My Intro to Rally - 7

 This is the 7th edition of the Introduction to Novice Rally

We’ll begin discussing Scoring and learn some Circle Signs.

I’ll start with Scoring deductions for Not Qualifying.  There are some problem areas that most Novice Handlers are not aware of, and I'll describe some of them here for you.  If some of these things happen in the ring, please continue to do the best you can without worrying about the judging.  You’re in the ring to enjoy your teamwork as best as you can on that day.  Let the judge do the scoring.  If, for some reason, your dog is having a bad day, you can just look at the judge and THANK THE JUDGE, and leave the ring – no questions asked.  You will get an NQ, but this it may be more positive, for both of you, than continuing.

Chapter 2, Section 30 Scoring.

Non-qualifying (NQ) scores will be given for the following:

·       Consistently tight lead

·       Dog that eliminates while in the ring for judging

·       Dog unmanageable

·       Handler error - Handler errors may be assessed from 1 to 10 points up to and including non-qualifying. Handler errors can be assessed at any sign or during movement between signs on a course.

·       Minimum requirements not met - A qualifying score means that the dog has earned a total score of at least 70 points out of a possible 100 points.

·       Non-qualifying errors may not be re-tried

·       Sign not attempted by handler

·       Uncontrolled barking

More on NQs:

·       Handlers who carry or offer food in the ring or discipline or abuse their dogs in the ring must receive a non-qualifying (NQ) score. Handlers are not permitted to wear such things as waist packs/pouches or any item that, in the judge’s opinion, appears to be a training device or aid.

·       A judge who is aware of any assistance, interference, or attempts to control a dog from outside the ring must act promptly to stop such double handling or interference and must penalize the dog substantially. If the judge feels the circumstances warrant, the dog will receive a non-qualifying (NQ) score.

·       A judge may allow a handler to leave the ring temporarily to prevent soiling of the ring if it appears that the dog might foul the ring. However, the judge must consider that had such permission not been given, the ring probably would have been fouled. Therefore, the dog shall be considered as having relieved itself in the ring and be given a non-qualifying score.

Handlers who carry or offer food in the ring or discipline or abuse their dogs in the ring must receive a non-qualifying (NQ) score. Handlers are not permitted to wear such things as waist packs/pouches or any item that, in the judge’s opinion, appears to be a training device or aid.

ON TO THE CIRCLES!!

Here are 4 Novice Rally signs that make circles as you heel with your dog.




SIGN #11. 360° Right Turn
AKC Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivc93PP9rJg
Description: While heeling, the dog and handler make a tight 360° turn to the right.

Notes: The team makes a 360 turn to the handler’s right.  360-degree turns are performed as a tight circle, but not around the exercise sign. Keep dog in heel position.  Dogs tend to lag in this exercise. Don’t go too fast.

SIGN #12. 360° LEFT TURN
AKC Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8XuNbLUj2I
Description: While heeling, the dog and handler make a tight 360° turn to the left.

Notes: The team makes a 360 degree turn to the handler’s left.  360-degree turns are performed as a tight circle, but not around the exercise sign.  Keep dog in heel position. Dogs tend to forge in this exercise. If your dog pushes you out, your dog is crowding you and it will be penalized.

SIGN #21. Spiral Right - Dog Outside
AKC Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMW-Y9_gIdU
 Description: This sign requires three pylons placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 6-8 feet. The dog and handler must turn to the right to move around each of the pylons.

Notes: Dog is on the outside on the turns. The exercise sign is placed on or near the first pylon or post where the spiral is started.  When doing this exercise, think of a paper clip design.  Go around cones 1-2-3, and then cones 1-2, then cone 1. Make sure to leave enough space between the cones and your dog to perform the exercise without bumping the cones.  Bumping a cone will result in a scoring deduction. If you knock over a cone, you may reset it. Keep dog in heel position.  Dogs tend to lag in Spiral Right. Bumping a cone will result in a scoring deduction.

SPIRAL RIGHT

  • This is something I've been teaching in my classes since 2003. The instructions for both 21 & 22 are basically the same and can be very challenging at trials because you are concerned about your dog and sometimes forget where you are in this exercise. This may help you, but try to remember to talk this through during the walk-through as well as the performance!
  • This sign requires three pylons placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 6-8 feet. The dog and handler must turn to the right to move around each of the pylons

SIGN #22. Spiral Left - Dog Inside
AKC Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN_AF6x8hAA
Description: This sign requires three pylons placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 6-8 feet. The dog and handler must turn to the left to move around each of the pylons.

Notes: Dog is on the inside on the turns and tend to forge. The exercise sign is placed on or near the first pylon post where the spiral is started. When doing this exercise, think of a paper clip design.  Go around cones 1-2-3, and then cones 1-2, then cone 1. Make sure to leave enough space between the cones and your dog to perform the exercise without bumping the cones.  Bumping a cone will result in a scoring deduction. If you knock over a cone, you may reset it. Keep dog in heel position.   If your dog interferes with your freedom of motion, you will be penalized.

SPIRAL LEFT

  • This is something I've been teaching in my classes since 2004. The instructions for both 21 & 22 are basically the same and can be very challenging at trials because you are concerned about your dog and sometimes forget where you are in this exercise. This may help you, but try to remember to talk this through during the walk-through as well as the performance!
  • This sign requires three pylons placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 6-8 feet. The dog and handler must turn to the left to move around each of the pylons.

Here’s a course with these signs in it that you can set up to do.  








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