A successful rally journey starts with Beginner Obedience classes. Sign up information can be found here:
A complete list of the AKC Rally signs can be found here:
The official AKC rules can be found here:
In AKC Rally, teams earn titles by qualifying at licensed trials. Each course has signs that direct handlers and dogs through a series of exercises. A qualifying score (“leg”) requires at least 70 out of 100 points, with no non-qualifying errors. Titles are awarded after earning the required number of qualifying scores under different judges.
Title Progression
- Rally Novice (RN) – 3 qualifying scores in Novice class (on-leash).
- Rally Intermediate (RI) – 3 qualifying scores in Intermediate class (on-leash, optional stepping stone).
- Rally Advanced (RA) – 3 qualifying scores in Advanced class (off-leash, includes jumps).
- Rally Excellent (RE) – 3 qualifying scores in Excellent class (off-leash, more complex exercises).
- Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE) – 10 double qualifying scores in Advanced B and Excellent B at the same trial.
- Rally Master (RM) – 10 qualifying scores in the Master class (off-leash, advanced and precise handling).
- Rally Choice (RCHO) – A title that allows handlers to “choose” exercises from the Advanced, Excellent, and Master levels, demonstrating versatility and mastery. There are no jumping signs. It requires multiple qualifying scores across selected exercises (details vary by AKC updates).
- Rally Championship (RACH) – Earned by accumulating championship points in Advanced B, Excellent B, and Master classes, plus at least 20 triple qualifying scores (qualifying in all three classes at the same trial).
Handlers can continue earning:
- RAE2, RAE3, RM2, RM3, etc. – Each new level requires an additional 10 double or single qualifying scores.
- Lifetime Achievement Titles such as RACH2, RACH3, etc., for continued excellence and consistency.
Here are some examples of AKC Rally Novice signs you’ll see on a course (12-15 signs) — all are performed on leash and focus on basic control, teamwork, and communication:
Heeling and Turning Signs
- #3 – Halt – Sit
Handler stops; dog sits in heel position. - #5 – Right Turn
Make a 90° right turn while heeling. - #6 – Left Turn
Make a 90° left turn while heeling. - #7 – About Turn – Right
Make a 180° turn to the right and continue heeling.
Pace and Control Signs
- #18 – Fast Pace
Heel briskly. - #17 – Slow Pace
Heel slowly. - #19 – Normal Pace
Continue heeling at a normal pace. - #31 – Halt – Sit – Down – Walk Around Dog
Dog sits, then downs; handler walks around the dog before returning to heel.
Fronts and Finishes
- #15 – Call Front – Finish Right – Halt
Call dog to front, cue a finish to the right, and end in a sit at heel. - #16 – Call Front – Finish Left – Halt
Call dog to front, cue a finish to the left, and end in a sit at heel. - #30 – Halt – Sit – Walk Around Dog
Dog remains sitting as handler circles around.
Figure 8 and Cones
- #23 – Straight Figure 8 Weave Twice
This sign requires four pylons placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 6-8 feet. The dog and handler will enter into the weave with the first pylon on their left side. They must complete the entire weave twice - #25 – Halt – 1, 2, 3 Steps Forward
Dog sits at halt; take 1, then 2, then 3 steps forward, halting each time with a sit.
Here are some examples of AKC Rally Intermediate signs.
At this level, exercises are still on leash, but the courses are longer (12–17 stations) and include more complex maneuvers, such as pivots, and side steps.
Heeling and Turning
- #101 – Halt – About Turn – Right – Forward
While heeling, handler halts, dog sits and then dog and handler turn 180° to the right and heel forward - #104 – HALT – Turn Right One Step – Call to Heel – HALT
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The dog must stay sitting while the handler turns, takes one step to the right, halts and calls the dog to heel. The dog must then return to the handler to heel position and sit - #106 – HALT – 90° Pivot Right – HALT
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The dog and handler pivot 90° to the right together and the dog sits in heel position.
Fronts, and Finishes
- #110 – HALT – Call Front – Finish Right While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must then come and sit in front. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must finish to the right and sit in heel position
- #112 – HALT – 180° Pivot Right – HALT
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must then come and sit in front. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must finish to the left and sit in heel position. - #122 – HALT – Step in Front – Finish Left – Forward
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The handler steps in front to face the dog. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must finish left. As the dog clears the handler’s path, the handler will heel forward before the dog returns to heel position.
