Agility is the fast-paced sport in which dogs negotiate obstacle courses at the direction of their handlers. Noticing that agility competition was becoming increasingly popular, while the number of participants in traditional obedience dropped off, Charles “Bud” Kramer invented rally obedience, a new and different way to approach obedience competition.

In rally obedience, called both “Rally-O” and “Rally” for short, handlers are allowed to talk to their dogs. Enthusiasm and fun is encouraged, and any harshness is a big no-no. Rally is all about promoting a great dog/handler relationship. If working with your poodle in obedience is appealing to you, but traditional obedience seems too formal, Rally-O might be the sport for you!

The AKC offers rally obedience as a nonregular class, which means that titles are not yet awarded. You cannot use food in the ring, but you can use your voice. You may not touch or correct your dog.

In Rally, judges set up courses, each with between ten and fifteen “stations” (or more, depending on the level at which you're working). Each station has a sign, posted at ground level, that specifies a Rally exercise. The judge has thirty-one exercises to choose from when setting up the course for the novice level, an additional fourteen for the advanced level, and a total of fifty exercises for the excellent level.

Unlike traditional obedience, the judge doesn't tell you what to do next. You and your dog go from station to numbered station, in order, and perform the exercises listed on each sign. The exercises range from about-turns to spiraling or weaving around cones.

Your dog is on leash in the novice class and off-leash in the advanced and excellent classes. She walks at your left side but does not have to be in perfect heel position. You and your dog are judged on your continuous performance as you go through each station.