Rally Signs & Descriptions EFFECTIVE 1 JANUARY 2013
Contents 1 Rally Foundation/Novice Signs (#3 to #31)... 1 2 Rally Advanced Signs (#32 to #45)... 11 3 Rally Excellent Signs (#46 to #50)... 16 4 NZARO Foundation/Novice Signs (#1 to #13)... 18 5 NZARO Advanced Signs (#14 to #22)... 23 6 NZARO Excellent Signs (#23 to #24)... 26 APPENDIX: Specifications for equipment used in NZARO stations... i
1 Rally Foundation/Novice Signs (#3 to #31) HALT SIT While heeling, the handler halts and the dog comes to a sit in heel position. The team then moves forward toward the next exercise sign (station), with the dog in heel position. HALT DOWN DOG While heeling, the handler halts and the dog comes to a sit. The handler then commands the dog to down, followed by the command to heel forward from the down position. RIGHT TURN Performed as a 90 turn to the right, as in traditional obedience. As at 1 December 2013 1
LEFT TURN Performed as a 90 turn to the left, as in traditional obedience. ABOUT TURN RIGHT While heeling, the team makes a 180º about turn to the handler's right. ABOUT "U" TURN While heeling, the team makes a 180º about turn to the handler's left As at 1 December 2013 2
270 RIGHT TURN While heeling, the team makes a 270º turn to the handler's right. 270 turns are performed as a tight circle, but not around the exercise sign. 270 LEFT TURN While heeling, the team makes a 270º turn to the handler's left. 270º turns are performed as a tight circle, but not around the exercise sign. 360 RIGHT TURN While heeling, the team makes a 360º turn to the handler's right. 360º turns are performed as a tight circle, but not around the exercise sign. As at 1 December 2013 3
360 LEFT TURN While heeling, the team makes a 360º turn to the handler's left. 360º turns are performed as a tight circle, but not around the exercise sign. CALL FRONT FINISH RIGHT FORWARD While heeling, the handler stops forward motion and calls the dog to the front position (dog sits in front and faces the handler). The handler may take several steps backward as the dog turns and moves to sit in the front position. The second part of the exercise directs the handler to move forward while commanding the dog to change from the front position to the handler's right, around behind the handler and to heel position, as the handler continues forward. The dog does not sit before moving forward in heel position with the handler. CALL FRONT FINISH LEFT FORWARD While heeling, the handler stops forward motion and calls the dog to the front position (dog sits in front and faces the handler). The handler may take several steps backward as the dog turns and moves to sit in the front position. The second part of the exercise directs the handler to move forward while commanding the dog to change from the front position to the handler's left and moving to heel position, as the handler continues forward. The dog does not sit before moving forward in heel position with the handler. As at 1 December 2013 4
CALL FRONT FINISH RIGHT HALT While heeling, the handler stops forward motion and calls the dog to the front position (dog sits in front and faces the handler). The handler may take several steps backward as the dog turns and moves to sit in the front position. The second part is the finish to the right, where the dog must return to heel position by moving around the right side of the handler. Dog must sit in heel position before moving forward with the handler. CALL FRONT FINISH LEFT HALT While heeling, the handler stops forward motion and calls the dog to the front position (dog sits in front and faces the handler). The handler may take several steps backward as the dog turns and moves to a sit in the front position. The second part is the finish to the left, where the dog must move to the handler's left and sit in heel position. Dog must sit in heel position before moving forward in heel position with the handler. SLOW PACE Dog and handler must slow down noticeably. This must be followed by a normal pace, unless it is the last station in the class. As at 1 December 2013 5
FAST PACE Dog and handler must speed up noticeably. This must be followed by a normal pace, unless it is the last station in the class. NORMAL PACE Dog and handler must move forward, walking briskly and naturally MOVING SIDE STEP RIGHT While heeling, the handler takes one step diagonally to the right and continues moving forward along the newly established line. The dog maintains heel position. The exercise may be performed just past the exercise sign. As at 1 December 2013 6
