Rally-Freestyle Elements Intensive

Dogs in the Park

Introduction

What is Rally-Freestyle Elements?

Rally-FrEe is a unique sport combining trick behaviors of Canine Musical Freestyle with the format of Rally-Obedience. It emphasizes the precise execution of fundamental freestyle and obedience skills while encouraging creative and novel behaviors on a Rally-Obedience style course. It provides a foundation for dog and handler teams to be successful in musical freestyle if they so choose.

All information about Rally-FrEe is taken from the website https://www.rallyfree.com/. Rally-FrEe is owned by Creative Canine, LLC and developed by Julie Flanery.

Goals

The goal of this intensive is to help you:

1. Learn the basics of Rally Freestyle Elements

2. Successfully complete a Rally-FrEe novice skills test to earn a title for your dog (R-FE/NS)

3. Be prepared to enter a video or live Rally-FrEe competition

Learning Outcomes:

This intensive will focus on a few key areas to help improve your training skills and strengthen the relationship with your dog. Improve focus and connection and have fun with your dog!

1. Orientation – teach your dog to work on both your right and left sides, and maybe in front of and behind you

2. Transitions – move your dog from one side to another or from one orientation to another

3. Behaviours – teach your dog old behaviours in new orientations, or new behaviours and tricks for “free choice” stations

4. Teamwork – work together with your dog through fun and creative behaviours

Intensive Outline

Rally-FrEe emphasizes the precise execution of fundamental freestyle and obedience skills along with novel behaviours. The goal is for all dogs and handlers to have fun.

Each week of this 8-week intensive will include the following:

· 10min downstay

· 10min theory, review (what went well; critique others performance), homework and workbook instructions

· 40min skills and drills (broken up into sections), individual performance

Introduction to Rally Freestyle Elements

Rally-FrEe offers novice, intermediate and advanced levels similar to Rally Obedience. Rally-FrEe is intended to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere with exemplary sportsmanship. Background music is encouraged to enhance this. Handlers are encouraged to wear festive and decorative attire to enhance their performance. However dress is not required nor will it affect any scoring. No attire is permitted on the dogs other than a flat collar.

Any dog, whether purebred or mixed breed may participate in Rally-FrEe. Dogs must be at least one year of age to enter titling classes.

Food or toy reinforcers are not allowed in the ring, however verbal praise is encouraged.

Non-Titling Divisions

Non-titling divisions are only offered at live events. Any dog may enter non-titling divisions if offered. Dogs under one year of age may only enter non-titling divisions. Classes may be performed either on or off leash. Training tools and props may be used in non-titling classes as preparation for titling classes.

Pre-Novice Training Class

This non-titling class allows dogs and handlers to become familiar with the show environment and to give handlers the opportunity to reinforce their dogs in the ring. This class is open to all dogs and handlers, no matter their competition level. The signs used in this class are Novice signs 1-32.

Post-Novice Training Class

Titling Divisions

Novice Division

This class may be performed on or off lead, however, at least one qualifying score must be achieved with the dog off-leash before moving up to the Intermediate class. A team must earn a score of 125 or higher for a qualifying score. A team must earn three (3) qualifying scores in three separate titling events to achieve a Rally-FrEe Novice Title (R-FE/N). Signs 1-32 may be included in a Novice course. Upon achieving their Novice R-FE/N title, a team may enter the Intermediate class or the team may choose to earn additional titles at this level in the Encore Novice class.

Encore Novice class

Upon achieving their R-FE/N title, a team may opt to enter the Encore Novice class before proceeding to the Intermediate class. Or the team may opt to remain in the Encore Novice class and continue to earn Encore Novice titles up until they earn their Intermediate title. This class may be performed on or off lead, however, at least one qualifying score must be achieved with the dog off-leash before moving up to the Intermediate class. A team must earn a score of 125 or higher for a qualifying score. A team must earn three (3) qualifying scores in three separate titling events to achieve a Rally-FrEe Encore Novice Title (R-FE/NE). Those entering Encore Novice will run the Novice course.

