I recently had the opportunity to sit in on a very interesting seminar about one of the most popular bite sports in Europe, French Ring.

Hosted by Puget Sound Dog Sports in Seabeck, WA, the group brought Chad Hunter up from Arizona to instruct. Chad is a multiple title holder in French Ring and one of only five US judges for the sport. People came from all over Washington, California, Utah, and even a couple from France (now residing in the US) for the seminar.

French Ring is a sport that combines obedience, protection, and amazing athletic stamina as dogs and handlers showcase their skills against a decoy. 

Much like schutzhund was originally designed as a breed survey for German Shepherds, French Ring tests the suitability of a dog to be a protection dog. There is a lot more control demonstrated in French Ring than schutzhund and in ways it is more similar to PSA with directionals and higher obedience. What really makes it different is that it often leaves some of the decision making up to the dog. A dog has to guard an object and decide if/when to go out and bite a decoy. There is also a time when the decoy comes up to the handler and makes conversation while walking along with the team. The dog has to choose whether to stay with the handler or engage the decoy. Also, in schutzhund (also known as IPO or IGP), the dog charges the decoy who takes a bite on a sleeve. French Ring along with other ring sports and PSA use a suit. In the ringsports, the decoy is also trying to outsmart or out-manuever the dog. In several parts of the routine, the decoy with try to make the dog miss a bite (called an esquive) or escape from the dog, costing the dog team points for both the distance they can get away and how long they can keep a dog from biting, making it a battle of wits between dog and man.

It was a very enlightening weekend. There are not many French Ring clubs in the US and I am lucky enough to have one in my area. The owner of the field where they train and founder of the club has actually been involved since the mid-80s so there is wealth of experience here. 

Overall, we had a great weekend and saw lots of dogs demonstrating some good work. I wish them luck in their training journeys and can’t wait to see them on the trial field in the future.

For more information, you can check out the North American Ringsport Association (NARA).