Putting your best paw forward to enjoy your dog!

Photos & text by Jennifer Rinaldi

The day dawned warm and clear as our small group of Rally fun seekers, and White Mountain Kennel Club members set up our courses on Ponderosa field at Show Low Park on October 1st. Our judge, Christopher Smith, came in from the valley to officiate, and graciously helped schlep and haul all the necessary equipment to the field. 

Jumps were set, distraction bowls filled, and ribbons made ready as local and out-of-towners began to arrive with their dogs. 

I was introduced to the sport of Rally last year when the Vice President of our kennel club, Jane Dyer, invited me to come to one of their practices with my dog, Sully, at Show Low Park. I was hesitant since my dog can be aggressive and disruptive at times, but I prepared myself to give it a shot. I am so glad I did!

Our small group of handlers understood immediately that my dog needed space, and by the end of our third class, I no longer worried that Sully would be disruptive. He came to trust that I would keep him safe as he began to recognize what was expected of him during class. Sully had a good handle on the basics of obedience going in, but still needed work, and Rally has improved his skills exponentially. I can now walk past other dogs and grab his attention by asking him to perform one of the many moves that we practice in class. Dogs can walk by, and he is unperturbed. That alone has made the training worth it to me. 

Do you have a dog that has an amazing mind? Or perhaps you have a dog that is loving but drives you crazy, or like mine is disruptive? He or she might just need a job, and if this is the case then what better way to improve your relationship than through some easy training exercises that Rally provides? The people who compete in this sport come from all walks of life as do their dogs. Pure breeds are not the rule here as many of the dogs in our class come from local shelters. 

Mixed breeds are called “All American Dogs”, instead of being labeled mongrels, hybrids, or some other less endearing term. The sporty mixed-breed participants can gain rankings alongside purebred dogs, earning points toward their titles. 

Here’s some information about the particulars 

of the sport:

Competitors proceed around a course of designated stations (15-20) with the dog in a heal position on the handler’s left side. Each sign tells the handler what task they must accomplish. Signs can be as easy as having the dog halt and sit, to more complex signs asking the dog to walk around the handler while you both change direction. You perform each station at your own pace and in the lower levels your dog is on a leash. 

Novice, the beginner’s class. The dog is on a leash and there are 10 to 15 stations. The title is RN.

Intermediate, is an optional title for dogs who have completed their novice title but have not yet completed their advanced title. The dog is on a leash and there are 12 to 17 stations of signs from the Novice and Advanced levels. The title is RI.

Advanced, for dogs who have completed their novice title. Dogs are judged off-leash. The title is RA.

Excellent, for dogs who have earned their advanced title. 15 to 20 stations, including 2 jumps, are used in this class. The title is RE.

Master, the highest class, for dogs who have earned their excellent title, the title is RM, however, this title requires 10 qualifying scores.

Interested in working with your dog in the great outdoors and meeting people like you who care deeply about their canine companion’s mental well-being? I can’t say enough about this kind of activity and how much it builds a relationship with your dog even if you never have a mind to show it. I didn’t compete this October as our club is small and I was needed as a steward to our judge. 

Low-pressure training of this type over time can transform an out-of-control dog into a pleasurable companion. Owning a dog goes so much deeper than just buying or adopting one. Training ensures that your dog will be a good citizen to everyone they meet, and Rally is a fun way to get started on that journey. 

Interested in learning more? 

The Arizona White Mountain Kennel Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Show Low Café at 6PM All are welcome!

https://www.facebook.com/AZWhiteMountainKC/

https://www.amazon.com/Rally-Course-Book-Novice-Through/dp/1617812455