For owners
Members
What is Rally?
Rally aims to provide a fast-moving and motivational sport for both dogs and their owners, requiring them to work as a team to complete various exercises in a set course that demonstrates competency in basic obedience exercises.
Handlers are allowed to walk the course to become familiar with it before competing. The Rally course is set out with numbered stations including a start and finish.
Handlers and their dogs navigate the course by following the numbers and carrying out the exercises shown on the sign positioned at each of the numbered stations. Dogs work in the “Heel” position between exercises.
Handlers can direct their dog by talking, encourage with praise and patting is allowed unless specified in the rules.
At the entry-level of Novice, dogs negotiate a course having between 10 and 15 signs (not including the start and finish) and work on lead during the test. There is a total of 57 signs available to be placed on a Rally course gradually increasing in complexity as the level of Rally becomes higher.
The higher levels of Rally, Advanced, Excellent and Master use up to 24 signs including many of the more complex ones and dogs are required to navigate the course off lead with their handlers.
In Rally competitors complete the course with their dog while a judge scores the round but doesn’t give voice commands or help.
Rally has a far more relaxed atmosphere than other dog sports and each run is a different series of exercises. Owners never know what the course will be until they do the preliminary walkthrough.
How long has Rally been in Australia?
Rally has been in Australia for 10 years.
What natural instinct does Rally bring out?
Rally satisfies a dog’s social need to please and work under direction.
What States/Territories is Rally available in?
Rally is available in all States and Territories.
Why get into Rally?
Rally allows owners and their dogs to enjoy and receive the satisfaction of working as a team.
To find your local Rally sport club please visit your local State website:
DOGS ACT
DOGS NSW
DOGS NT
DOGS QUEENSLAND
DOGS SA
DOGS VICTORIA
DOGS WEST
Dogs Australia is a not-for-profit organisation advocating for the preservation of purebred dogs through ethical breeding.
It champions the highest standard of animal welfare through education and fostering dog-loving communities.
Internationally recognised and established in 1958 as the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC),
the organisation promotes responsible dog ownership; maintains the ORCHID* heritable canine diseases database;
funds research into canine diseases; and supports state and territory-based member bodies.
Dogs Australia promotes breed conformation shows and community sports for dogs that fulfil a breed’s natural instincts.
