AKC Novice Rally Class & Trick Class

Description

• Novice Rally– this is the first level for those just getting started in competition.

  • All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.

  • There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises.

  • The exercises performed vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course.

  • Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands and pat their legs through the course.

• Advanced – this is the second level, which includes more difficult exercises throughout the course.

  • All exercises are performed off-leash.

  • There is a requirement of 12-17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises.

  • Exercises include a jump as well as calling your dog to the front of you instead of to a heel position.

• Excellent – this third and highest level of AKC Rally is the most challenging.

  • Exercises are performed off-leash except for the honor exercise.

  • There is a requirement of 15-20 stations, with no more than 7 stationary exercises.

  • Handlers are only allowed to encourage their dogs verbally. Physical encouragement is not allowed at this level.

  • The Excellent-level exercises include backing up three steps, while the dog stays in the heel position and a moving stand, while the handler walks around the dog.
     

    All dogs can get a number including purebreds and mixed breeds.

     

    AKC TRICK DOG TITLES:  

  • Novice Trick Dog (TKN)

  • The dog performs 10 skills from the Novice list. (see link to “Application” below for lists of skills). If a dog has a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC, it can do 5 Novice tricks (CGC + 5) to earn the Novice title.

  • Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI)

  • The dog must have the Novice title, plus perform 10 Intermediate tricks.

  • Advanced Trick Dog (TKA)

  • The dog must have the Intermediate title, plus perform 10 tricks from the Advanced list.

  • Expert Trick Dog 

  • I?n this title, handlers perform a short routine with at least 10 tricks previously learned.

  • Trick Dog Elite Performer 

  • Testing of this truly elite trick dog level requires the dog to perform 10 tricks with at least 5 props and there must be a story.