| I took a rally obedience class and really enjoyed it. We also participated in two APDT rally trials and qualified (level I, which is on lead) both times (once with extra points for 'attitude'!). Beyond the basic obedience routines/skills, especially heeling etc, you mainly have to concentrate on what the signs mean, but it is not difficult to learn them with practice. They are a little different for AKC vs APDT, so it is good to familiarize with both so you can compete in both.
I enjoyed it partly because you can talk to your dog and encourage him along the way. The more pep and fun you can have the better (some competitors seemed too 'somber' to me; as if they were in an AKC obedience trial). In my opinion, rally is pretty well suited for the pre-novice obedience level team because you can verbally (& with hand motions) coax, encourage, and praise your dog. Then as your dog is more accopmplished in the heel work etc you can do less coaxing (but it is still good to praise and encourage). So it does not have to be something you are accomplished in obedience to wait to try.
Hope you find a class and enjoy it.  |