Intermediate class

Upon achieving their R-FE/N title, a team may enter the Intermediate class. This class must be performed off-lead. A team must earn a score of 125 or higher for a qualifying score. A team must earn three (3) qualifying scores in three separate titling events to achieve a Rally-FrEe Excellent Title (R-FE/X). Signs 1-54 may be included in an Intermediate Level course. Signs 33-54 are Intermediate signs; a minimum of four Intermediate signs must be included in an Intermediate Level course.

Encore Intermediate class

Upon achieving their R-FE/X title, a team may opt to enter the Encore Intermediate class before proceeding to the Advanced class. Or the team may opt to remain in the Encore Intermediate class and continue to earn Encore Intermediate titles up until they earn their Intermediate title. This class must be performed off-lead. A team must earn a score of 125 or higher for a qualifying score. A team must earn three (3) qualifying scores in three separate titling events to achieve a Rally-FrEe Encore Excellent Title (R-FE/XE). Those entering Encore Intermediate will run the Intermediate course.

Advanced class

Upon achieving their R-FE/X title, a team may enter the Advanced class. This class must be performed off-lead. A team must earn a score of 125 or higher for a qualifying score. A team must earn two (2) qualifying scores in two separate titling events to achieve a Rally-FrEe Masters Title (R-FE/M). Signs 1-62 may be included in an Advanced Level course. Signs 55-62 are Advanced signs, and a minimum of three Intermediate signs and three Advanced signs must be included in an Advanced course.

Encore Advanced class

Upon achieving their R-FE/M title, a team may opt to enter the Encore Advanced class before proceeding to the Champion class. Or the team may opt to remain in the Encore Advanced class and continue to earn Encore Advanced titles until they earn their Championship title. This class must be performed off-lead. A team must earn a score of 125 or higher for a qualifying score. A team must earn three (3) qualifying scores in three separate titling events to achieve a Rally-FrEe Encore Master Title (R-FE/ME). Those entering Encore Advanced will run the Advanced course.

Skills Tests

A dog-and-handler team may earn a Skills Test title that shows proficiency in the execution of the sign behaviors. All skills tests are performed off-leash with the exception of blind or deaf dogs. In each of the divisions (novice, intermediate/advanced) the team performs 15 signs in the related class. Fourteen signs are chosen by the exhibitor. One of the signs will always be sign #32 Bow. The signs are not laid out in a course but are performed individually. The team must reach a total score of 125 to earn a Skills Test title. Teams may continue to earn subsequent Skills Test titles by entering the Encore Skills classes. In earning subsequent Encore Skills tests titles it is recommended that at least some of the signs are different from those performed for the first Skills Test title. Skills Tests are offered once per month and are only available through video. No placements are provided.

Alternative Division Levels

The Alternative Division is for those dogs-and-handler teams who, due to advancing age or physical limitations choose an alternative to the regular titling division. The classes are as indicated above, however are preceded by Alt- (Alt-Novice, Alt-Intermediate, Alt-Advance). For all alternative classes, a dog-and-handler team must navigate a course of 15 stations and perform the behavior indicated on each station sign. Certain signs are exempt from use on an Alternative course and are indicated in the sign descriptions with ALT EXEMPT. These are signs where the dog must weave through the handler’s legs, either forward or backward, any sign where the dog must perform a behavior behind the handler, or any sign where the handler must turn in a circle. An Alternative team may however choose to perform these skills at their Free Choice stations. An Alternative team must earn a score of 100 or higher for a qualifying score.

Judging Criteria and Scoring Guidelines

Rally-FrEe judges will apply subjective scoring. Judging begins when the judges says “forward.” Judging is complete when the dog-and-handler team passes sign #32, Bow.

Each team enters the ring with 0 points. There are no deductions taken in Rally-FrEe. Teams earn their points through the execution of each station sign, their heelwork, attention and teamwork, and the additional points earned for creativity and/or difficulty at each Free Choice sign.

Scoring is subjective. In determining the points awarded for each station, judges will assess the dog’s responsiveness to handler cues, the precision and execution of the behavior(s) represented on each sign, the precision of the start and ending position of each behavior(s) indicated on each sign and the ability of the dog to focus on both the handler and the task. Exhibitors can earn a maximum of 200 points. See individual class descriptions for qualifying scores for each class.