SPIRAL RIGHT DOG OUTSIDE This exercise requires three pylons or posts placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 2 3 metres. Spiral Right indicates the handler must turn to the right when moving around each pylon or post. This places the dog on the outside of the turns (See 1A and 1B). The exercise sign is placed near or on the first pylon or post where the spiral is started. SPIRAL LEFT DOG INSIDE This exercise requires three pylons or posts placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 2 3 metres. Spiral Left indicates that the handler must turn to the left when moving around each pylon or post. This places the dog on the inside of the turns (See 2). The exercise sign is placed near or on the first pylon or post where the spiral is started. STRAIGHT FIGURE 8 WEAVE TWICE This exercise requires four obstacles (pylons, posts or people) placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 2 3 metres. The exercise sign is placed near or on the first obstacle where the exercise is started. Entry into the weaving pattern is with the first obstacle at the dog/handler's left side. As at 1 December 2013 7
SERPENTINE WEAVE ONCE This exercise requires four obstacles (pylons, posts or people) placed in a straight line with spaces between them of approximately 2 to 3 metres. The exercise sign is placed near or on the first obstacle where the exercise is started. Entry into the weaving pattern is with the first obstacle at the dog/handler's left side. It should be noted that in this exercise, the team does not weave back through the obstacles as they do in the Straight Figure 8. HALT 1, 2, 3 STEPS FORWARD The team halts with the dog sitting in heel position to begin the exercise. The handler takes one step forward, with the dog maintaining heel position, and halts. The dog sits when the handler halts. This is followed by two steps forward - halt, and three steps forward - halt, with the dog heeling each time the handler moves forward, and sitting each time the handler halts. CALL FRONT 1, 2, 3 STEPS BACKWARD While heeling, the handler stops forward motion and calls the dog to the front position (dog sits in front and faces the handler). The handler may take several steps backward as the dog turns and moves to a sit in the front position. With the dog in the front position, the handler takes one step backward and halts. The dog moves with the handler and sits in the front position as the handler halts. This is followed by the handler taking two steps backward and a halt, and three steps backward and a halt. Each time, the dog moves with the handler to the front position and sits as the handler halts. The handler then commands the dog to resume heel position as the team moves forward toward the next station. (Stationery exercise) As at 1 December 2013 8
MOVING DOWN While moving with the dog in heel position, the handler commands the dog to drop to a down position, as the handler pauses next to the dog. Once the dog is completely in the down position, the handler moves forward commanding the dog to heel from the down position. HALT FAST FORWARD FROM SIT With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler commands the dog to heel and immediately moves forward at a fast pace. This must be followed by a normal pace, unless it is the last station in the class. LEFT ABOUT TURN While moving with the dog in heel position, the handler makes an about turn to the left, while at the same time, the dog must move around the handler to the right and to heel position. The dog does not sit before moving forward in heel position with the handler. As at 1 December 2013 9
HALT WALK AROUND DOG With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler commands the dog to stay, then proceeds to walk around the dog to the left, returning to heel position. The handler must pause in heel position before moving forward to the next station. HALT DOWN WALK AROUND DOG With dog sitting in heel position, the handler commands the dog to down and to stay, then proceeds to walk around the dog to the left, returning to heel position. The handler must pause in heel position before moving forward to the next station. The dog heels forward from the down position. As at 1 December 2013 10
2 Rally Advanced Signs (#32 to #45) HALT ABOUT TURN RIGHT FORWARD With the dog sitting in heel position, the team turns 180º to the right and immediately moves forward. HALT ABOUT "U" TURN FORWARD With the dog sitting in heel position, the team turns 180º to the left and immediately moves forward. SEND OVER JUMP HANDLER RUNS BY The sign should be placed on the ground 1m in front and 1m to the side of the jump to mark the distance to the jump for scoring purposes. The handler cues the dog to over, passing by at fast pace, outside the metre distance from the jump marked by the placement of the sign. Upon the dog completing the jump, the handler cues the dog to return to the heel position. As at 1 December 2013 11
