Rally

Thanks guys. Are there any major differences between APDT and AKC? Which is better?

Personally I like APDT better because the courses are longer and more interesting. I do think AKC is easier. In APDT you *cannot* double command or you'll lose 3 points. In AKC rally you do not lose points for repeated commands.

I think the hard part about rally is knowing all the ins and outs and little rules. Like you have to pause after the walk around exercises in AKC. Those little things that can make a big difference. A class with a good instructor will help a lot with that.

Minor Deduction (1-2 points) for each of the following:
• Tight leash
• Dog interfering with handler
• Poor sits
• Slow, delay, or resistance to respond
• Touching or ticking a jump, pylon, post or person
• Out of position

Minor to Substantial Deduction (1-10 points) for each of the following:
• Repeat of a station—only one (1) retry of each station will be
allowed for all class levels. Repeat of a station is an automatic 3
point deduction.
Pylon/post knocked over on Figure Eight, Spiral and Serpentine
• Lack of control
• Lack of teamwork
• Lack of briskness
• Handler error*
• Loud command or intimidating signal
• Excessive barking
• Hitting the jump
• Patting/clapping in Excellent – per occurrence

Substantial Deduction (6-10 points) for each of the following:
• Incorrectly performed station** (Automatic 10 point deduction)
• Failure to complete the Sit Stay Exercise (IP)–No retries allowed
• Failure of dog to go over the jump in the proper direction (IP) – no
retries allowed
• Luring /pleading with the dog
• Lack of natural manner

Non-qualifying (NQ) scores shall be given for:• Minimum requirements not met
• Dog unmanageable or uncontrolled barking
• Consistently tight lead
• Dog that eliminates while in the ring for judging
• Handler error*
• Station not attempted by handler***
• Non-qualifying errors may not be re-tried
* Handler errors can be assessed from 1 to 10 points up to non-qualifying.
Handler errors can be assessed at any station or during movement
between stations on a course. Once a handler has stopped on any halt
exercise, the handler cannot move their feet to assist a dog without
incurring a handler error.
** Incorrectly Performed (IP) stations occur when a team attempts
a station and fails to perform the principal parts of the station on
the first attempt. The handler may choose to retry the station once,
for a correct performance, accepting the mandatory 3-point deduction
for the retry of the station. The station is considered an IP if the
handler chooses not to retry or fails to perform the station correctly
on the second attempt.
*** A station will be considered Not Attempted if: (refer to glossary)
• Handler completely passes the station without noticing the station
• Handler approaches sign but chooses not to do the exercise
• Handler approaches sign but does not begin the exercise
described on the sign

With the new rules, yes, you can absolutely lose points for repeated commands. Depends on the judge and how tough they are, but the rules do state you can take points off for slow commands and repeated commands. What you do not get dinged for in rally (that you do get dinged for in regular obedience) is encouraging the dog.
For example. If I'm going through the spirals encouraging my dog with my voice (no fake luring, snapping or clapping) I'm fine. But if I halt and get a slow sit or have to ask for it more than once, you bet some judges will take anywhere from 1 to 10 points off. Just depends on the judge and how they interpret the rules - see below.

Kind of a side note but since you are considering APDT rally just be aware that APDT the organization is selling it's Rally-O. Hard to say where it will all go in the future.