Rally is a fun and inclusive dog sport that emphasizes teamwork, communication, and fun between dogs and their handlers. It is open to all dogs—purebred or mixed-breed, pets or titled champions.
Founded in 2002 by Bev Hurst, Roslyn Brown, and Wanda Purton, the Canadian Association of Rally Obedience (CARO) introduced the sport in Canada. Rally focuses on building positive relationships between dogs and handlers through trust and respect, and emphasizes fun, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude rather than strict precision.
In CARO Rally, handlers and dogs navigate a numbered course using directional signs, performing a variety of obedience movements such as heeling, sits, turns, and pace changes, all while maintaining a brisk pace and positive demeanour. Attitude is more important in Rally than precision. Each trial presents a different variety of courses, making it an exciting and mentally stimulating challenge.
CARO Working was added in 2012 as a separate division. It allows dogs and handlers to execute exercises from a variety of dog sports, including obedience, scent detection, agility and more, in a fun and unique format. Working exercises demonstrate the incredible versatility of dogs, relying on a range of natural canine instincts, precise training and partnership between dog and handler.
CARO’s mission is to make Rally accessible to everyone, including dogs and handlers with challenges related to age or disability, and to maintain good sportsmanship both in and out of the ring.
Purpose
CARO strives to be an inclusive and welcoming organization that:
- Encourages the participation of all dogs and handlers.
- Maintains a registry of dogs eligible for competition.
- Maintain a registry of trial results and titles awarded.
- Welcomes physically challenged dogs and handlers.
- Fosters fair play in and out of the ring.
- Qualifies and certifies Judges.