Free Printable AKC Rally Signs Guide – Looking for free printable AKC Rally signs to practice at home or set up training courses? AKC Rally is a popular dog sport in the United States where handlers and dogs navigate a course of numbered signs that give instructions for turns, sits, downs, pace changes, and more advanced skills. Printing official-style signs helps you learn the exercises, build teamwork, and prepare for trials without buying expensive laminated sets right away.
This resource page explains what the signs are, where to download legitimate free versions, and how to use them effectively for Novice through Master levels.
What Are AKC Rally Signs?
AKC Rally signs are standardized 8.5 x 11-inch (or up to 11 x 17-inch) cards that display the name and number of each exercise. They use specific wording and symbols required by the American Kennel Club. Signs appear in sequence on a course, and the dog-handler team performs the skill shown while moving at a brisk pace. The dog works on the handler’s left side.
Classes range from Novice (on-leash, basic skills) to Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, Master, and Choice. Many signs can be used across multiple levels. Some (marked with an asterisk in the regulations) may appear more than once on a course.
Official sign sizes, placement rules (usually to the handler’s right, except for direction-change signs), and descriptions appear in the current AKC Rally Regulations.
Where to Download Free Printable AKC Rally Signs?
The most reliable free sources come from or link directly to AKC materials or long-established Rally resources. Always verify the version against current regulations, as minor updates occur.
Official AKC Rally Signs PDF
Download the complete printable set of AKC Rally signs here:
AKC Rally Signs Set (PDF).
Print on card stock or regular paper and laminate for durability if desired. This set covers the core signs used in competition.
Free Level-Specific Downloads and Resources
K9 Rally (run by an experienced AKC Rally judge) offers free downloads of Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Master sign sets plus numbers and setup help. Visit their free downloads page:
K9 Rally Free Downloads.
The page also links to the official AKC sign set and current descriptions.
Sign Descriptions and Regulations
For detailed performance instructions (principal parts are boldfaced and underlined), download the latest mini signs with descriptions:
AKC Rally Signs and Descriptions (updated).
Full regulations and class information are available on the official AKC Rally page:
AKC Rally Official Page.
These four sources stay under the limit and prioritize authoritative, free material. Avoid random third-party sites that may use outdated or non-compliant designs.
Free Printable AKC Rally Signs Guide
How to Use Free Printable AKC Rally Signs?
- Print the full set or the specific levels you need (start with Novice signs for beginners).
- Cut them out and mount on cardboard, place in clear plastic sleeves, or laminate.
- Number the stations 1–20 (or higher for longer courses) with 3-inch numbers.
- Set up a practice course in your yard, driveway, or training room using cones or pylons for spiral, figure-8, and serpentine exercises.
- Walk the course first without your dog to memorize the sequence, then practice with the dog.
- Use AKC’s free video demos (search “AKC Obedience & Rally” on YouTube) to confirm correct performance of each sign.
Signs must meet minimum size requirements for actual trials. Home-printed versions are excellent for practice and virtual Rally entries but check current rules before competing.
Tips for Effective Practice
- Focus on one or two difficult signs at a time (common challenges include 270° turns, call fronts, and pivots).
- Practice footwork alone before adding the dog.
- Keep sessions short and positive.
- Combine signs into short sequences that match the number used in your target class (10–15 for Novice, more for higher levels).
- Review the principal parts of each exercise so you know exactly what is scored.
Many handlers also print mini versions for flash-card study or apps that display the signs.
Brief FAQ
Are free printable signs legal for AKC trials?
Home-printed signs that match the official wording, symbols, and size can be used for practice and some virtual programs. Licensed trials require signs that meet the current regulations; many clubs supply them.
How often do the signs change?
AKC updates descriptions and occasional signs periodically. Always cross-check the latest regulations and the descriptions PDF linked above.
Can mixed-breed dogs use these signs?
Yes. AKC Rally is open to purebreds and mixed breeds enrolled in AKC Canine Partners or similar programs.
Where can I see the signs performed?
Watch the free official videos on the AKC Obedience & Rally YouTube channel for every level.
Free printable AKC Rally signs make it easy and affordable for USA dog owners to start or improve their Rally training. Download the official set, print what you need, set up a simple course, and enjoy building a stronger partnership with your dog. Check the AKC Rally page regularly for regulation updates and event listings near you.