Advanced Handling and Control
- #108 – Offset Figure 8
This sign requires two pylons spaced about 6 –8 feet apart. The two distractions will be placed to the sides about 5-6 feet apart. The Figure 8 may be entered with the pylons on either the left or right side. The dog and handler and will perform a complete figure 8 together around the pylons, crossing the center line three times without disturbing the distractions. The distractions will be securely covered containers with tempting dog treats or dog safe toys may be used in place of dog treats - #119 – Right Turn – Dog Circles Right – Forward
While heeling, the handler turns right and the dog circles around the handler to the right returning to heel position and heeling forward. The handler may pause as needed. - #123 – 2 Side Steps Right – Forward
While heeling, the handler will take two side steps to the right, leading with the right foot, and continue heeling along the newly established line. The dog must move with the handler. This sign will be placed directly in line of the team’s path requiring the dog and handler to side step to the right to pass the sign.
Rally Intermediate builds on Novice skills by adding tighter turns, pivots, and precision heeling. It helps prepare the team for Rally Advanced, where the dog will perform off leash.
Here are examples of AKC Rally Advanced signs — the first level performed off leash. Courses include 12–17 stations, and at least one jump, adding more precision and complex teamwork beyond the Intermediate level.
Heeling and Turning
- #102 – HALT – About “U” Turn – Forward
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The dog and handler turn 180° to the left and heel forward. - #107 – HALT – 90° Pivot Left – HALT
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The dog and handler pivot 90° to the left together and the dog sits in heel position. - #109 – HALT – Side Step Right – HALT
While heeling, the handler halts in front of the sign and the dog sits. The dog and handler move one step directly to the right together. The handler halts and the dog sits in heel position. This sign will be placed directly in line of the team’s path requiring the dog and handler to sidestep to the right to pass the sign.
Fronts, and Finishes
- #111 – HALT – Call Front – Finish Left
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must then come and sit in front. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must finish to the left and sit in heel position. - #121 – HALT – Step in Front – Finish Right – Forward
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The handler steps in front to face the dog. Without the handler moving their feet, the dog must finish right. As the dog clears the handler’s path, the handler will heel forward before the dog returns to heel position.
Advanced Maneuvers
- #118 – HALT – Leave 2 Steps – Call to Heel – Forward
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The dog must stay while the handler takes two steps forward and pauses. The handler begins to heel forward and commands the dog to heel. The dog must speed up noticeably to return to heel position. - #120 – Left Turn – Dog Circles Right – Forward
While heeling, the handler turns left and the dog circles around the handler to the right returning to heel position and heeling forward. The handler may pause as needed.
Rally Advanced showcases smooth, confident teamwork and control off leash. Dogs demonstrate precise heeling, quick response to cues, and consistent focus—even with added complexity like jumps, pivots, and distraction exercises.
Here are examples of AKC Rally Excellent signs — this level is off leash. Courses include 15–20 stations, at least two jumps, and advanced maneuvers that test precision, teamwork, and focus.
Heeling and Turning
- #203 – Moving Stand – Walk Around
While heeling, the dog must stand and stay as the handler, without pausing, walks around behind the dog, returns to heel position and pauses. The dog and handler then heel forward. - #205 – Backup 3 Steps
While heeling, the dog and handler reverse direction walking backward at least 3 steps together and then continue heeling forward. The dog must remain standing throughout. - #207 – Stand While Heeling – Call to Finish – Sit
While heeling, the dog must stand and stay as the handler, without pausing, continues about 6 feet to the Call sign and turns to face the dog. Without moving their feet, the handler may command/signal the dog to finish. The dog must finish to the right or left and sit in heel position - #212 – About Turn Right – About U Turn
While heeling, the dog and handler turn 180° to the right, take two or three steps forward and then turn 180° to the left.
Advanced Maneuvers and Control
- #208– Stand – Leave – Sit – Call Front – Finish – Sit
While heeling, the handler will stop forward motion; the dog must stand and stay. The handler will walk about 6 feet to the Call sign and turn to face the dog. The dog must then sit, come and sit in front. Without moving their feet, the handler may command/signal the dog to finish. The dog must finish to the right or left and sit in heel position. - #210– Send to Jump
At the sign the dog must leave the handler to jump. The dog must clear the jump on the first attempt, in the proper direction without stopping. The handler must remain at least 3 feet away from the jump and may not pass the jump until the dog has returned to heel position. - #211 – Double Left About Turn
While heeling, the handler will make an about turn to the left, while at the same time the dog must move around the handler to the right and into heel position. The handler will take two or three steps before the dog and handler complete the left about turn a second time. - #216 – HALT – Dog Circles Right – SIT
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The dog circles around the handler to the right, returns to heel position and sits.
