Moving Side Step Right
Rally exercise #20 is the Moving Side Step Right. Described by the AKC, this exercise is done while heeling. The handler takes one step diagonally to the right and continues moving forward along the newly established line. The dog must maintain heel position. The exercise is performed past the sign.
Although this exercise may see pretty straight forward and not too hard to maneuver, there are some intricacies to training and performing it. As you will remember from previous articles on Rally, footwork is judged in Rally. This exercise requires the handler to take a step to the right, but to keep your feet going forward, so as not to be interpreted as a turn to the judge. See the diagram below;
You will see that at the point where the step is made to the right, the left foot has to come very close to the right foot to maintain the new line. I have found that practicing this footwork without the dog first is very helpful to making it smooth and natural when you have your dog on leash next to you.
You will also want to teach your dog a “cue” word for this exercise to signal it that you are moving right. For me and my dog, that “cue” word is “get in”. I can not stress enough how important these “cue” words are going to be as you continue in Rally exhibition to the Advanced and Excellent class where all the work is done off-leash. I have also found it really helpful to also use my left index finger to point to my left leg as I tell my dog to “get in”. Remember you can use your hands and your voice as tools in Rally competition! You can also dip your shoulder a bit to signal to your dog the right movement. All of these body movements are acceptable and not scored in Rally. I also like to add a “gooood” as my dog moves quickly to maintain that heel position.
Have fun with your dog as you practice these Rally exercises. January is coming soon – let the titling begin! Until next time…..