New to Ireland …..  RALLY OBEDIENCE

What is Rally Obedience?

Rally Obedience (or Rally O as it is called in the U.S.A.) is a canine sport, new to Ireland, which is derived from the heelwork (walking at heel) elements of competition Obedience.   It is not yet recognised by the Irish Kennel Club.  Competitors and their dogs negotiate a pre-set course designed by the judge where signs stations guide them through the course, requiring them to perform different set exercises.  There are no directions given by the judge or steward, it is up to the competitors to learn the course.  Competitors may use verbal commands and encouragement during the test as is necessary.  Level 1 requires the dog to work on the lead, more advanced levels require the dog to work off lead.

At what age can a dog enter a competition?  (The following are taken from the Kennel Club U.K. Regulations)

Dogs can commence training at any age.

Dogs between the age of 4 months and 6 months can take part at a show – not for competition.

Dogs between 6 months and 12 months can compete in Level 1 and Level 2 at a show.

Dogs over 12 months can compete at all Levels.

How do you progress through the Levels?

New handlers will start at Level 1 A.   Teams compete at one of six levels – Level 1 to Level 6.  Progression through the Levels does not require wins or placings, qualification is achieved by scoring 170 pts or more out of 200 pts on three occasions under different judges.

How do you get started?

You can join a Training Club/Group that has started teaching Rally Obedience.  You can use Facebook page – Rally Obedience Ireland – as a source of information.

DogWise Rally Group.

We are now running a Rally Obedience Group as part of our Wednesday evening classes.  Class takes place every two weeks for different levels at 8pm in Woofy’s Training Centre.  See dates & details below.  We are also planning to run 1/2 day weekend workshops later this year.

Level 1 & 2 Group

11th October 2017

25th October 2017

8th November 2017

22nd November 2017

6th December 2017

20th December 2017

Level 3 & 4 Group

4th October 2017

18th October 2017

1st November 2017

15th November 2017

29th November 2017

13th December 2017

Class Fee … €15.00 per dog

Rally Workshop

For details for forthcoming Workshops, go to the Workshops page.