2024 Top Rally Dogs

Full Results PDF

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our Top Dogs.  If there are any corrections or missing titles, please review your records against the CKC’s published results and send the trial information in question to [email protected].

Congratulations to our Top Dogs in the 2024 Rally Obedience category! We’re proud to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these incredible dogs and handlers.
 
Rally Obedience is a more relaxed and interactive version of traditional Obedience. In this event, dogs and handlers navigate a course of Obedience stations, each with specific tasks, and work together to complete the course while maintaining a joyful, cooperative bond.


 

#1 –  RGCH Bigbay Songs Of Brigadoon RMX13 RAE13 CDX

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Call Name: Molly Portuguese Water Dog Date of Birth: May 27, 2018 Breeder(s): Lorraine Wilson Owner(s): Ann Staddon Handler(s): Ann Staddon   Molly, the Portuguese Water Dog, had a remarkable 2024, earning her spot as a CKC Top Dog in Rally Obedience. The pinnacle of her year came at the final trial at the Cavalier King Spaniel Club in Acton, where Molly and her handler, Ann Staddon, were overcome with emotion upon realizing they had achieved the #1 ranking. Surrounded by supportive friends and competitors, this moment reflected the deep trust and teamwork that defined their journey. Molly’s intelligence, energy, and eagerness to please played a major role in her success. With a strong bond to her handler, Molly quickly learned and adapted in the ring. To keep training exciting during long trial days, they introduced a “WOOHOO” celebration, which kept Molly engaged and motivated. These efforts led to impressive titles, including Rally Grand Champion (RGCH), Rally Master Excellent (RMX), and Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE), along with her Open (CDX) and Water Dog Excellent (WWDX) titles. Molly’s success was supported by her late breeder Lorraine Wilson, Goldunn Training Centre, and the rally community. Reflecting on their journey, Ann shares: "I have to recognize and thank my husband, Bill, who was my anchor throughout our journey with his advice of ‘one sign at a time’ and ‘look ahead not backward.’ I remind myself that I bring the best dog to the trial, and I leave with the best dog! Molly is my best. WOOHOO!"

#2 – RGCH Hollowshot Milo Minderbender RMX14 RAE18 CD

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Call Name: Milo Border Collie Date of Birth: April 30, 2017 Breeder(s): Maxine Netherway Owner(s): Jane Uloth Handler(s): Jane Uloth   The Canadian Kennel Club is pleased to recognise Milo, a dedicated and driven Border Collie, as one of the Top 10 Rally Obedience dogs of 2024. Milo’s journey through the sport has been a remarkable testament to teamwork, perseverance, and passion. His handler, Jane Uloth, reflects on the year with immense gratitude – not only for the achievements but for the friendships made along the way. The unwavering support from clubs, volunteers, and fellow competitors played a crucial role in their success, making every trial a rewarding experience. Rally Obedience has always been Milo’s sport of choice, and his enthusiasm for the work is undeniable. Jane, an experienced dog trainer, shares a unique bond with Milo – one built on mutual respect and trust. While Milo’s intensity and focus make him a natural in the ring, learning to manage his energy was a challenge. With patience, training, and invaluable guidance from friends like Carol, Jane helped Milo refine his trial performance, proving that teamwork is the key to success in the sport. Beyond the ribbons and titles, Jane and Milo are part of a supportive community that shares a love for training and competing with their dogs. Jane encourages newcomers to embrace the journey, seek advice from experienced competitors, and, most importantly, find joy in working alongside their canine partners. As Milo’s incredible year comes to a close, his story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve excellence in Rally Obedience while strengthening the bond with their dogs.

#3 – RGCH Asklar’s Surprise Choice RMX11 RAE13 ATD PCD

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Call Name: Hank Labrador Retriever Date of Birth: November 3, 2014 Breeder(s): Laurie Warvill Owner(s): Andrea Turnbull Handler(s): Andrea Turnbull   The Canadian Kennel Club is proud to celebrate Hank, a Labrador Retriever, and his handler, Andrea Turnbull, for their outstanding achievements in Rally Obedience in 2024. Hank and Andrea’s journey began with basic obedience training, and through hard work and dedication, they earned spots on the CKC Top Dog list. Hank’s eagerness to please and Andrea’s determination led to their completion of Rally Grand Champion, Rally Champion titles, and numerous other accolades, including RMX11, RAE14, and Trick Dog titles. What truly sets Hank apart is the positive energy he brought to every competition. Hank’s infectious joy, wagging tail, and playful antics, such as occasional cheeky face licks, made them a fan favourite among fellow competitors. Support and encouragement from the Rally community have been a driving force for Hank and Andrea, with many praising their fun-loving spirit. Their success was not just about titles but also about the friendships and experiences they built along the way. Hank’s achievements reflect the strength of his bond with Andrea, built on trust, perseverance, and joy. Despite the challenges of trialing, they remained focused on having fun and supporting others, earning respect and admiration within the CKC community. Andrea reflects on her journey: "Our home club, Muskoka District Kennel Club, sparked our interest. Our mentor, Rose Apollonio, provided us with the tools. Hank's immeasurable willingness gave us countless magical moments, and my husband Matt's unwavering support allowed us to have a year we will forever cherish. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made it unforgettable!"

