Hi all, I'm not really sure if this is in the right section but didn't know where else to put it. My local hydrotherapy centre (which also has a canine crèche and obedience and agility classes) is about to start offering Rally-O classes. I've done a bit of research and think I know what it's all about. It seems to quite popular in the US but relatively unknown in the UK. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with it?
Re: 'Rally-O' classes in the UK I think someone may have mentioned it previously. Is it a cross between obedience and agility? Looks good fun, anyway!
Re: 'Rally-O' classes in the UK I did Rally-O with my previous dog. We did a couple of casual tests but nothing serious. I thoroughly recommend it. It's all obedience moves, but much more varied, fast paced and exciting. The good thing about it is you can talk to your dog and encourage them, so it's all a lot more fun. You go round a series of stations, doing little obedience moves (there are little 'road signs' to tell you what to do). It's kind of a combo between obedience and doggie dancing, if you've ever seen that It's fun and you should give it a go!!
Re: 'Rally-O' classes in the UK Interesting! If you decide to go ahead, do come and tell us all about it
Re: 'Rally-O' classes in the UK Ok guys, we just attended our first Rally class. The first one was more like an introduction taster session but I really enjoyed it and I think Penny did too! Turns out I know the trainer from my previous job in a rescue kennels so that was good - always nice to have a trainer you know. Will definately be going back to the next session - after we've done some practicing of course, Penny was a bit rusty on some of her commands. A lot of the people in the class were using clickers and every time one went off she would look at me for a treat! I've not used a clicker with her for about 4 months now but I guess she remembers so I think ill bring that back in to her training too.
Re: 'Rally-O' classes in the UK The trainer set up 4 different stations. 3 of them had 4 commands at each one eg. Turn left, u turn right, down, stand etc. just basic stuff really and the other one had two different types of weave around cones. By the end of the session Penny was really starting to get the hang of it, though we did have a couple of teething issues: 1. In rally apparently everything is supposed to be done with the dog on the left hand side of you eg. Walking at heel, the stand and down commands. However I have always trained Penny to walk on my right hand side, sit at my right hand side while waiting to cross the road - so I think we have to re learn everything!! 2. She doesn't really walk to heel, I use a gentle leader on her but just this morning I noticed two patches below her eyes where the nose strap sits that has started to have the fur rubbed away. Guess we're gonna be working on heel work now until the next class. Definately time to break out the clicker again!
Re: 'Rally-O' classes in the UK Thanks for explaining, sounds like fun . I have been clicker training Charlie for heel work and we have noticed a real positive difference, so I would give it a go with Penny. Glad you had a good time and Penny enjoyed it.
