The Extreme Dog Sport Of French Ring
French Ring Sport is a personal protection sport originating in France. Originally developed to test possible breeding stock for their doing work ability, it has evolved directly into one of the most technical sports in the canine world. French Ring encompasses the “complete test” for any dog & handler team – together with precision obedience, extreme jumping, and technical protection work.
When competing in any level, the dog is actually without collar or tether, and must be obedient off a straightforward command from its handler. Body signals are rarely allowed, and the precision by which a dog need to perform is very strict. The dog must be of the type which has a high desire to work, and must be in excellent condition physically to accomplish their jobs. When combining the raw & high energy of a best level athlete with the self-control and control required of each and every exercise, you will begin to appreciate the “art” which is French Ring!
The Players
In Canada, French Ring is open to any handler, male or female, over the age of Sixteen years. For dogs, there are 2 categories to compete within. The “Standard” category is the international standard for French Ring, and includes any doggy from a list of “authorized breeds” which is sexually intact and is purebred and listed with a nationally accepted computer registry eg – the AKC. The 2nd category is called a “Blue Dog” category and it is only accepted in Canada and the United States. The Blue Dog category is open to any kind of dog – mixed types, unregistered dogs, or neutered adult males. The blue dog may compete in regular competitions but cannot earn the title associated with “Champion” and may not compete internationally.
The men in the cushioned suits are referred to as decoys and their purpose is to be the dog’s opposition. The decoy attempts to steal points from the doggy by out maneuvering and also out smarting the dog.
The actual judge is the referee of this event, and controls every aspect of the competition. It is up to the judge to indicate each exercise as well as maintain a safe level of opposition for each of the competitors.
It takes numerous years of dedication and skill for each player to participate successfully within this sport.
The Exercises
French Ring is divided into 3 main categories: jumping, compliance, and protection work. The quantity of exercises and the level of trouble of each exercise varies according to the level of competition.
The Hurdle: a collapsible jump which can be knocked down if touched by the dog. The challenge starts at a height of 0.9m and reaches no more than 1.2m according to the level. Points are based on the heights jumped. The dog must jump twice – away from its drejer sig and returning to its trainer.
The Palisade: a solid wooden wall that the dog must climb over. The palisade starts at the height of 1.7m and reaches a maximum of 2.3m according to the degree. The dog must again jump twice – once faraway from its handler, and once more returning to its handler.
The Long Jump: a long and also low jump in which the dog must clear without coming in contact with the teeter-totter type “key” at the end. The long jump starts well away of 3.5m and reaches no more than 4.5m according to the level. Canine must only jump this once in the direction far from its handler.
Heel on Leash: The only exercise in FR where the dog is able to wear a collar. Your dog must heel at the handler’s side throughout a pre-set pattern, halting and starting at the audio of the judge’s horn.
Heel with a Muzzle: The dog is without leash or collar, and need to wear a muzzle. Canine must perform under equivalent conditions to the heel upon leash, but also must not display any resistance to wearing the particular muzzle.
Long Stay (sit/down): According to the level, the dog will be forced to remain in either a sit or possibly a down for 1 moment while the handler is out of site.
Thrown Retrieve: Upon demand, the dog must retrieve an article (glove, glasses case, as well as socks) thrown by it’s handler. The dog must go back to the handler and take a seat, only releasing the article while commanded.
Seen Retrieve: Canine heels at its handler’s side until the handler “drops” an article. The dog must break from the back heel and retrieve the article, and pass the handler, preventing him/her, and return the article towards the handler.
Unseen Retrieve: Canine heels at its handler’s side while the handler drops the article unseen by the dog. As the dog and handler continue to walk away, another article the same as the one dropped is placed near the handler’s article. Upon a horn sign from the judge, the handler stops and sends the canine back to find the correct article and return it to the handler.
Food Refusal: as the handler has run out of site, food is thrown on the dog while it stays constantly in place. Several pieces of food are placed strategically throughout the area, to tempt the dog. Canine is not allowed to touch a piece of food any time throughout the levels of competition.
Positions: From a distance associated with 18m, the handler commands your dog to change positions in an order drawn at the beginning of the competition. Your dog must take the position as it is commanded, and must also not transfer outside a box decorated on the ground.
Send Away: Upon command, the dog must run in a straight line faraway from its handler until it really is called back – at which it must return immediately to its handler.