Description
Prerequisites: Intermediate Class or higher. Please see the list of behaviors we will be using in this class. If you have never taken a class with us at TCDTC, please ask for approval from the instructor before you sign up.
Class Description: Are you wondering what to do next after you have learnt all the basic skills and some tricks? Try this fun and beginner-friendly class where you team up with your dog and navigate through a course, following signs with specific obedience behaviors.
Obedience behaviors in the course will cover basic skills you have learnt in the Beginning, Intermediate class.
- Response to his/her name
- Give Eye contact when asked
- Sit
- Down
- Wait / Stay
- Getting on a mat (all four feet and preferably going Down on the mat)
- Basic Loose Leash Walking (It is okay if your dog pulls, but not if your dog lunges. If you are not sure, please email the instructor )
- Hand touch
- “Leave It” with a piece of food in your hand.
- Recall (on leash).
All of these will be performed on leash, but as the class progresses and depending on the skill of the team, we might try a “hands-free” course too.
This is a great way to
- Practice basic skills while keeping it interesting for your dog.
- Practice walking together.
- Practice waiting calmly.
- Increase your dogs ability to listen to you amidst a variety of distractions.
- Chain together foundational skills to use in real life.
- Build the bond between you and your dog.
This class is inspired by AKC Rally, but we will have more basic versions of the signs. It is a perfect way to get your feet wet and try this sport and see if it is something you and your dog will enjoy!
Level 1
The goals for this class are
- To teach your dog to focus and successfully perform known behaviors around a small set of other dogs and people
- To introduce you to Rally Signs and help you build an understanding of what are some things you can be asked to do.
- To identify skills you need to perform these signs.
Level 1 Class Format: This is a 45-50 minute class, and we will follow the same format each week
- Part 1 : Dogs are on their mat and working on a food toy. This is mandatory to get all the dogs settled in.
- Part 2: Focus Games – and teaching dogs the concept of “Work”
- Part 3 : Talk about a small set of Rally Signs
- Part 4 : Work on skills that will be needed for that set of signs.Once you have completed 6 weeks of Level 1, you can move up to Level 2.
Level 2
The goals for this class are
- To start working on rally courses
- To work on your connection as you work through longer and longer courses
- To learn to fade cookies, and teach your dog to work more for less cookies.
Level 2 Class Format: This is a 45-50 minute class, and we look at courses with only Rally Novice Signs.
Level 3 (Offered if there is sufficient interest & students have enough experience at Level 2)
In each class, we will work on a single, Rally Novice course set and critiqued as per regulations. We will focus on understanding and getting fluent with all the rules .
We will also start getting familiar with signs from Advanced/Intermediate Levels.
Once you have completed 12 weeks of Level 3, you are eligible to enroll in Level 4.
Level 4 (Offered if there is sufficient interest & students have enough experience at Level 3)
In each class, we will work on a single, Rally Advanced course set and critiqued as per regulations. We will focus on understanding and getting fluent with all the rules . Dogs must be able to work off leash in the contained space.
We will also start getting familiar with signs from Excellent Levels.
Once you have completed 12 weeks of Level 3, you are eligible to enroll in the Show Rally class
Bring to class:
- LOTS of soft moist treats. Bring treats that will guarantee your dog is able to do what you ask of him/her.
- Food Toys (More details in the intro email from the trainer before class starts).
- Mat.
- Water and Bowl.
- Flat collar and 6 foot leash.
- Level 2 students: Props like platforms, pivot bowls, etc if you have and want to use them
