If you love working with your dog as a team but find traditional obedience a little too serious, Rally Obedience (often called Rally-O) might be the perfect activity. It blends the structure of obedience training with the excitement and variety of an agility-style course, focusing on teamwork, communication, and fun over perfection.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, aiming to compete, or simply want to strengthen your bond with your dog, Rally-O is a great place to start.
What Is Rally Obedience?
Rally Obedience is a dog sport that combines elements of traditional obedience and agility. Handlers guide their dogs through a course of 10–20 stations, each with a sign describing a specific exercise. These can include tasks like sit-stay, spiral right, call front, or down-walk around dog.
Unlike standard obedience, the handler can talk to, encourage, and praise their dog throughout the course, which makes it much more enjoyable for both. Each round is timed, and teams are judged on accuracy, control, and teamwork rather than speed alone.
How Does a Rally-O Competition Work?
At competitions, dogs and handlers move through a course designed by a judge.
- Course design: Each event is unique, with different sequences and difficulty levels depending on the class (e.g. Beginner, Advanced, or Excellent).
- Scoring: Teams start with 200 points, and small deductions are made for mistakes such as a crooked sit or missed sign.
- Timing: While accuracy matters most, ties are broken based on the fastest time.
- Levels: Many organizations offer progressive levels that build on one another, allowing you to advance as your dog improves.
In the UK, Rally-O is governed by the Kennel Club. Competitions are open to both pedigree and crossbreed dogs, making it one of the most inclusive canine sports around.
What Skills Do You and Your Dog Need?
Rally-O focuses on communication, precision, and partnership. Basic obedience skills like sit, stay, heel, and recall are essential, but you don’t need a perfectly trained competition dog to get started.
Ideal traits for Rally-O include:
- A desire to work closely with the handler
- Good focus and attention
- Enjoyment of learning new skills
- Calmness under light distraction
For owners, patience and timing are key. Rally-O rewards those who can read their dog’s body language and maintain connection throughout the course.
Why Try Rally Obedience?
Rally-O appeals to so many types of dog owners because it’s accessible, enjoyable, and adaptable. You can practise almost anywhere, from your garden to a local park, and you don’t need fancy equipment to start.
Benefits of Rally-O include:
- Strengthens your bond and communication with your dog
- Builds confidence for both dog and handler
- Improves focus and precision in everyday training
- Great physical and mental stimulation
- Welcomes all breeds and ages
It’s especially great for dogs who might not have the speed for agility or the discipline for formal obedience, but still love to work and learn.
Getting Started with Rally Obedience
If you’re interested in giving Rally-O a try, here’s how to get involved:
- Find a local club or trainer. Look for Kennel Club-approved Rally clubs or local dog training schools offering beginner sessions.
- Practise basic obedience. Make sure your dog is comfortable with heeling, sits, downs, and stays on cue.
- Start small. You can set up a few printed Rally signs in your garden and try simple sequences.
- Attend a trial or event. Watching others compete helps you understand how courses flow and what judges look for.
- Stay positive. Rally-O is about teamwork and fun. Keep sessions upbeat, use praise generously, and celebrate progress.
Popular Rally Obedience Clubs and Organisations in the UK
- The Kennel Club Rally – the official governing body for Rally in the UK.
- Talking Dogs Rally – an alternative format that focuses heavily on communication and creativity.
- Local obedience or training clubs – many offer introductory Rally courses and social practice sessions.
You can search the Kennel Club Activity Register to find upcoming events and qualified instructors.
Is Rally Obedience Right for You?
If you enjoy working closely with your dog and want an inclusive, positive, and mentally engaging sport, Rally-O is a fantastic option. It rewards focus, trust, and teamwork over flashy performance.
It’s also a brilliant stepping stone into other sports such as obedience, agility, or scent work, giving both you and your dog a well-rounded training foundation.
Before You Go
- Bring plenty of treats or toys for motivation.
- Practise short sessions to keep your dog engaged.
- Try watching online tutorials to learn the signs and exercises.
- Visit a local club to watch a session in action.
And if you’re exploring other dog sports, check out our guides on Agility, Flyball, and Canicross.
Final Thoughts
Rally Obedience is more than just a popular dog sport, it’s a celebration of communication and trust between dog and handler. It encourages positivity, builds skills that benefit everyday life, and is open to every breed and ability level.
So grab a few Rally signs, some tasty treats, and see how far you and your dog can go together.