Having A Go at Rally ‘O’ Looking for something fun to do with your dog? Or are you already competing in dog sports and just thinking of trying something new? Caroline Strainig explains what Rally Obedience is all about. Years ago, a new instructor joined my local dog training club. Suddenly, clusters of bright orange witches hats with signs on them started popping up. “What the heck is going on?” I thought, and walked over to investigate. “It’s Rally Obedience, a new form of dog obedience developed in the USA,” the instructor told me. “Each sign tells you what exercise to do and you are marked on how well you do them. Unlike traditional obedience, you can praise your dog and offer them
encouragement, so it’s a little more relaxed.” That was in Port Macquarie, NSW in 2014. A year later I moved to Queensland, where the sport had already been warmly embraced by many clubs. Today, Rally O is still very popular in Queensland. In fact, the organisers of a recent Sunshine Coast trial had to appoint an extra judge at the last minute to cater for the larger-than-expected entries, which included 20 competitors in novice alone.
Teamwork and happy smiles all round: Naomi Shaw from Rockhampton competing with her Collie Rough, Willow, at Durack.
Photo credit: Carolyn Ryan 14