Points are awarded based on a 1-10 scale:

· A sign performed “With Significant Deficiencies” can earn 1-3 points

· A sign performed “Adequately to Well” can earn 4-7 points

· A sign performed “Very Well to Superb” can earn 8-10 points

Teams will earn points at each sign according to the following criteria:

Performed with Significant Deficiencies (1–3 points)

Teams will earn a maximum of 1–3 points at a station which the primary or essential part of the behavior is incomplete or poorly executed to the point that it is not recognizable as the fundamental behavior, or if the team is off-course (off-course is defined as the dog on the incorrect side of the handler or the team on the incorrect side of the sign. Off-course may also include a dog-and-handler team that veers significantly from the course map or signs performed out of order. In this case, the points are given at the station following the off-course).

Performed Adequately to Well (4–7 points)

“Adequately” is defined as performing the primary or essential part(s) of the behavior effectively enough for the judge to identify the fundamental parts of the behavior without observing significant deficiencies. Some deficiencies may be present.

“Well” is defined as performing the primary or essential part(s) of the behavior while meeting all minimum requirements of the sign description. Extraneous behaviors not essential to the performance of the sign behavior may or may not effect score depending on the extent of these irrelevant behaviors and whether the judge views these behaviors as refusals or missed cues. Hand or body cues that appear obvious to the dog and aid in the execution of the behavior will not score more than a 7 and could score less depending on the extent of the aid.

Performed Very Well to Superbly (8–10 points)

“Very Well” is defined as performing the primary or essential part(s) of the behavior while meeting the minimum requirements of the sign description. The performance includes a high degree of precision, accuracy and response to handler’s cues.

“Superbly” is defined as performing the primary or essential parts of the behavior while exceeding the minimum requirements of the sign description. The performance includes meeting all performance guidelines with an exceptional degree of precision, accuracy and response to handler’s verbal cues. It also includes a high degree of precision in the start and end position in regards to the performance of the sign as well as exceptional attention and teamwork.

In addition to station scores Teams are provided a 1-10 score for their over-all heelwork, Attention, and Teamwork.

Heelwork, as judged criteria, is the dog’s ability to remain precisely within a consistent proximity to the handler, while moving in any direction and while performing the behaviors indicated at each station. In order to be considered “Heelwork” the dog’s body must be over- lapping the handler’s. Changes in position or proximity to the handler when not indicated on a sign are considered faults. There are no automatic or default sits in Rally-FrEe. The dog will remain standing unless indicated on the station sign or in the sign descriptions.

Attention, as judged criteria, is the ability of the dog to focus on the handler and on the task. The dog is responsive to cues and does not disengage from the handler. Eye contact is not a necessary component of attention, however is a clear indication that the dog is attentive to the handler.

Teamwork, as judged criteria, is the evident engagement, support and willingness to work together and the apparent enjoyment derived from working together as a dog-and-handler team. Support includes but is not limited to appropriate choices by the handler that aid the dog in the correct performance of the sign behaviors, such as allowing the dog to complete behaviors before moving to the next station, or ensuring the dog has adequate space to avoid hitting signs.

Scoring of Free Choice Behaviors

In the scoring of “Free Choice” sign behaviors, judges will observe only that which is presented and shall not assume they know what the intended behavior is. However if a judge is unable to determine whether there was a completed behavior, they may provide a lower score in both execution and additional Free Choice points. Apparent mistakes as indicated by the handler may be taken into account as may any verbal cues that indicate the intended behavior. The precision of the start and end positions will also be considered in scoring “Free Choice” signs.

The dog and handler team may leave the line of travel when performing a free choice behavior, however, they must return to the line of travel before continuing to the next station. Signs may not be used as props in the performance of “Free Choice” behaviors.

