I know this is going to sound silly but I hope that when the AKC does judge
selection they require a judge *know* rally.

A well known, well liked obedience judge was doing Rally at a trial I went
to yesterday and OMG--just made stuff up. For example, she said if your dog
sits at the finish on the call front/finish right/*forward* don't worry
about it, I only deduct 3 points; saying something to the effect that it's
an opposite no-sit and in obedience a no-sit is 3 points!?!?!?

My friend and I just stood there shaking our heads.

She insisted that dogs be sitting at the start line. My friend who wanted to
start from a stand said, dogs don't need to be sitting at start but the
judge made her put her dog into a sit.

She only took 10 points (instead of 30) for missing a station.

Two of the placing dogs went straight into a down on the Halt/down/walk
around. I thought it looked like she wasn't deducting for that but didn't
think it right to question her about it and the Q and A session was way
over. Whiny note: my 98 might have placed if those two dogs were penalized
for it. I don't really care much, but this club awards the most beautiful
rosettes for Rally and holds the best indoor winter show. I plan on getting
my first legs there next year.

Other than that it was a great trial. The courses were very, very good. Very
straight forward and easy to navigate. The rally ring was BIG with lots of
exhibitor and observer space. The volunteers couldn't have been nicer.

--
Kristen and
Kali CDX, CGC, TDIA, TT
www.kristenandkali.com