Rally Obedience Signs — All Exercises Explained

Rally obedience signs are the heart of the sport. Each sign describes an exercise that you and your dog perform together as you move through the course. In this guide, we cover how the signs work, what the different exercises involve, and how they differ across classes — from beginner to master.

Whether you have just started training or want to refresh your memory before a competition, this is an article worth bookmarking.

Note: This article is based on Swedish rules. While rally obedience is practiced internationally under FCI standards, specific sign numbering and class requirements may vary by country. The exercises themselves are largely FCI-standardized and will be familiar to rally obedience handlers in many countries.

How Do Rally Obedience Signs Work?

In rally obedience, you and your dog walk a course made up of numbered signs. Each sign uses images and text to indicate which exercise to perform. Signs in at least A4 format are normally placed on the handler's right side, while signs indicating a change of direction are placed in front of the handler's path — since those exercises are performed in front of the sign.

The distance between signs is usually 3–5 metres but can be longer if the exercise requires it. Every course begins with a Start sign and ends with a Finish sign.

Sign Numbering by Class

The signs are numbered by class:

Beginner class: 101–138 (38 signs, of which 33 are unique exercises plus start and finish)
Intermediate class: 201–224 (24 signs)
Advanced class: 301–322 (22 signs)
Master class: 401–423 (22 signs, sign 410 discontinued)

A course does not include all signs — only a selection. The number of exercises on a course varies depending on the class.

Number of Exercises Per Course

| Class | Number of exercises | Leash | |---|---|---| | Beginner | 12–15 | Yes, dog on leash | | Intermediate | 13–17 | No, dog off leash | | Advanced | 15–17 | No, dog off leash | | Master | 15–20 | No, dog off leash |

Scoring and Judging

All teams start with 100 points. The judge makes deductions for errors, and each error results in a 1, 3, 5, or 10 point deduction depending on severity. Additionally, the judge may make up to 10 points of deduction based on the overall impression — where teamwork, enthusiasm, and positive communication between dog and handler are valued.

A team can never score below 0 points. To pass, a minimum of 70 points is required. Three passing results, or one perfect score of 100 points, qualifies the team to advance to the next class.

Common deductions are made for:

The dog not sitting straight at the handler's side
The leash not hanging loosely (in beginner class)
The handler giving extra commands
The dog deviating from heel position
A missed or incorrectly performed exercise

Beginner Class Signs

The beginner class is the only class where the dog is on leash. The leash must hang loosely — it is often described as forming a "happy U" shape. All exercises are performed in left-side heeling, meaning the dog is on your left side.

The beginner class signs (101–138) can be grouped into several main categories:

Stop and Position Exercises

These exercises involve you stopping and asking the dog to assume a position:

101 — Sit: The handler stops, the dog sits at the handler's side. Once the dog is sitting, the team continues forward.
102 — Sit, down: The handler stops, the dog sits and is then asked to lie down. Once the dog is down, the team continues.
Sit, down, sit: The handler stops, the dog sits, lies down, and then sits up again before the team continues.
Sit, stand: The handler stops, the dog sits and is then asked to stand.
Stand: The handler stops and the dog stands at the handler's side.

Turns and Direction Changes

These are dynamic exercises performed while moving:

Turn right: The team turns 90 degrees to the right. The turn can be made as a smooth arc or in place.
Turn left: The team turns 90 degrees to the left.
105 — About turn right: The team turns 180 degrees to the right.
106 — About turn left: The team turns 180 degrees to the left.

270- and 360-Degree Turns

107 — 270 degrees right: The team turns 270 degrees to the right. The turn should be made as a smooth, tight arc or in place.
108 — 270 degrees left: The same turn to the left.
109 — 360 degrees right: The team makes a full circle to the right. The circle should be round, smooth, and tight.
110 — 360 degrees left: The same turn to the left.

Tempo Changes

Slow pace: The team reduces speed and continues until the next sign indicates otherwise.
Fast pace: The team increases speed.
Normal pace: The team returns to normal speed.

Front Sit Exercises

In these exercises, the handler stops and the dog is directed to sit in front of the handler:

Front sit, right entry: The dog is directed around the handler's right side and sits at the handler's left side.
Front sit, left entry: The dog is directed directly to the handler's left side.