Handlers are urged to limit the number of behaviors performed at a Free Choice station and refrain from performing long sequences. Performing more than 1 or 2 behaviors with transitions out of and back into position will likely increase risk of accurate execution and station points earned. Performing multiple behaviors in a sequence will not necessarily benefit the possible additional points earned at Free Choice stations. And the additional time taken at Free Choice stations where sequences are performed could impact the team’s ability to stay under the 4 minute time limit.

Handlers may use props in their Free Choice behaviors. Props should be set up at the station prior to the team entering the ring for performance. Handlers will have 45 seconds to set up their props and 45 seconds to remove their props at the end of the performance. Failure to remove props in the allotted time will result in a disqualification. If a handler opts to keep a prop on their person during a performance such as a scarf the dog jumps through or a handkerchief pulled from the handler’s pocket, it is the handler’s responsibility to ensure the prop is appropriate in terms of not being viewed as a toy or motivator/reinforce by the judge.

Dog-and-Handler teams can earn up to an additional 5 points for Free Choice Behaviors. The 1-5 points awarded for creativity and/or difficulty are based on the following guide.

1 point: Simple single behavior such as sit or down

2 points: Novice class behavior or other novel or creative behavior with equivalent difficulty

3 points: Intermediate class behavior or other novel or creative behavior with equivalent

difficulty

4 points: Advanced class behavior or other novel or creative behavior with equivalent

difficulty

5 points: Behavior that is beyond the training level of the Advanced class behaviors or other

highly creative or difficult behavior

Use of a Leash

Leashes are allowed in the Novice classes. All other classes must be performed off-leash with the exception of blind or deaf dogs entered in the Alternative classes.

A handler that chooses to perform their run on leash needs to consider their ability to use the leash appropriately. The following guidelines apply to teams that choose to perform their runs on leash where allowed.

Any leash shorter than 4 ft including “tabs”, or longer than 6 ft is not allowed in the performance ring. Retractable leashes and chain leashes are not allowed in the performance ring. Leashes may not be used to manipulate the dog or restrict the dog’s movement in the form of a “tight leash”. The use of a tight leash will result in a lower score for execution of the behavior at the sign stations as well as lower scores in Heelwork, Teamwork and Attention. It is recommended that exhibitors work to maintain a “J” between the snap of the leash on the dog’s collar and the hand which holds the leash. This will help to ensure that a lower score is not received for a tight leash.

A handler that uses the leash to reprimand the dog through leash pops/jerks will be disqualified.

Leashes may be dropped only while performing behaviors in which the dog passes through the handler’s legs or Free Choice behaviors where the leash would impede the dog’s ability to complete the behavior. The leash must then be picked up before continuing to the next station. If the leash is dropped at a station other than where the dog passes through the handler’s legs, or at a Free Choice station as indicated above, the team will receive a score indicating a deficiency (1-3 pts) at that station.

Hand Signals and Other Physical Cues

In the scoring of physical cues or hand signals, the goal is for handlers to cue their dogs with subtle physical cues or verbal-only cues. Judges will take subtlety of physical cues into consideration.

A team will not earn more than a score of 7 at a station where the handler uses a lure-like hand signal or a signal that is an obvious aid to the dog and could earn less if the hand signal is excessive to the point of uncertainty as to whether the dog could complete the behavior without the hand being used as a lure. Large body cues such as, but not limited to, a bend at the waist to aid in cueing the bow, or a twisting of the upper body to aid in cueing forward or backward circles will also not earn more than a score of 7. Very subtle hand cues or slight physical cues may earn a score of 8 but are not likely to earn a higher score.

Due to the high number of variables of physical cues and the resulting behavior, scores provided for stations that include physical cues are at the judge’s discretion, while applying the above guidelines.

In general: Hand or body cues that appear obvious to the dog and aid in the execution of the behavior will not score more than a 7 and could score less depending on the extent of the aid.

A team’s performance of a station will not result in a lower score if the handler provides multiple verbal cues provided the dog responds on the first cue and does not exhibit refusals. Large lure-like hand cues at any level will earn lower scores than subtle hand or body cues or verbal-only cues. As teams progress through the classes, the expectation is for handlers to use fewer physical cues and increasingly rely upon verbal cues.

