Rally obedience

If your dog already walks nicely and knows sit and down, rally is the gentlest way into competing. You move through a course of numbered signs, each asking for an exercise such as a turn, a halt or a spiral, and unlike formal obedience you can talk to, praise and encourage your dog the whole way round. Novice runs are on lead with 10 to 15 signs. Many obedience clubs run rally classes, often around the price of a basic manners course, and calm, people-focused dogs of any age tend to shine.