Slalom and Spirals

Slalom: The team weaves between cones or markers.
Spiral right and left: The team performs a spiral around three cones in the indicated direction.

Go Around the Dog

Go around the dog, right: The dog sits, the handler walks around the dog clockwise and returns to the dog's side.
Go around the dog, left: The same exercise, counterclockwise.

All these exercises focus on basic responsiveness and teamwork — perfect for those new to the sport.

Intermediate Class Signs

When you advance to intermediate class, the leash comes off and the dog works free. A course must include at least 5 signs specific to the intermediate class (200-series), and it is mandatory to include an obstacle exercise.

The intermediate class has 24 signs (201–224) and builds on the beginner class foundation. Some new types of exercises introduced:

Obstacles

Send over obstacle: The dog is sent over an obstacle while the handler passes alongside.
Jump obstacle together: Dog and handler pass the obstacle together (depending on the specific exercise).

Distance Exercises

Exercises where the dog must perform commands such as sit and down at a distance from the handler.

New Combinations

More complex chains of positions, for example sit-down-stand in sequence without the handler moving.
New turning variations and tempo combinations.

At least 5 of the exercises on a course must be from the intermediate class signs; the remainder may be from the beginner class.

Advanced Class Signs

The advanced class (301–322) raises the bar further. A course must include at least 3 exercises from the intermediate class and at least 5 exercises from the advanced class signs. At least one obstacle exercise is also required.

The major introduction in the advanced class is right-side heeling — exercises performed with the dog on your right side. During the course, side changes occur so that you perform exercises alternating between left-side and right-side heeling.

Typical advanced exercises:

Side changes while moving
Obstacles combined with position changes
Distance work with increased difficulty
More demanding turns and combinations in right-side heeling

Master Class Signs

The master class (401–423, sign 410 discontinued) is the highest level. A course must include at least 3 exercises from the advanced class and at least 5 exercises from the master class signs. The class requires two obstacle exercises.

Here you encounter the most demanding combinations:

Sit, run away, recall at speed (401): The dog is placed in a sit, the handler runs away, and then calls the dog in at speed.
Complex distance exercises
Advanced obstacle and position chains
Exercises requiring high precision in right-side heeling

The course can contain up to 20 exercises, and every small error is clearly noticeable at this level.

Tips for Learning the Signs

Memorizing all the signs can feel overwhelming at first. Here are some strategies:

Start with one class at a time. Focus on the beginner class's 33 exercises before moving on.
Group the signs. Think in categories: stop exercises, turns, tempo changes, front sit exercises, and slalom.
Practice at home. Print out signs or use the Tävlingshund app, which has a built-in sign viewer and course generator — perfect for practicing at home or on your walk.
Walk courses mentally. Look at a course map and go through the exercises in your head before doing it physically.
Train with others. Take a course at your local dog club to get help interpreting the signs in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rally Obedience Signs

Where can I find all the official signs?

The complete Swedish sign and exercise catalogue is available from brukshundklubben.se. You can also use the Tävlingshund app, which displays all signs digitally with descriptions.

How many signs do I need to know as a beginner?

The beginner class has 33 unique exercises (signs 101–138). On a competition course, you will encounter 12–15 of them, but it is a good idea to know them all since you do not know in advance which will be included.

Can you talk to the dog during the course?

Yes, you may give verbal commands and encouragement. What causes deductions is giving excessively many commands for the same exercise or if the communication lacks a sense of teamwork.

What happens if I forget an exercise?

If you skip a sign entirely, you receive a deduction for a missed exercise. However, you are not allowed to go back and redo the exercise. That is why it is important to keep track of the signs during the course.

Which signs are hardest for beginners?

Many handlers find that the front sit exercises and the 360-degree turn are the trickiest at first. Front sits require the dog to go around the handler and position itself correctly, while 360-degree turns demand good responsiveness in a tight circle. With a bit of practice, however, they fall into place quickly.

Rally obedience is a sport where knowing the signs gives you a significant advantage. The better you understand the exercises, the more you can focus on teamwork and joy with your dog out on the course. Good luck with your training!