HALT TURN RIGHT ONE STEP CALL TO HEEL HALT With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler commands the dog to wait or stay. The handler then turns to the right, while taking one step in that direction, and halts. The dog is called to sit in heel position in the new location before moving forward to the next station. A, X- #35 HALT STAND WALK AROUND DOG With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler will stand the dog, command the dog to stay and walk around the dog to the left, returning to heel position. The handler must pause in heel position before moving forward to the next station. In the Advanced class, the handler may touch the dog, move forward to stand the dog, and may pose the dog as in the show ring. HALT 90 PIVOT RIGHT HALT With the dog sitting in heel position, the team pivots 90º to the right, halts, the dog sits and then moves forward. As at 1 December 2013 12
HALT 90º PIVOT LEFT HALT With the dog sitting in heel position, the team pivots 90º to the left, halts, the dog sits and then moves forward. OFFSET FIGURE 8 This exercise requires two pylons, posts or people placed about 8-10 feet apart, around which the team will perform a complete Figure 8. Two distractions will be arranged to the sides of the Figure 8 about 5-6 feet apart. Entry may be between the pylons, posts or people and the distraction on either side (See 3A and 3B). The distractions will consist of two loosely covered, but secure, containers with tempting dog treats; however, dog toys may replace one or both containers, or may be placed next to the containers. Exercise sign may be placed on or near the cone where entry is made into the Offset Figure 8. HALT SIDE STEP RIGHT HALT With the dog sitting in heel position, the team moves one step directly to the right and halts. The dog moves with the handler and sits in heel position when the handler halts. The exercise may be performed just past the exercise sign. As at 1 December 2013 13
HALT CALL DOG FRONT FINISH RIGHT With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler calls the dog to front, and the dog sits in the front position facing the handler. On command, the dog then moves from the front position around the right of the handler and sits in heel position. Handler may not step forward or backward to aid dog during exercise. HALT CALL DOG FRONT FINISH LEFT With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler calls the dog to front, and the dog sits in the front position facing the handler. On command, the dog then moves from the front position to the handler's left and sits in heel position. Handler may not step forward or backward to aid dog during exercise. HALT 180 PIVOT RIGHT HALT With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler pivots 180º to the right. The dog moves with the handler and sits in heel position. As at 1 December 2013 14
HALT 180 PIVOT LEFT HALT With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler pivots 180º to the left. The dog moves with the handler and sits in heel position. HALT DOWN SIT With dog sitting in heel position, the handler commands the dog to down, then to sit. As at 1 December 2013 15
3 Rally Excellent Signs (#46 to #50) HALT STAND DOWN With dog sitting in heel position, the handler will stand the dog (without physical handling), then commands the dog to down. The handler then commands the dog to heel forward from the down position. HALT STAND SIT With dog sitting in heel position, the handler will stand the dog (without physical handling), then commands the dog to sit. MOVING STAND WALK AROUND DOG While heeling and with no hesitation, the handler will stand the dog, leave and walk around the dog to the left, returning to heel position. The handler must pause in heel position before moving forward to the next station. As at 1 December 2013 16
BACK UP 3 STEPS DOG STAYS IN POSITION While heeling, the handler reverses direction walking backward 3 steps, without first halting, then continues heeling forward. The dog moves backward with the handler and maintains position throughout the exercise without sitting. As at 1 December 2013 17