Barking

Barking or other vocalizations that are excessive or affect the execution of station behaviors will receive lower station scores than if performed with no barking or vocalization. Teamwork score will also be affected by excessive barking. The random bark at one or two stations is not likely to affect station score unless quality of the station behavior lessens as a result. Excessive barking or vocalization as determined by the judge will affect teamwork score. The effect of barking on scores is at the judge’s discretion while applying the above guideline.

Repeating a Station

“Re-doing” a station following deficiencies, by stepping back and approaching the station again will not improve upon the score of the first attempt. When scoring a station Judges will consider the totality of behaviors observed performed at the station whether they are part of the sign description or extraneous to it.

The scoring of the station begins when the team arrives within close proximity to the sign and ends when they leave the proximity of the station or when there is an obvious end to the behavior. This includes moving forward to continue on the course or moving backward to re-position the dog for an additional attempt. Behaviors performed at the station after re-approaching will not be applied to the station score. Leaving the station as a result of performing a behavior such as a side pass or walking weave is not affected by this rule.

In Addition

A dog that leaves their handler at a station will earn a score indicating a significant deficiency (1-3) at that station. A dog that leaves their handler one time in between the stations will not earn more than 7 points in Heelwork, Attention and Teamwork. A dog that leaves their handler two or more times will not earn more than 3 points in each Heelwork, Attention and Teamwork.

The estimated time for each run is 1-3 minutes. The maximum time for each run is 4 minutes. A dog-and-handler team that has reached the 4-minute time limit will be disqualified. A judge may allow the team to continue on the course, provided the team has passed station #12. However, scoring will stop at the 4 minute time limit.

Placements for tied scores will be determined by which team had the higher teamwork score. If the teams are still tied, placements will then be determined by the higher total Free Choice score.

Disqualifications: A dog-and-handler team will be disqualified for any of the following:

· Dog eliminating in the ring

· Taking food, a toy motivator/reinforcer, or training aid into the ring in the titling classes

· Correcting the dog through leash jerks or other physical means

· Dog or handler leaving the ring (dog or handler’s whole body must leave the ring with obvious intent of no longer performing)

· Team going over the 4 minute time limit

· Team going over 45 seconds to set up or remove props

· Dog wearing apparel other than decorative or non-decorative collars, or non-decorative harnesses (long-coated breeds may wear non-decorated bands for the purpose of keeping hair out of the eyes)

· In the case of video submissions, signs lying flat on the ground without stands, cones or other means to bring upright

· Handler arguing or using inappropriate language toward a judge, event official, or volunteer

· Performing a behavior the judge deems unsafe for the dog, handler or spectators

· Taking a food or toy motivator or reinforcer into the ring in the titling classes

Performance Guidelines

In all classes, a dog-and-handler team will navigate a course of 15 stations and perform the behaviors indicated on each station’s sign. The start sign will indicate the initial position of the dog relative to the handler, but it is not judged. However, the finish sign is judged and will always request that the dog take a final bow.

Signs must be placed upright on stands or leaning on something such as cones. Signs may be printed from the Rally-FrEe website or purchased from RFE at the website store.

Signs will be positioned to the left or right of the dog-and-handler team and will generally be placed on the opposite side of the dog so as not to interfere with the team’s movement. Signs that direct the dog-and-handler team to change direction, such as left, right or U-turn signs, will be placed directly in front of the dog-and-handler team. Signs that indicate the entrance to sign #8, Prop Weave, will be placed at the first prop. Signs that indicate the dog will change sides relative to the handler will generally be placed on the same side as the dog on approach to the sign, so that the dog may move to the opposite side of the handler without interference. It is important to follow the correct line of travel on a course map. A video tutorial on how to read a course map can be found on the member’s page under the “Training Resources” tab on the member’s page.

Tabs, clips or markers will be attached to the left, top center or the right side of a sign, indicating the dog’s position relative to the handler as they approach the sign. If the clip is on the right of the sign, the dog should be on the right side of the handler. If the clip is on the left side of the sign, the dog should be on the left side of the handler. If the clip is on the top center of the sign then the dog will be either in Center or Behind positions relative to the handler. Numbers will be placed at the base, side or top of the sign to indicate the station number. If stations are placed next to each other, whether on the left or right of the handler, the order of the stations are read left to right.

