Training Your Dog In Rally For Beginners - Start To Finish

This lecture discusses the dog collars and leads (leashes) that are permitted under the Australian (ANKC) Rules - check specific details in the relevant Rule books if you are competing under a different Organisation.

A treat pouch is handy, but not essential.

This lecture shows examples of the equipment that will help you in training your dog and preparing you and your dog for a Trial (Competition) environment.

This lecture shows some suitable props (step stools, bowls) to suit various sizes of dogs. The pivot or step is used to help teach the dogs rear-end awareness for neat turns and manoeuvres.

This lecture shows examples of items that can be used as a Target Stick. The Target Stick can be particularly helpful when training small dogs. The dog will be trained to follow the end of the stick, and so can be guided into the correct desired position

This lecture discusses and demonstrates the skill of using a food lure to prompt the dog into the desired position in the correct way.

This lecture demonstrates how to teach a dog to follow a Target Stick. A Target Stick can then be used to prompt and guide the dog into the desired position, without the Handler having to bend down as much. This is especially helpful when training a small dog.

This lecture demonstrates how to teach the dog a pre-requisite skill of looking at the Handler's face. Teaching the dog to look at the Handler's face is helpful in maintaining the dog's focus and concentration.

This lecture discusses the different methods of teaching a dog to sit, and why some techniques are preferred when training for the sport of Rally. The "Tuck" sit style is preferred over the "Rock Back" sit style - the lecture shows examples of the different styles of sit, and how to develop a neat and correct sit for Rally.

This lecture discusses and demonstrates the desired position for the Down (Drop) for Rally, and why it is recommended to teach a neat Down (Drop) at the Handler's left side.

This lecture demonstrates how to teach a dog the skill of pivoting, using a step stool or bowl. The pivoting action involves the dog moving their hind feet independently, while keeping their front feet anchored on the step. This skill helps dogs to correctly perform the turns required in the Rally exercises.

This lecture describes what the "Heel" position (dog walking at Handler's left side) should look like, for the sport of Rally.

This lecture discusses suitable environments to use when starting out in training a dog for Rally.

This lecture demonstrates how to get started in training a dog to walk in a nice, neat "Heel" position, as required for Rally. Starting with walking just a step or two, the distance walked is gradually increased.

This lecture discusses and demonstrates the training progression. Initially the dog is lured into the correct position, with the dog following food held in the Handler's hand. Then a gesture is made, with no food in the hand, and the dog receives the food reward after following the gesture. Finally, the gesture is reduced in size, and a verbal cue is added if desired.

This lecture explains the Start and Finish signs.

The "Halt" symbol

This lecture demonstrates how to teach a dog the pre-requisite skill of remaining in a Sit or a Down (Drop) while the Handler walks around the dog. This skill is taught prior to teaching the two Rally Novice signs that require this action.

This lecture demonstrates the two Rally Novice signs that require the Handler to walk in a circle around the dog, while the dog remains in either a Sit or a Down (Drop). The lecture demonstrates how to teach these exercises, including hold the lead/leash during the exercises.

This lecture demonstrates the two Rally Novice 90 degree Turns, and shows how to teach the dog to perform a neat and correct turn.

This lecture shows how to teach the dog to perform two of the 180 degree turn signs, and demonstrates the exercise.

This lecture demonstrates how to teach the Left About Turn, which is a 180 degree turn, where the Handler turns to the left, while at the same time the dog circles around behind the Handler to the right. The pre-requisite skill of teaching the dog to circle around the Handler is demonstrated, using either a food lure or a Target Stick. The fished exercise is conducted on lead, and the lecture shows how the Handler will pass the lead from hand to hand behind their back.

This lecture demonstrates the two Rally Novice signs that require a 270 degree turn, either to left or to right, and explains how to teach the dog these exercises.

This lecture demonstrates the two Rally Novice signs that require a 360 degree circle, either to left or to right, and explains how to teach the dog these exercises.

This lecture discusses the use of the Change of Pace signs, where the dog and Handler team are required to walk at a slower, or faster pace. The lecture demonstrates how to teach the dog to perform these exercises, with some tips on what to do if things don't go as planned!

This lecture demonstrates the two Rally Novice signs that involve the dog and Handler team weaving in and out of four posts in a specific required pattern. The lecture demonstrates how to teach the dog these exercises.

This lecture demonstrates the two Rally Novice signs that involve the dog and Handler team walking in a spiral around three posts in a specific required pattern. The lecture demonstrates how to teach the dog these exercises.

This lecture discusses and demonstrates the Loop Turn Left and the Loop Turn Right exercises

This lecture describes and demonstrates the Diagonal Right and Diagonal Left signs, and explains the differences between the Diagonal Right sign and the Moving Sidestep Right sign.

This lecture demonstrates the three double U-turn signs. Completion of the lectures on the single U-turns is recommended prior to working through these exercises.

This lecture discusses and demonstrates the Figure 8 sign

This lecture demonstrates the Call Front - Return To Heel sign. Although not used at Novice level in Australian rules, this is a nice exercise to practice. This sign does appear in some Rally organisations Rules at Novice Level.

This lecture demonstrates the Halt - Right/Left Turn - Forward sign. Although not used at Novice level in Australian rules, this is a nice exercise to practice. This sign does appear in some Rally organisations Rules at Novice level.

This lecture discusses and demonstrates some ways to teach a dog to understand when it is "training/working" time, and when it is "casual/relaxation" time.

This lecture discusses and demonstrates how to "activate" your dog and teach your dog that it is time to pay attention. The dog is taught to respond to a specific cue, eg a word such as "Ready", and to "Switch On" when hearing that cue. The dog is then given the "Switch On" cue prior to moving off and working around a Rally course.

This lecture discusses and demonstrates how to start combining short sections of heel with the rally exercises

This lecture discusses ways to practice in an environment that "looks" like a real Trial.

This lecture discusses the Novice course components. Also includes three examples of beginner courses that can be used for practicing.

This lecture explains how Rally is scored, including the various point deductions.

This lecture explains what a Retry is, and when and how to ask the Judge for a Retry

This lecture gives examples of the types of events that will lead to a NQ (non qualifying score)

This lecture concludes the course