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.
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 demeanor. 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’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.
