Then we will teach our dogs the skills for the Novice signs. Then we will work on teamwork and attention as we practice the signs in a variety of sequences.

I am an AKC Rally Obedience evaluator as well. When you are ready, we can set up regulation courses and send your videos in for AKC titling!

BRING THESE TO THIS EVENT:

• A hungry dog that's ready to learn! Bring high-value treats and LOTS more than you think you'll use. Cut them small so they last longer!
• Water and a container for your dog to drink from.
• Patience and a good attitude.
• Poop bags and a willingness to use them.
• Stationing mat or bed for settling during breaks.
• Your dog in escape-proof equipment and a 4-6 foot length leash.

LEAVE THESE AT HOME:

• Prong collar.
• Retractable leash.
• Slip lead.
• Pinch collar.
• Shock collar.
• Choke chain.
• Impatience.

More info on Rally from the American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/train-at-home-akc-rally/

Waiver and Release of Liability:

By RSVPing for this event, you hereby release, waive, discharge and hold harmless any organizer of this meetup group as well as the County of Los Alamos, Mary Torrano Dog Training, Meetup.com, its officers, agents, volunteers, and directors from any and all liability, claims, and expenses whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, that may be sustained to you or your dog as a result of your participation in this event.