4 NZARO Foundation/Novice Signs (#1 to #13) FIGURE OF 8 This exercise requires two large cones or similar markers, placed about 8-10 feet apart, around which the team will perform a complete Figure 8. Entry must be between the markers. Exercise sign may be placed on or near the cone where entry is made into the Figure 8. NZARO N, A, X #1 CIRCLE RIGHT DOG OUTSIDE Handler will heel the dog in a medium to large right hand circle denoted by markers. (The dog will be on the outside of the circle when heeling with the dog on the left side of the handler.) NZARO N, A, X #2 CIRCLE LEFT DOG INSIDE Handler will heel the dog in a medium to large left hand circle denoted by markers. (The dog will be on the inside of the circle when heeling with the dog on the left side of the handler.) NZARO N, A, X #3 As at 1 December 2013 18
CIRCLE RIGHT DOG INSIDE Handler will heel the dog in a medium to large right hand circle denoted by markers. (The dog will be on the inside of the circle when heeling with the dog on the right side of the handler.) NZARO N, A, X #4 CIRCLE LEFT DOG OUTSIDE Handler will heel the dog in a medium to large left-hand circle denoted by markers. (The dog will be on the outside of the circle when heeling with the dog on the right side of the handler.) NZARO N, A, X #5 LABYRINTH Handler will enter the Labyrinth with the sign on their right and heel the dog through the obstacle at the normal pace, pausing (with dog standing in heel position) before each turn). NZARO N, A, X #6 As at 1 December 2013 19
5-RUNG LADDER Dog trots through ladder at handler s side, stepping into the gaps between the rungs. Dog must step into each gap otherwise exercise is marked IP. One re-try is permitted on this exercise if the dog steps outside the rungs. NZARO N, A, X #7 PLANK The handler cues the dog to walk along the plank, then moves along beside the dog. Dog must walk to the end of the plank without stepping off otherwise exercise is marked IP. One re-try is permitted on this exercise if the dog steps off the plank. NZARO N, A, X #8 HALT CROSS BEHIND CHANGE SIDES The team halts with the dog sitting in heel position to begin the exercise. The hander walks behind the dog to resume heel position on the opposite side. The handler pauses, then asks the dog to heel forward from the new position. NZARO N, A, X #9 As at 1 December 2013 20
TURN IN CHANGE SIDES The dog and handler simultaneously turn in towards each other and resume heeling with the dog on the opposite side. The handler may cue the dog using voice/hand signal simultaneously. This station will result in a change of direction of travel for the dog and handler. NZARO N, A, X #10 SPIRAL RIGHT DOG INSIDE This sign is used when the dog is heeling on the right side of the handler. Dog and handler spiral right, dog on the inside. NZARO N, A, X #11 SPIRAL LEFT DOG OUTSIDE This sign is used when the dog is heeling on the right side of the handler. Dog and handler spiral left, dog on the outside. NZARO N, A, X #12 As at 1 December 2013 21
MOVING SIDE STEP LEFT While heeling, the handler takes one step diagonally to the left and continues moving forward along the newly established line. The dog maintains heel position. The exercise may be performed just past the exercise sign. This sign is used when the dog is heeling on the right side of the handler. NZARO N, A, X #13 As at 1 December 2013 22
5 NZARO Advanced Signs (#14 to #22) RAISED 360 CLOCKWISE PIVOT CHANGE SIDES Handler faces obstacle and asks dog to put front feet on to it. Dog rotates 360 in a clockwise direction, assuming heel position on the handler s right side on completion of pivot. Handler may continue to the next obstacle once dog is in position (i.e. no halt or pause required). Dog must complete pivot without stepping off or exercise is marked IP. One re-try is permitted. This station will result in a change of sides. NZARO A, X #14 RAISED 360 ANTI-CLOCKWISE PIVOT CHANGE SIDES Handler faces obstacle and asks dog to put front feet on to it. Dog rotates 360 in an anti-clockwise direction, assuming heel position on the handler s left side on completion of pivot. Handler may continue to the next obstacle once dog is in position (i.e. no halt or pause required). Dog must complete pivot without stepping off or exercise is marked IP. One re-try is permitted. This station will result in a change NZARO A, X #15 SIDE BY SIDE LEFT CHANGE SIDES The dog and handler perform simultaneous parallel left about turns and resume heeling with the dog on the opposite of the original side. The handler may cue the dog using voice/hand signal simultaneously. Additional cue deductions as per chart. This station will result in a change of direction of travel for the dog and handler. NZARO A, X #16 As at 1 December 2013 23
SIDE BY SIDE RIGHT CHANGE SIDES The dog and handler perform parallel simultaneous right about turns and resume heeling. The handler may cue the dog using voice/hand signal simultaneously. This station will result in a change of direction of travel for the dog and handler. NZARO A, X #17 TUNNEL The sign should be placed on the ground 2m in front of the tunnel and 1m to the side of the tunnel (this forms an exclusion zone ). The handler cues the dog to go through, passing by outside the metre distance from the tunnel marked by the placement of the sign. Upon the dog exiting the tunnel, the handler cues the dog to return to the heel position. If handler enters the exclusion zone the exercise is marked IP. One re-try is permitted on this station. NZARO A, X #18 WEAVE POLES Handler cues the dog to enter the weave poles. Entry into the weaving pattern is between the first and second poles with the first pole on the dog s left. Handler may cue the dog throughout the weave pattern using voice or hand signals without incurring deductions. For this station to be considered complete, the dog must weave through all the poles without stopping; if a pole is missed the dog must re-try the exercise. One re-try is permitted on this exercise. NZARO A, X #19 As at 1 December 2013 24
TEETER TOTTER The handler cues the dog to walk along the plank, then moves alongside the dog. Upon the dog stepping off the plank, the handler cues the dog to return to the heel position and continue. Dog must get to the end of the teeter-totter without stepping off otherwise exercise is marked IP. One re-try is permitted on this exercise. NZARO A, X #20 SINGLE GO ROUND Handler sends the dog around a cone or similar obstacle (at least 900mm high). This sign will always be married to an appropriate Call Front and Finish sign. One re-try is permitted on this exercise. This station may result in a change of side and/or change of direction. NZARO A, X #21 RIGHT ABOUT TURN While moving forward with the dog on the handler s right, the handler does an about turn to his/her right, while the dog turns to the left, moving around behind the handler and back to the handler s right to continue moving with the handler in the new (opposite) direction. That is, the dog and handler do "opposite" about turns. NZARO A, X #22 As at 1 December 2013 25
6 NZARO Excellent Signs (#23 to #24) TURN AWAY CHANGE SIDES While heeling forward, the dog and handler perform simultaneous about turns in opposite directions and the dog resumes heel position on the opposite side of the handler. The handler may cue the dog using voice/hand signal simultaneously. This station will result in a change of direction of travel. NZARO X #23 DOUBLE GO ROUND Handler sends the dog around in a figure of 8 around two cones or similar obstacles (at least 900 mm high). This sign will always be married to an appropriate Call Front and Finish sign. One re-try is permitted on this exercise. This station may result in a change of side and/or change of direction. NZARO X #24 As at 1 December 2013 26
APPENDIX: Specifications for equipment used in NZARO stations NZARO #6 Labyrinth Comprises 13 agility jump poles (regulation length) placed as illustrated in sign #6 (on page 19), leaving a 10 mm gap between each pole. NZARO #7 5-Rung Ladder Ladder may be constructed from any material although plastic pipe joined together with plumbing fittings results in a nice light ladder which is suitably strong and weatherproof. Total length should be 1.5 m, comprising 5 rungs spaced 33 cm apart. The sides of the ladder are also 33 cm apart. Supporting legs should be 8 cm high on one side of the ladder for mini/micro type dogs and 13 cm high on the other for midi/maxi type dogs (i.e. ladder can be flipped over easily to change height). The measurements should be as close as practicable to those stated here but not necessarily exactly the same. NZARO #8 Plank Approximately 1.2 m long and 300 mm wide (equivalent to the up-ramp of an agility dog-walk). Surface should be non-slip. NZARO #14 Raised pivot Must be at least 10 cm high and 30 cm x 30 cm for midi/maxi type dogs, at least half that for micro/mini type dogs. NZARO #17 Tunnel Open tunnel approximately 2 m in length. If more than 2 m in length tunnel must be placed in a curve so that the entry and exit are 2 m apart. Diameter must be at least 600 mm. NZARO #18 Weave poles
This station comprises 6 agility weave poles placed at 600 mm intervals. NZARO #19 Teeter-Totter The teeter-totter comprises the plank as described for station #8 (Plank) which should be securely fastened atop a cylindrical pole or similar not more than 10 cm diameter, so that the plank tips as the dog walks upon it. NZARO #20 Single Go Round A tall traffic cone or similar (at least 900 mm high) should be used for this obstacle. NZARO #21 Double Go-Round Comprises two obstacles (as described above) placed 4 5 m apart.