Continuing the Conversation: Rally’s New High Jump Rule

When I wrote my original post about the AKC’s new displaceable panel high jump rule, my goal was to spark thoughtful, constructive conversations about its implications. The comment from Alyson Deines, a friend and one of the most talented trainers and handlers I know, epitomizes the type of dialogue I was hoping for!

Let’s be honest — there are some topics where the comments section is the main event, where people read them just for entertainment, thinking, “I’m just here for the comments.” And then there are topics where the comments might go unnoticed entirely. Aly’s response appeared in the comments section, but it’s far from ordinary and deserves attention so I wrote this second part. Her insights tackled two of my primary concerns — the potential for panel displacement affecting scoring and the noise and stress associated with falling panels — while also encouraging us all to think more deeply about the intent behind this rule and how we can implement it effectively. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful contribution that moves conversations — and the sport — forward.

For added context, what sets Aly apart isn’t just her incredible skill as a trainer and handler — it’s how she approaches everything with a sharp analytical mind and a genuine love for dogs, training and sports. Her brilliance (in general), and her background in math (PhD, by the way) gives her a unique way of looking at challenges, breaking them down in ways that are both thoughtful and incredibly practical. Her response doesn't just reflect her expertise in dog sports; it shows the kind of care and insight that makes her perspective so valuable.

Why Dialogue Like This Matters

One of the things I love most about dog sports is how they bring people together, not just to compete but to collaborate. Aly’s response is a perfect example of this. And for those wondering — no, this wasn’t some conjured-up collaboration between two friends to spark conversation. In fact, I often send Aly drafts of my pieces to get her take, but this time, I didn’t.

If I had, her thoughtful and insightful response is exactly the kind of feedback I would have received privately — and it would have influenced my original article. Instead, her public response added depth to the conversation in a way I hadn’t anticipated, and I couldn’t be more grateful. It exemplifies the kind of constructive dialogue we need more of — not just in dog sports but in life.

Preserving Scoring Integrity

One of my main concerns about the new rule was how it could unintentionally penalize handlers more harshly. Under the current system, a dog ticking a jump results in a minor deduction, but with displaceable panels, even light contact might cause displacement and lead to a 10-point penalty. This seemed unfair in a sport designed to be forgiving and accessible.

Aly addressed this directly by pointing out that not all displaceable jumps are created equal. Some are constructed to allow ticking without displacement, preserving the integrity of Rally’s scoring system. These types of jumps balance safety with fairness, aligning with the sport’s spirit while meeting the intent of the rule. Her insight is a reminder that the right equipment can solve many of the concerns I raised in my original post.

Mitigating Noise and Stress

Aly also brought up the importance of using materials that reduce noise, like considering foam panels, which could minimize the stress caused by loud crashes on hard surfaces. Her suggestion to explore quieter options demonstrates a practical, solution-oriented approach that prioritizes the dog-handler experience.

This ties back to my original point about considering more than just the rule’s specifications. It’s not enough to meet the standard; we need to think about how equipment interacts with the trial environment. Quiet, well-designed jumps can ensure Rally remains a confidence-building sport, even for sound-sensitive dogs.

Easing the Financial Burden

Another significant concern I raised was the financial impact of the new rule on trial-hosting clubs. For smaller clubs operating on tight budgets, the expense of purchasing new equipment could be a major hurdle.

Aly’s suggestion of collaboration — such as borrowing from agility clubs that already have displaceable jumps — offers a practical solution. This kind of resource-sharing could help clubs meet the requirements without breaking the bank. Her perspective reminds us that creativity and cooperation can go a long way in overcoming challenges.

Looking Beyond the Rule

The heart of Aly’s response — and the takeaway I hope everyone considers — is the importance of looking beyond the specifications of the rule to its intent: the safety and well-being of dogs and handlers. Simply meeting the requirements shouldn’t be where the conversation ends; it should be where it begins.

This means asking thoughtful questions like:

• Does the equipment truly enhance safety without introducing new challenges?

• How does the trial environment — surfaces, materials, and design — affect the dog-handler experience?

• Are there innovative solutions, like foam panels or quieter materials, that clubs can explore?

As Aly pointed out, the goal isn’t just compliance — it’s ensuring the rule’s intent is fulfilled in practice. These questions aren’t just theoretical — they’re an invitation to the community to think critically and share solutions.

A Call to Action

Aly’s response should serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we engage in thoughtful discussions. This is exactly the kind of collaboration we need to ensure our sport continues to grow safely and inclusively.

Let’s keep the conversation going — at trials, at club meetings, with jump/equipment builders and sellers, and in online communities. Share your insights, advocate for solutions that balance safety and fairness, and be wary of quick fixes that meet specs without considering the bigger picture.

If you’ve come across jumps that meet these objectives — or ones that fall short — please share your experiences. Recommendations, feedback, and even cautionary tales can help clubs and handlers make informed decisions that truly prioritize the safety and well-being of dogs and handlers alike.

Final Thoughts

Again, I’m grateful to Aly for her response and for pushing me to think more deeply about the challenges and opportunities this new rule presents. It’s through conversations like these that we can collectively ensure Rally remains a sport that celebrates teamwork, joy, and the incredible bond between dogs and their handlers.

Thanks Aly!