In Novice Rally obedience, the handler and dog learned how to work as a team to navigate a course with numbered signs indicating different exercises to perform. Now they are ready to move to Advanced Rally. This is the second level of Rally obedience, which includes more difficult exercises throughout the course. At this level, all exercises are performed off-leash. There is a requirement of 12-17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises. The exercises include a jump as well as calling your dog to the front of you instead of to a heel position. Again, unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is encouraged. No treats or toys are allowed. Handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. However, the handler may not touch the dog or make physical corrections. Loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals any time during the performance will be penalized. The dog and handler team moves continuously at a brisk but normal pace. The dog is to be under control at the handler's left side. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler throughout the course. The orders "Are you ready?" and "Forward" are given to the handler who has entered the ring. After the judge gives the "Forward" order, the team is on its own to correctly complete the entire sequence of numbered signs. All dogs and handlers begin with a perfect score of 100. A dog and handler team is awarded a qualifying score if the team retains at least 70 points at the completion of the course. This journal is intended to help make training as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. The first page for each week is designed to cover the class itself. There is a place to record the goals for that training, what was done or learned during the class, and what you are to work on for the following week. The remaining six days allow you to determine what your goal is for that day's practice, what you actually achieve, and any questions or concerns you may wish to bring up at the next class. Also included is a course planner where you can list the information about each class: date, time, location, and so forth. There is a checklist where you can make notes on what you need to get and what to take to classes. The first page of each week is designed to cover the class itself. There is a place to record the goals for that training, what was done or learned during the class, and what you are to work on for the following week. The remaining six days allow you to determine what your goal is for each day's practice, what you actually achieve, and any questions or concerns you may wish to bring up at the next class.
About the Author: Mary Jean Simpson has been fascinated by the beauty and magic of words, music, and the arts as long as she can remember. Her varied careers as a professional musician, a university professor--first in music and later teaching Professional Writing, and a writer and editor, have provided wonderful opportunities to utilize these fully. Living in a variety of places and interacting with many people has been an invaluable experience. Her many years of being owned by dogs and cats has allowed her to not only enjoy their unconditional love, but to participate in various dog sports. She has been very fortunate in having wonderful mentors and trainers to help with all these dog-related things. Life truly is grand!