Behaviors should be performed within reasonable proximity to a given sign. A handler should allow sufficient space to ensure that the sign does not interfere with the dog’s performance. Knocking or hitting a station sign by either dog or handler may affect the station score and teamwork score.

A team choosing not to execute a sign behavior or passes a sign station without attempting to perform the behavior will earn no score for that station. This will be indicated on the score sheet as “NS” for that station. The team may still qualify, if their total score reaches the minimum qualifying score for the class entered.

There are no automatic or default sits in Rally-FrEe. The dog will remain standing unless indicated on the station sign or in the sign descriptions. Sitting where not indicated will affect the station score.

Each course will include four Free Choice signs in which the handler may choose any behavior for the dog to perform at that station. Upon completion of a Free Choice behavior and before proceeding to the next station, the dog must return to the position held on approach to the Free Choice sign.

The Rally-FrEe course maps that have been approved for classes in a specific event will be available to exhibitors 7-10 days prior to the event. This allows handlers to plan their Free Choice behaviors and better prepare for the day of the event.

Food and/or toy reinforcers are not allowed in the ring during the performance of the titling classes and will result in a disqualification. If a prop used at a Free Choice station is toy-like and appears to be rewarding or motivating to the dog, the prop will be considered a reinforcer. “Rewarding or motivating” behavior is (a) the dog is following the item as if it is a lure or (b) the dog is biting or shaking the items as if playing with it. While reinforcers are not allowed in the ring, verbal praise is encouraged.

Respectful, festive attire for handlers and decorative collars for dogs are encouraged though not required. Dogs may wear undecorated, plain harnesses. No other costuming, clothing or adornment for dogs is allowed, including coat dyes. A plain elastic band may be used for the sole purpose of tying hair or coat off of the dogs face and eyes of long coated breeds. A judge will not penalize a handler for their attire, unless the judge deems the attire inappropriate, and the judge may excuse the dog-and-handler team.

Video Events

Rally Freestyle Elements offers video events for those that either live too far from live events or for those dogs not suited to the show environment. All rules and guidelines that apply to live events also apply to video events. There are two types of video events, private video events hosted by individual members and regional video events hosted by RFE.

For privately hosted video events a minimum of three dog-and-handler teams submitting video entries is required in order to be judged and earn qualifying scores and titles. A maximum of 10 video entries per privately hosted event is allowed. All entries in privately hosted events must reside in the same geographic location with addresses being no more than a 500 mile distance from the host. If a privately hosted video event has over 10 entries, a live event is encouraged. If there are less than 10 entries, RFE will offer the opportunity to enter to others in your geographic area. For hosted Rally-FrEe video events, only titling classes are offered.

Video event hosts fill out the online “application to host an event”. On the application, hosts will choose the “date of event”. This is the date in which videos need to be submitted to RFE via online.

The host will also choose an “opening date” and a “closing date”. The opening date is the date which entries will be accepted for the event. The closing date is the date after which entries will no longer be accepted for the event. For video events, please allow at least 14 days from the closing date to the “date of event”. This ensures that RFE will be able to get courses to the host for distribution to exhibitors 7-10 days prior to the “date of event.”

Entry forms for privately hosted events are found by clicking “enter online” next to the event you would like to enter on the green side-bar on the member’s page. If you are unsure whether you meet the 500 mile requirement, please contact the host, also listed there, or RFE.

RFE hosts 12 regional video events per year. The schedule for these events and eligibility to enter can be found through a link on the RFE website calendar.

In addition, RFE also hosts monthly Skills Tests offered for video only. Guidelines relating to these tests are listed under “Skills Tests”, along with the description of divisions and classes.

For video events, approved course maps are delivered to the host via e mail attachment. The host will then forward the course(s) on to all exhibitors entered. Once the courses have been sent, exhibitors will have 7-10 days to video and submit their video URL (web address where video can be found). Exhibitors must submit their video no later than the “date of event” by going into their RFE online account, click on the events tab, then clicking “details” for the event they have entered and pasting the URL into the designated box, then clicking update.

