A Few 1st Rally Trial Pics

[LuvourGSDs]

Just thought I would share a few pics..........
Had a fun time at our 1st Rally trial & made my day to Q (89 & need to work harder).
A big thank ya to Bucksmom for the great pics ! Thanks GF !

Mr. Storm & I

[Branca's Mom]

Very nice, pretty dog, BTW.

Loosen up on that leash! There should be at a drop somewhere around your knees. No half point deductions in Rally so better the occasional slightly out of position than a point deduction for tight line. I'm sure that you are are losing points for tight leash.... each time the judge sees a little tension, you lose a point! That is points that you are GIVING away unnecessarily.

[Betty]

Keeping a loose leash is one of the biggest hurdles I've had. And it's amazing how much better my dogs respond when I get that through my thick skull.

Ya think the observation that my dogs off leash healing looks nicer then my on leash would help drive the point home but I must really be slow. LOL

[Branca's Mom]

I find that I do better if I don't even train with a leash for the most part. When I went into trial it makes it easier for me to keep the leash really loose as I haven't learned to depend on it at all.

Most important thing I learned is to take your time and get the healing right from the start. If it takes 2 or 3 or even 6 months for the dog to learn to heel correctly 99% of the time in the correct position with the head up attention so be it..... Better than trying to retrain it for years afterwards!!

[Betty]

I'm leaning more and more towards that Tammy. Like I said when I noticed my dogs off leash is better then my on leash it kind of indicates where the problem is!!!!!!

I have no idea what it is with me and a taunt leash. I do fine in ob but have assigned someone spotting duties for me in protection. Their job is to yell out leash when I start being a dufus.

Mr. Storm looks like he is having fun! Rally is something I've wanted to try with a couple of dogs!

[Branca's Mom]

Yea, most dogs that have good heeling do do better with no or a very loose leash. They have to pay attention!!

I think Rally is great for a retired dog to get back into the ring again, but not good for a dog just starting out if you want to compete seriously with good scores in traditional AKC obedience. Too many tight courses, really never get a good heel going. But, it is a lot of fun for someone new to Obedience or like I said a retired dog. Maybe even a SchH dog that has no aspirations to do traditional AKC obedience it can be fun and is so different from a SchH field that they can tell the difference.

[mjbgsd]

Looks great! And as everyone has said, keep the leash loose.
If I remember right, the rules say only your left hand can be holding the leash with it either placed on your stomach or by your side. The right hand has to be moving normally by your side.
Rally is so much, you'll get caught up in the enjoyment!

[LuvourGSDs]

Tammy,

Thanks so much for the pointers.............

I NEED to read the rules as I haven't yet. That lead probably did cost me & didn't even think about that.

Storm needs to learn his heal & this is 1 part of everything he lacks in. He gets in a hurry & thinks he has to be first. I have tried the choke collar & pronge, but he stills needs allot of work. I can't get the looking at me 100% with a heal & not sure how to work on this ? I do watch me & give treats, he does good, but put that with a heal & no good. Any suggestions ?

Thanks again for the tips & just glad we Q !

[BlackPuppy]

I also train off leash, it really keeps their attention. Also, you'll be all ready for Advanced.

[Kayla's Dad]

Originally Posted By: mjbgsdIf I remember right, the rules say only your left hand can be holding the leash with it either placed on your stomach or by your side. The right hand has to be moving normally by your side.

I believe that while this is the preferred method in obedience trials it is not the required method..and there is no required method in Rally other than maintaining a loose lead in Novice. Either hand can be holding the leash with the other moving normally by your side. It think it's trained in the manner you mentioned to keep the hand closer to the dog stationary while heeling.

I have to go review the rules!

ETA: LuvourGSs and Storm!