Rally and Obedience

Rally
Tuesday, October 14

AKC Rally is an obedience sport designed to showcase a dog and handler’s ability to work together as a team. It involves a course with signs that provide instructions for different exercises, such as sits, turns, and heeling patterns. Unlike traditional obedience, handlers can encourage their dogs throughout the course

Basset Hounds compete in AKC Rally at all levels—Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, and Masters. Despite their independent nature, Bassets can excel in Rally with proper training and motivation. Their keen sense of smell and tendency to follow scents can pose a challenge, but their eagerness for treats and praise makes them trainable. Rally is a great way to build a stronger bond with your Basset while reinforcing obedience skills in a fun and interactive way.

Obedience
Tuesday, October 14

AKC Obedience trials test a dog’s ability to perform specific tasks with precision and enthusiasm, showcasing teamwork between handler and dog. While Basset Hounds are known for their independent nature and strong scent-driven instincts, they can excel in obedience with the right training approach—one that is patient, consistent, and reward-based.

Basset Hounds, bred for tracking and hunting, are intelligent but often described as stubborn. Their independent thinking can make traditional obedience training more challenging compared to breeds developed for eager compliance, like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers. However, with motivation—such as food rewards and positive reinforcement—Bassets can achieve success in obedience competitions.

While not a traditional obedience breed, Basset Hounds earn AKC obedience titles with dedicated training. Their performances may bring smiles to judges and spectators, as they often add their own flair to routines!