To get a URL, videos are uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo or file sharing sites such as Dropbox. Please note that only YouTube offers copyright protection.

Upon receipt of entries, they will be scored by the event Judge. Judges will be required to return scores to RFE within 2 weeks of the “date of event”. Results of video events are then e-mailed to exhibitors along with their score sheet. RFE will supply qualifying and placement ribbons to those scores that meet the criteria.

Video-taping your routine

The videographer should be positioned in the ring so as to capture the performance of the signs. However the videographer does not need to follow the team closely, but rather find a location within the course where discreet movements allow for a judge to be able to view the positions and behaviors performed. If the handler feels the performance of the behavior will not be visible to the judge, for example a paw lift on the far side of the videographer, the handler may turn to face the camera, perform the behavior, and then turn back to the direction of travel. Using the zoom lens will also allow the judge to get a better view of performance of the sign while still maintaining a distance from the team. If RFE or the assigned judge feels the video is not of a quality where fair scoring can be applied, the video entry will be returned with recommendations for camera position. The return of said video will not affect the other video entries in the group. If the exhibitor chooses to resubmit the video, RFE will determine if a new course will be provided.

Glossary for Signs Descriptions:

ALT-Exempt: Refers to any sign that is exempt from the Alternative Division classes.

CW and CCW: Refers to Clockwise and Counter-Clockwise and indicates the direction of a behavior the dog is to perform.

Colors on the signs: Green will refer to the dog and lavender will refer to the handler.

Heelwork: the dog’s ability to remain precisely within a consistent proximity to the handler, while moving in any direction and while performing the behaviors indicated at each station. Changes in position or proximity to the handler when not indicated on a sign are considered faults.

∞ Infinity Symbol: When this symbol appears on a sign it refers to the handler having a choice, either in the transition, the direction or as in the case of sign #3 free choice behavior, a choice on what behavior to perform.

Pivot: On inside pivots (dog on left, doing a left turn pivot or dog on right doing a right turn pivot) the dog’s front feet are the pivot point. On outside pivots (dog on left doing a right turn pivot, or dog on right doing a left turn pivot), the handler is the pivot point. On Center and Behind pivots, (dog in center or behind positions) the handler’s feet are the pivot point.

Positions: Refer to the location of the dog in relation to the handler. The dog should remain in a stand.

Left heel position is directly to the left of the handler, with the dog and handler facing forward.

Right heel position is directly to the right of the handler, with the dog and handler facing forward.

Center position is directly in front of the handler, with dog and handler facing each other.

Behind position is directly behind the handler, with the dog and handler facing the same direction.

Prop: A prop as it is referred to in sign #8 are the objects in which a team will pass through in a slalom pattern. These may be no more than 18” wide and 3’ tall and a minimum of 7” tall.

Prop: In the Non-titling Divisions a prop refers to training tools such as platforms, targets, target sticks, barriers or training gates.

Prop: In the Titling Divisions a prop refers to items the dog and handler may need to perform their Free Choice behaviors for sign #3, such as a cane or other item that the dog or handler interact with.

Sidepass: Refers to the lateral movement of the dog in either direction and on any side or position in relation to the handler.

Trx: Refers to “transition”. A transition is any move that allows the dog and or handler to change position and or direction.

Sign Descriptions

Note that this document is available online at https://www.rallyfree.com/rally-free-signs-2016/. When you download the document, there will be links in the behaviours to youtube videos to see the behaviours.

Novice Signs

Intermediate Signs

Advanced Signs

Dog-and-handler Team Registration

Rally-FrEe is a canine performance sport performed by a team consisting of a dog and a handler. Registration of a dog must include a named handler. The handler is the person who trains and shows the dog. Handlers may not be paid for services.

All dog-and-handler teams must be registered with RFE prior to competing in a Rally-FrEe event. The one time registration fee helps cover the maintenance of online records of the team’s qualifying scores and titles by RFE. A single registration is required to participate in either or both Rally-FrEe and Musical Freestyle events. Only RFE members may register a dog and handler team.