#4 – RGCH GMOTCH Riveron’s Spartacus RMX6 RAE3 WC MH CGN

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Call Name: Sparks Labrador Retriever Date of Birth: November 14, 2017 Breeder(s): Danny Lemay Owner(s): Heather Watt Handler(s): Heather Watt   Sparks stepped into the Rally ring for the first time at the end of 2023, and just over a year later, he secured a spot in the CKC Top 10. One of our proudest moments was earning his Rally Grand Champion (RGCh) title – a goal I hadn’t been able to achieve with my previous dog. It was a quiet moment at a small trial with no title ribbons, but it marked a significant milestone. With that title in hand, the rest of the year became about competing for the fun of it. Labradors are known for their willingness to work, but Sparks needs more than that – he thrives on engagement and encouragement. Rally turned out to be a great fit, allowing me to give him the support he craves. My biggest challenge was making sure I stayed relaxed and gave him the attention he needed, especially while navigating the more technical Master-level courses. Along the way, I had the chance to build friendships with fellow competitors, which made every event even more rewarding. Making CKC’s Top 10 in Rally Obedience wasn’t the plan when we started, but Sparks had his own ideas. This year reinforced that success isn’t just about training – it’s about understanding what your dog needs to perform at their best and making sure you both have fun in the process.

#5 – RGCH Lucia RMX4 RAE4 PCD CGN AS

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Call Name: Lucia Mixed Breed Date of Birth: February 21, 2018 Breeder(s): Unknown Owner(s): Angela Froese Handler(s): Angela Froese   In 2024, Lucia, a Mixed Breed, secured a place as a CKC Top Dog in Rally Obedience. A highlight of her journey came in September at the Calgary Kennel & Obedience Club show in Olds, AB, where she earned her Rally Grand Champion title in her first six-trial event. It was also their debut in the Rally Brace class, where Lucia and Nassau worked perfectly together, marking an exciting milestone in their journey. Lucia is a versatile and affectionate dog, excelling in activities like Dock Diving, Agility, UpDog/Frisbee, and Scent Detection. Her intelligence and eagerness to learn make her an exceptional partner in the ring. Throughout her career, Lucia has earned 45 titles, and her ability to adapt and connect with her handler is key to her success in rally obedience. Earning a Top Dog spot was a significant achievement for Lucia and her handler, Angela Froese, who set a goal in May to break into the top 10. Starting from Rally Novice in 2023, Lucia advanced to Rally Champion by May 2024, with no NQs along the way. With the support of the Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club, and mentors Brenda and Gail, Lucia’s accomplishments are a testament to their dedication and teamwork.

#6 – RGCH Nassau VS RAE12 RMX10 VB CGN TDGCH ETD-M CDI DM AS

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Call Name: Nassau Mixed Breed Date of Birth: April 11, 2016 Breeder(s): Unknown Owner(s): Angela Froese Handler(s): Angela Froese   In 2024, Nassau the Mixed Breed, earned a spot as a CKC Top Dog in Rally Obedience, with a standout moment during a warm-up session. Just before entering the ring, Nassau performed an unexpected "play dead" trick, leaving his handler, Angela Froese, uncertain of how the run would unfold. However, Nassau quickly regained focus and completed a flawless performance, demonstrating his playful yet reliable nature. This moment reflects Nassau’s intelligent, enthusiastic, and fun-loving personality, making him a standout in the Rally Obedience ring. Nassau and Angela, a proud member of the Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club, share a bond built on love and trust. With nearly seven years of collaboration, Nassau has earned 77 titles, including the prestigious RGCH TDGCH and TDCH-M. His love for food, swimming, and frisbee, combined with his sharp mind, make him a dynamic and dedicated performer. Together, they embody the essence of teamwork, and their journey continues to inspire others. Despite a challenging shoulder injury this year, Nassau’s resilience shines through. After rehabilitation, including massage and acupuncture, he has made a full recovery, ready to continue competing. For those just starting their dog show journey, Angela offers valuable advice: “Be kind to yourself and your dog. It’s all a learning experience.” This partnership exemplifies the dedication and passion needed to succeed in the world of dog sports.

