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Take a Sneak Peek at the NEW Rally Rulebook!

January 17, 2020

We are excited to announce the latest revisions to the UKC Rally Obedience program. Significant changes are outlined below, and all changes will be identified in bold and italic text throughout the rulebook. All changes will be effective on July 1, 2020. The rulebook has been reformatted and updated for easier use.

Rally Rulebook

View 2020 Rally Rulebook (PDF)

Rally Rule Change Highlights:

  • The minimum ring size for all trials will be 40 ft x 50 ft or 2000 square feet.
  • Signs have been updated and will now be color-coded for ease of use.
  • Limited Obedience trials may be offered on the same day as a Rally trial with no additional licensing fees.
  • Definitions of barking and whining have been added.
  • Redefined heel position allows for a one-foot range before deductions occur.
  • Dogs that foul the ring will be excused and may not continue.
  • Dogs that fail to respond reasonably to their handlers commands will be excused and may not continue.
  • Updates have been provided regarding Dog Temperament and Behavior.
  • The principal parts of each station are defined.
  • Scoring and deductions for all stations and exercises have been updated.
  • Judges will be required to call a fault for allowable repeat exercises.
  • Defined mandatory faults will carry a 10-point deduction.
  • Fault Assessment Graph.
  • A maximum time allowance has been added to the Rally 3 honor exercise.
  • One change of position will be allowed in the honor exercise with a 10-point deduction.
  • All dogs will be allowed to choose either the Standard or Minimum jump heights.
  • High in Trial requirements have been updated.
  • The Rally Master class has been added. The broad jump will be allowed in this class. Several new titles will be available in the Rally Master class, including the Rally Master, Rally Master Excellent, Rally Master Champion, and Rally Master Grand Champion titles.
  • Several new signs have been added 14 new signs in R01; 16 new signs in R02; 13 new signs in R03; 24 new signs in Rally Master.

We are very excited about the revisions and updates to the program. A sincere thanks and acknowledgement to all judges, exhibitors, and clubs that took the time to send us their ideas and contributions as we move forward.

Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 15,000 licensed events annually.

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