Judy Kay believes that rally is a sport for everyone.  Once a dog has mastered the basics of traditional Novice obedience, rally is a fun activity for trainer and dog alike.

The challenge of negotiating a rally course improves the communication between dog and handler, encourages the handler to better understand  their dog’s learning style and pace, how to adjust to any handling situation quickly, and to learn how often any dog’s mistakes are, in fact, the handler’s errors, poor timing, or miscues.  In addition, the 50+ rally signs and stations provide enough diversion to discourage a dog from anticipating any exercise, thus keeping dog and handler alert and attentive.

Rally, is by definition, a wonderful sport for motivational training methods.  All motivational techniques are accepted and encouraged in Judy’s rally classes.  Handlers from the “old school” can learn NOT to rely on the leash and collar.  Judy has learned from experience that there is a better way to train. As rally does not allow a tight leash, the adjustment is often quick, easy, and a great pleasure for all concerned.

Many of Judy’s present students are actively competing in traditional obedience or agility.  They find this additional venue a wonderful way to continue to train without the restrictions of a traditional obedience routine or the freeform -- either under control or not -- of an agility run.  Several of Judy’s students are old dogs -- one is thirteen -- who have been retired from other venues and are thrilled to be out and working again.  Judy believes, above all, that training should be a positive social experience for dog and handler.