#7 – CH RCH Incognito Star Snow Winner RAE RMX2 AGXJS AGXS JTXS XPS VB CD RATO

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Call Name: Maya Australian Shepherd Date of Birth: October 8, 2020 Breeder(s): Kateryna Kolomiiets and Vitalii Ivashuk Owner(s): Dr. Monique Dube Handler(s): Dr. Monique Dube   In 2024, Maya, an Australian Shepherd from Odessa, Ukraine, achieved remarkable success, earning a spot as a CKC Top Dog in Rally Obedience. Her handler, Dr. Monique Dube, dedicated to fostering well-rounded and versatile dogs, was initially focused on their training, not standings. Maya's surprising rise from Novice to Champion in just one year was a rewarding achievement that highlighted the bond between dog and handler. Maya's intelligence, biddability, and her connection with Dr. Dube have been key to her success. As a conformation champion and Top Dog in Rally Obedience, she embodies the Australian Shepherd’s work ethic and independent thinking. Their partnership goes beyond performance; it’s a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, enabling them to achieve exceptional results together. Despite narrowly missing the Rally Grand Champion title three times in 2024 by just one point, Maya’s journey continues to inspire Dr. Dube. Her accomplishments – RCh Ch Incognito Star Snow Winner RMX2 RAE AgXS AgXJS AgXPS JTXS CD RATO RI VB SPCh – are a testament to the hard work and support from the rally obedience community. The Canadian Kennel Club is proud to recognize Maya as one of 2024's top Rally Obedience dogs.

#8 –  RCH Terrawyn’s Rascal N Roses RMX2 RAE2 CDX CGN

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Call Name: Razz Miniature Schnauzer Date of Birth: August 7, 2020 Breeder(s): Shirley Sarvas Owner(s): Shirley Sarvas Handler(s): Shirley Sarvas   Razz, the Miniature Schnauzer, had an outstanding 2024, earning her place as a CKC Top Dog in Rally Obedience. Raised from a puppy by her owner, Shirley Sarvas, Razz shares a special bond with her mother and grandmother, making her accomplishments even more meaningful. Initially working towards her Utility obedience title, Razz quickly rose to the top 10 in rally competitions. Shirley’s focus on building a strong, fun partnership with Razz has been key to their success. A highlight of Razz's year came at the NACA trial in Edmonton, where she won three High Combined Rally ribbons across three trials. Her sweet nature and enthusiasm for the sport earned her many compliments, and her victories are a testament to her talent and dedication. The strong bond between Razz and Shirley has been crucial to their success and enjoyment of the sport. In 2025, Razz will continue working toward her Utility title while staying active in rally competitions. With the support of Saskatoon’s local dog clubs, Razz is set for even more success. As a CKC Top Dog in Rally Obedience, Razz exemplifies the joy and dedication that make her a true champion.

#9 – RCH Gowans Abominable Snow Rabbit RMX2 RAE3 CD

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Call Name: George Golden Retriever Date of Birth: July 2, 2021 Breeder(s): Barbara and Alison Gowan Owner(s): Brigitte Hayes Handler(s): Brigitte Hayes   In 2024, George the Golden Retriever earned a place among the CKC Top Dogs in Rally Obedience, with his most memorable moment being the Champion title he earned in late November. This achievement marked the culmination of a journey that began in 2022, when George, a nervous dog, first entered rally training. Through consistent work and support, George’s confidence grew, and by January 2023, George and his handler, Brigitte Hayes, entered their first trial, setting them on the path to success. George’s cheerful Golden Retriever temperament played a key role in his performance. His enthusiasm and joy in the ring made them a standout team, with judges and stewards often commenting on their "happy team" dynamic. Brigitte and George’s hard work paid off with titles such as Rally Excellent, Rally Masters, RAE x 3, RMX, and Rally Champion in 2024. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, particularly when George struggled with learning to "back up." His lack of toy or treat motivation made this skill difficult, but after months of training and helpful advice from the CKC community, George finally mastered it. Their success is a testament to their dedication and the support from their training community at Elite Dog Training, making their qualification as a 2024 CKC Top Dog a proud milestone.

#10 – RCH Sidekick's Epic Rebel With Paws CDI RAE2 RMX SDO CGN DSA AS VB

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Call Name: Rebel D Miniature American Shepherd Date of Birth: June 11, 2021 Breeder(s): Ellen Robarts and Karen Douglas (Sidekick Kennel) Owner(s): Dr. Anthony Fielding, Ellen Robarts and Karen Douglas Handler(s): Dr. Anthony Fielding   In 2024, Rebel D, the Miniature American Shepherd, achieved remarkable success in Rally Obedience, earning multiple titles, including Excellent, RAE, RAE2, Master, RMX, and Rally Champion. Rebel D’s versatility was also showcased in obedience, scent work, dock diving, and more, reflecting his dedication and strong bond with his handler, Dr. Anthony Fielding. This partnership culminated in Rebel becoming a Canadian Kennel Club Top Dog in Rally Obedience, a testament to their hard work and teamwork. A memorable moment for Rebel D and Dr. Fielding came when a missed sign prevented them from qualifying in a run. Despite this, their quick, engaged performance showed how Rally Obedience fosters both enjoyment and learning. Rebel D’s enthusiastic, hardworking nature, characteristic of the Miniature American Shepherd breed, was key to their success across various dog sports. Rebel D’s journey was supported by instructor Jane McNee and a community of fellow exhibitors, underscoring the importance of camaraderie and preparation. For Rebel D and Dr. Fielding, making Top Dogs is more than a title – it reflects the deep bond they’ve built through their shared passion for dog sports.