Kira Hjort is 27 and works as a registered veterinary nurse at an animal clinic in Western Jutland. Together with her five-year-old Miniature American Shepherd, Nellie, she has found a sport that challenges, develops and strengthens the partnership between dog and handler. They started rally obedience because they wanted to do something fun together – but they quickly became hooked and have since worked purposefully towards competing at a high level. Just nine months after starting training, they took part in their first official competition. Since then, they have entered many trials, competed in DKK Dog of the Year, and now their next major goal awaits: the DKK Danish Championships.
“I love the partnership we have and the way we become one when we step onto a rally course.”
What is rally obedience?
Rally obedience is a dog sport centred on teamwork, in which dog and handler complete a course with 10–20 signs. Each sign shows a specific exercise that must be performed correctly. Handlers are allowed to talk to their dogs and use body language for support, making the sport dynamic, engaging and highly focused on the connection between dog and human.
Everyone starts with 100 points, and the judge deducts points throughout if the exercises are not performed as described. The sport is divided into five classes: beginner, advanced, expert, champion and senior.
| Beginner | Advanced | Expert | Champion | Senior |
How did Kira and Nellie get started?
Kira was first fascinated by the dog handlers she knew who trained in rally obedience. When she later attended a one-day course with Nellie, she became truly keen to pursue the sport – and since then, rally obedience has been a regular part of their everyday life.
Like so many others, they began with the basic skills: sit, down, stand and walking at heel. Kira then started training with a coach who competed at a high level. There she learned to read the signs, understand the rules and become more aware of her own body language – something that plays a major role on the rally course. At the same time, Nellie learned the various exercises and developed strong hindquarter control.
How do they maintain their rally obedience skills – and keep improving?
Progress in rally obedience does not happen by itself. Kira keeps her training on track with several sessions each week and by keeping a training diary. This allows her to monitor their progress, spot patterns and stay focused on the small details that make a difference.
She also discusses things extensively with her best training partner, who knows both her and Nellie very well. Kira also keeps up to date with changes to the regulations and seeks instruction from various trainers. This provides new perspectives on the sport and new areas of focus, strengthening their technique, teamwork and competition preparation.
The best thing about rally obedience
For Kira, the greatest thing about rally obedience is first and foremost the teamwork. She loves the feeling that she and Nellie almost become one when they enter the ring. Taking part in a sport they both enjoy has also strengthened their bond and made everyday life with a dog even richer.
Rally obedience has also helped Kira develop as a person. The sport places great demands on the handler – in terms of body language, concentration and the mental aspect of competing. And then there is the community, which Kira says is something truly special.
3 quick questions with Kira
1. What do you like most about doing rally with your dog?
I love the teamwork we have and the way we “become one” when we enter a rally ring. Taking part in a sport we both enjoy has also brought us closer together. In addition, the sport places a strong focus on the handler – both body language and the mental aspect of competing – so it has also helped me develop on a personal level. The community absolutely deserves a mention too; it is something truly special.
2. What has been your best experience?
My best experience has probably been DKK Dog of the Year. It is a competition you qualify for through specific trials and by earning a high number of points throughout the year. Only 10 participants in each class are selected. It is something truly special to take part in a competition where everyone is so dedicated to the sport. The atmosphere is completely unique – and the experience was even better because my training partner was also selected, so we could share the big day.
3. What keeps you going, so that you continue doing rally and training with your dog?
It is all the small successes along the way that whet your appetite and make you want to continue. The feeling of developing alongside your dog is truly special and can almost become addictive. New goals keep emerging as we improve, giving us the motivation to learn more. It is also fantastic to see how my dog grows, becomes happier and gains confidence.
About Kira Hjort and Nellie
Kira Hjort is 27 years old and works as a qualified veterinary nurse at an animal clinic in Western Jutland. Her dog Nellie is a 5-year-old Miniature American Shepherd. They started rally obedience when Nellie was two years old and quickly became passionate about the sport. Since then, they have embarked on a major learning journey, taken part in many competitions, qualified for DKK Dog of the Year and are now preparing for their first participation in the DKK Danish Championships.
Taking part in dog sports at competition level requires clothing that is both comfortable and hard-wearing – which is why DOGSOME is a regular part of their training life.
