[Luvs]

I really enjoy rally. I like the fact that I can talk to Akasha and encourage her while in the ring. I think it is a great venue to introduce a dog to the world of competition. I plan on entering my next puppy in rally before trialing for a CD. I am hoping that being able to talk to him/her while in the ring will help make it a positive experience and keep things FUN!!

Rally has also helped me overcome my nerves a little bit. I think it will be MANY years before I stop becoming a total freak in the ring, but rally has made a difference for me

Next weekend we will start trialing for Akasha's RAE. My plan is to continue to work on her RAE until she is ready for UD and then concentrate on her UD. Working on her RAE will at least keep her in the ring and having fun while we continue training.

Not to take anything away from rally, but I did find it pretty easy to take Akasha from her RN to her RE, but I think that was because we already had her CD and she knew the majority of the exercises (except the backwards heeling) so it was pretty easy for her. I have to admit I was our greatest hinderance. Two of my biggest problems have been getting lost on course (at least once) and forgetting what a sign meant (MORE than once).
I think if you have a dog that is already trained to a CD level or beyond, rally should be pretty easy, as long as you know the signs
When I first started rally, I didn't think you really needed a class. I have since changed my mind. It really helps to have someone there watching you as you go thru the exercises. I signed my neice Chelsie up for a rally class this past summer and she wanted me to take it with her, so I did. I learned a great deal during the class, while having a lot of fun!!

I think that rally will help open the doors to obedience for those who had no interest in competing in traditional obedience. This summer while I was a ring steward, I spoke to several people who had never really thought of doing anything competitive with their dogs until rally came along. I remember one woman at this trial who had just gotten her third RN leg and was in tears she was soooooo HAPPY!!! This was the first title she had ever put on a dog and she was thrilled!!! (I was thrilled for her!!). She told me that after she was done with rally she wanted to go on and attempt a CD with her dog. I think that as more people get out there and give rally a try, they will find out just how addicting trialing is and will hopefully decide to continue on