Handlers may join RFE and register their team for competition by clicking on the “members” link on the RFE website home page. At the member’s page, click the “join now” button, fill out the form and submit online.

Member benefits include discounted entry fees, discounts on workshops and seminars hosted by RFE, and RFE retail products. RFE members will also have online access to titling records and exclusive training resources and skill courses. The first year of membership is required when handlers register their first dog. Subsequent yearly membership is optional.

Fees (all in US dollars):

First-year membership and lifetime registration of first dog: $42

Lifetime registration of each additional dog: $22

Optional subsequent yearly membership: $20

Entry fees: Titling classes: $24 for members; $28 for non-members

Non-titling classes: $18 for members, $20 for non-members

Rally Freestyle Elements is owned by Creative Canine, LLC. All correspondence, questions and requests for information or hosting should be directed to Rally Freestyle Elements:

Creative Canine, LLC

Address: 1379 N 9th, Philomath, OR 97370

Phone: 541-929-3915

E mail: info@rallyfree.com

Website: www.RallyFree.com

Skill Development

Rally-FrEe consists of a set of skills that you and your dog will work together to master. Some of these skills you may already be able to do, and some may be new and daunting. Take a moment to look over the list below to determine where you and your dog are at. Put a “*” beside skills that your dog can already do well, a “ǂ” beside skills that your dog knows but stills need practice with, and a “?” beside those skills that your dog does not know yet. You can fill in other behaviours you might like to include as “free choice” behaviours on the blank lines.

Skill

Proficiency

Heeling on your left

Heeling on your right

Stand

Swing finish on your left

Swing finish on your right

Front while standing

Circling around handler

Spin clockwise

Spin counter clockwise

Weave through legs

Left paw lift

Right paw lift

Bow

Pivot left

Pivot right

Side pass left

Side pass right

Back up

Dog behind

Behaviours at a distance

TIP: Remember to get signed off in your Levels book for any behaviours you master during this intensive

Teaching New Behaviours

As Levels students you are aware that there are several ways to teach new behaviours.

Capturing is one of the simplest ways to “teach” a dog a behaviour. To capture a behaviour, consistently reinforce a behaviour your dog already performs and put a name to that behaviour.

Can you think of any behaviours you taught by capturing? _____________________________________

Shaping is the reinforcement of behaviours that get closer and closer to the final behaviour. Shaping requires you to have a clear picture in your mind of the outcome and to think creatively about what steps your dog could take in order to perform that behaviour. Make your dog as successful as possible by rewarding for even small steps in the right direction. For example, if you hope to teach your dog to cross her paws, you can start by clicking and treating for any front paw shifting.

A prompt is a trigger that encourages a dog to perform a behaviour he might not otherwise perform. This is not the same as a cue (which we only use for behaviours your dog knows). We can provide physical or environmental prompts. Let’s say you want to teach your dog to walk backwards. A physical prompt might be to step towards your dog. She will inevitably take a step back and you can click and feed that. Next time you work on your “back-up” behaviour, your dog is walking backwards, but on a curve and you want her to walk straight. You could provide environmental prompts in the form of barricades to create a narrow channel for your dog to walk through.

As your dog becomes successful with a behaviour and offers it correctly and consistently, it’s time to look at fading the prompt. Fading is a process where we reduce the prompt until it’s gone entirely. In the case of the physical prompt, maybe rather than stepping into your dog’s space, you lean slightly forward. Rather than having a 6 foot long channel, you reduce the channel in length.

Using targets is another way to provide a prompt as you increase distance. You have already used the mat as a target to send your dog to mat from a distance and have him lie down. In the same way you taught this behaviour, you can use a small plastic lid as a target to have your dog perform a specific behaviour at. For example, you may want your dog to spin in a circle. You can teach him to spin around the lid, and then gradually increase the distance the lid is from you.

Teaching New Behaviours

Select a new behaviour you want to teach your dog for your “Free Choice”. Select a method to teach the new behaviour and write out your training plan below.

New Behaviour: