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The Thinking K9 The Thinking K9

Communication in Motion

Rally Courses

Enrollment

Prerequisites:
Program Structure:
  • 6 Dogs Max
  • Classes are 1hour to 1hour 15min
  • 1–4 courses per class
  • OFF-LEASH opportunity
  • 1:1 individualized coaching
View Schedule & Enroll
Communication in motion

What is Rally Class?

Rally Courses develops dogs that can stay engaged, responsive, and connected while in motion and under distraction.

Most obedience training is built in controlled environments using isolated, structured drills. Real life is not controlled. Rally Courses bridges that gap through real-time movement work that builds communication, clarity, and responsiveness while the environment is changing.

Dogs learn to stay engaged, recover quickly from distraction, and respond clearly in real-time decision making. Handlers develop timing, clarity, and confidence while actively working their dog through dynamic and unpredictable movement sequences.

During class, handlers and dogs work through sequences of 10–20 stations that require dogs to focus and be highly responsive through toy, food, and motion distractions.

Courses are built with progressive difficulty, starting with foundational skills such as heeling, position changes (sit/down/stand), stays, directional changes, and fronts. As teams advance, sequences become more complex and layered, reinforcing precision under motion and sustained engagement.

Goals

Who This Class Is For

Enrollment requires completion of Behavioral Reliability (B3).

ALL SKILL LEVELS— you do not need to know the signs before entry. Course patterns are introduced and taught step-by-step as teams work through exercises.

Many stations include two levels of difficulty, allowing handlers to challenge their individual skill level.

This class is designed for teams who want to:

build focus in motion
increase responsiveness under distraction
increase clarity of communication
progress to more advanced handling work
train in a structured and supportive environment
rally-weave
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Join us!
Rally Courses bridges that gap through real-time work that builds communication, clarity, and responsiveness during distraction.
CORE MECHANICS

SKILLS YOU’LL DEVELOP

Rally Courses builds functional skills that carry directly into real-world handling:

Sustained mental engagement in dynamic environments and in motion
Reliable recall (come when called) under increasing levels of difficulty
Long-distance stays with motion, toy, and food distractions
Distance work, including send-a-ways and multiple cues away from their handler
Improved responsiveness to handler body language and motion cues
Clean, precise, and enthusiastic execution of cues
OFF-LEASH work (at instructor’s discretion)
Arousal regulation
And fun, such as spins, JUMPS, and directional changes
Advanced Obedience * Community * Fun

Class Structure

Classes are 1 hour, with occasional extensions (up to ~15 minutes) to ensure all teams are worked appropriately.

Class size is limited to 6 dogs maximum to allow for meaningful working time and individualized coaching that you deserve!

Each team will run 1–2 courses per class, depending on difficulty and setup. 1–2 teams will rotate through the courses at a time, while others prepare for their run.

Depending on skill level and class goals, the ring will be configured in two formats:

Single Course (Full Ring)
One large working course
More sustained focus for longer periods at a time
Ideal for developing OFF LEASH control (when appropriate)
Typically allows 2 full course runs per dog
Dual Courses (Split Ring)
Two courses setup in the ring
Two teams rotate through each course simultaneously
Increased environmental distraction
More total course repetitions per class
Shorter individual runs with more course opportunities
Video

Rally Course

Barbara, owner of The Thinking K9, and her service dog, Batman.

A common question we get is, “Do you have food in your hand?” Nope— Fast-forward to 40, 1:18, & 1:42 time stamps to see.

Client

Testimonials

I cannot say enough about the experience my pup Myka and I have had here. It’s like trying to describe the Grand Canyon…. You have to experience it to appreciate it.
Lisa & Terry
I appreciate the consistency and positive reinforcement approach to training. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and they make learning fun! … I was immediately put at ease. My confidence grew right along with my puppy’s.
Angela Sievers
Barbara provides an environment where it is safe for you and your puppy to make mistakes (it will happen)!! Barbara provides an excellent opportunity for both you and your puppy to learn and grow together as a team.
Savannah Shortess
This school was highly recommended by our Vet, and we are so glad we listened to them! Our Golden Retriever just graduated Puppy and she is absolutely thriving.
Jennifer Carew
I am nowhere near as frustrated as I have been with past puppies. I have learned a new, better way to train with a puppy. This “Old-Dog” is still learning!
Lisa M. Zahn
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