Rally Excellent emphasizes precision, confidence, and focus under pressure. The dog must maintain teamwork and accuracy through multiple jumps, advanced stationary exercises, and complex transitions — setting the stage for Rally Master.
Here are examples of AKC Rally Master signs — the most advanced regular level in AKC Rally.
All exercises are performed off leash, and courses include 15–20 stations with at least two jumps. Rally Master challenges the team’s precision, control, and teamwork through complex maneuvers, multiple position changes, and transitions.
Heeling
- #309 – Backup 3 Steps – Right Backup 1 or 2 Steps – Forward
While heeling, the dog and handler reverse direction walking backwards at least 3 steps, and without stopping, take one or two steps backwards 90° to the right and then heel forward. The dog must move with the handler. - #312 – Dog Spins Right – Forward
While heeling, the handler stops and the dog, without sitting, spins in a circle to the right alongside the handler. When the dog returns to heel position, the dog and handler heel forward. - #314– Cloverleaf
This sign requires the pylons be spaced approximately 6 feet apart. The dog and handler must complete the cloverleaf by crossing the center line four times. The four pylons will be numbered sequentially. The number “1” pylon will be placed to the handlers left, and indicates the entry and exit points for performance of this sign. This is a change of direction sign and upon exiting the team may go in any direction to the next sign.
Fronts and Finishes
- #304 – Call Front – Move 2 Side Steps Right – Finish Forward
While heeling, the handler stops and calls the dog to front. The handler may take several steps backward. The dog must come and sit in front. The handler will take two steps to the right and the dog must move with the handler. When the handler stops moving the dog must sit in front. Without moving their feet, the handler may command/signal the dog to finish. The dog must finish to the right or left. As the dog clears the handler’s path, the handler will heel forward before the dog returns to heel position. - #311 – Backup 3 Steps – Stand & Leave – Call to Finish – Forward
The Call sign will be placed approximately three feet away from this sign. While heeling, the dog and handler reverse direction and walk backwards at least 3 steps. The handler may pause to stand and leave the dog. The dog must stand and stay until called. The handler will walk to the Call sign and turn to face the dog. Without moving their feet, the handler may command/signal the dog to finish. The dog must finish to the right or left. As the dog clears the handler’s path, the handler will heel forward. - #317 – HALT – Leave – Recall – Finish Right – Sit
While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. The dog must stay while the handler leaves and walks approximately 15 feet to the Call sign, turns and faces the dog. When called, the dog must go directly to the handler and sit in front. Without moving their feet, the handler may command/signal the dog to finish. The dog must finish right and sit in heel position.
Complex and Precision Exercises
- #307 – HALT – Send Away Sit – Return – Follow Arrow Right
The pylon will be placed approximately 6 feet away from the sign. While heeling, the handler halts and the dog sits. When sent, the dog must go to the area of the pylon stop and sit with its attention on the handler, but it need not sit squarely. The dog must stay while the handler returns to heel position. The handler may return to heel position by going directly to heel or walking around behind the dog. The handler must pause before heeling to the right in the direction of the arrow. - #315 – Double Left About Turn – Right Turn
While heeling, the handler will make an about turn to the left, while at the same time the dog must move around the handler to the right and into heel position. The handler will take two or three steps before the dog and handler complete the left about turn a second time. The dog and handler then turn right and heel forward. - #319 – Side by Side 360°Right Circle
While heeling, the dog and handler will stop forward motion and make a 360° side by side right circle. - #321 – Dog Circles Right Around Handler – Handler Circles Left
While heeling, the dog and handler will stop forward motion. The dog must circle right around the handler and the handler will circle left at the same time the dog is moving right. The dog and handler heel forward. This is a 360° circle with the dog and handler moving in opposite directions.
Rally Master showcases elite-level teamwork — precise communication, flawless position changes, and sustained attention from the dog. The exercises combine movement, distance, and complexity, highlighting years of training and trust between the team.