Rally
by Roz Rosenblatt

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Looking for an exciting new sport for you and your Westie? Welcome to the wonderful world of Rally, a cross between Obedience and Agility. Effective January 1, 2005, Rally became an AKC titling sport, offering yet another performance opportunity and performance title for your Westie.

Rally combines the excitement of an ever-changing Agility course where simple Obedience exercises are performed at numbered stations. Each course consists of 10-20 stations. Like Agility, handlers walk the course familiarizing themselves with the stations prior to running their dog. Handlers and their dogs execute the course and perform the Obedience exercises at each station. Although Rally is a timed event, time is only used to break scoring ties. Rally is performed at a brisk pace with the emphasis on FUN and dog and handler TEAMWORK. What sets Rally apart from competitive Obedience is that interaction between dog and handler is encouraged. Yes…that means you can talk to your dog all you want. Praise is encouraged, and we all know how Westies love to hear how wonderful they are! At the Novice level, all exercises are performed on lead. Precision heeling, as in traditional Obedience, is not required. Dogs simply walk with their handler on a loose lead. Trials are held at shows where Obedience is offered, and with a score of 70% or better, everyone can go home a WINNER!

I am a Rally participant with my Westies and my dogs love to work with me. For us it is relaxing, rewarding, and fun. The equipment needed is minimal. The Rally signs are available for downloading off the internet. Rally offers us the fun and thrills of Agility without the fast-paced running or jumping. And it incorporates Obedience without the rigidity necessary in competition Obedience. Dogs and handlers of all ages can easily participate in this wonderful activity.

If you asked my Westies they would tell you that Rally was made just for them. What better way than to give our buddies an opportunity to earn a title, shine in the ring, and have their names forever inscribed in the Rally Book of Record!

So…Get your leash on your dog and give Rally a try. You and your Westie will be glad you did!

Other Performance Events:

• Agility
• Earthdog Tests
• Obedience
• Tracking

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