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Welcome to Dogs New Zealand Rally-O and the Rally-O Subcommittee website!
Rally-O is a great dog sport that can be enjoyed by dogs (and people!) of any age and ability. Dog and handler teams gain enhanced real-world manners, stronger communication, increased mental stimulation, and a supportive community by training and competing in Rally Obedience (Rally-O). Unlike traditional obedience, Rally allows handlers to praise, encourage, and continuously communicate with their dogs while navigating a course of designated sign stations
Rally-O has evolved from Competitive Obedience and whilst it may not require the same level of precision, the dog and their handler are required to perform a different exercise every few metres, including combinations of turns, presents, finishes, changes of position, heeling around cones, halts, stays and sending over jumps and around poles. At the higher levels food and toys may also be used as distractions.
The main goal in Rally-O is to gain a qualifying score (which varies with the Class being entered) and so earn a qualifying certificate. Collect your Qualifying certificates!! Once you have enough qualifying certificates, your dog can gain Dogs NZ Rally-O awards and titles.
There are several levels of title to work towards, each level more challenging than the one before, with longer courses, more difficult exercises and stricter criteria for success.
Here are the primary benefits of the sport of Rally-O
For the Dog
Navigating changing courses keeps dogs mentally sharp. Learning to respond to different sign instructions prevents boredom and channels their energy productively.
The skills learned in Rally-such as tight heelwork, automatic sits, loose-lead walking, and controlled turns can translate directly into a well-behaved companion on everyday walks and public outings.
Shy, anxious, or easily distracted dogs often thrive in Rally. Mastering new tasks in a positive, reward-heavy environment builds immense confidence, which helps them handle novel situations outside of training.
For the Handler
Handlers learn to read their dog's body language, time their rewards precisely, and use subtle physical cues. This refines your overall training mechanics and makes you a clearer communicator.
Because Rally permits vocal encouragement, clapping, and multiple cues it removes much of the rigid stress that can be associated with traditional obedience trials. It is an excellent, low-pressure entry point into dog sports.
Figuring out how to guide your specific dog through complex signs (like the spiral, weaves, or side-steps) sharpens your creativity and adaptability as a trainer.
Joint Benefits for the Team
A Stronger Bond: Working closely as a team fosters a deep level of mutual trust and focus. Your dog learns to choose you over environmental distractions because working together is highly reinforcing.
Rally is highly accessible. People on crutches and using scooters and wheelchairs can train and compete. Dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes and breeds can compete, and regulations and classes like Encore accommodate older dogs or handlers with mobility limitations.
Community and Camradeship: Joining a local Rally club and attending events connects you with a passionate, supportive community of like-minded dog lovers who celebrate every milestone, from a first qualifying score to a championship title
Looking for some more information about Dogs NZ Rally-O? Go to our Downloads or Links pages.
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