Rally obedience is a fun dog sport where the handler and dog work together as a team to complete a course of signs.

Each sign gives the team an exercise to perform, such as sitting, turning, changing pace or weaving around cones.

The focus is on teamwork, communication and connection between dog and handler as they work their way around the course together.

For example, a course might ask you to:

Walk at heel between stations.

Sit, down, stand, or stay.

Make 90°, 180°, or 360° turns.

Change speed.

Weave around cones.

Perform more advanced exercises as you progress through the levels.

Rally is generally more relaxed and interactive. You can usually talk to, praise, and encourage your dog while going around the course, which makes it a popular introduction to dog sports.

Dogs can progress through increasingly difficult levels, starting with relatively straightforward exercises.

It's particularly good for building focus, loose-lead/heelwork skills, communication and teamwork between you and your dog - and you don't necessarily need a highly trained dog to start learning the basics.