How high is the palisade?
It depends on the level, but at the higher classes it exceeds two metres. It is a sloping obstacle the dog climbs rather than clears, and it demands excellent physical condition.
Obedience and working disciplines
French Ring
The French version of the ring sports, recognisable by the palisade jump and by how strictly control is judged during the protection phases.
About the discipline
What French Ring is
French Ring developed in France and has three levels of difficulty, from Ring I to Ring III. Each adds exercises and raises the demands.
The programme covers obedience, jumps and protection. The palisade jump - a sloping wall over two metres high - has become the discipline's trademark.
In protection, points are not given for how hard the dog grips but for how cleanly it enters and, above all, how promptly it stops. A late release costs more than a missed attack.
How it works in practice
What the programme contains
- distance obedience, with positions and recall
- refusal of food thrown or offered
- long jump and palisade
- guarding an object
- defence of the handler
- attacks with and without a recall
- the flee with recall, the discipline's signature exercise
Which dogs it suits
- athletic dogs with sound joints
- working breeds with a well-developed grip drive
- advanced teams with access to a specialised club
What you need
- a club with qualified helpers
- regulation palisade and obstacles
- complete protective equipment
- serious physical conditioning for the dog
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about French Ring
Is it risky for the dog's joints?
Jumping puts real strain on the joints, which is why it is not worked with young, growing dogs. A dog entering this discipline should be screened radiographically beforehand.
Can we start directly with French Ring?
No. A solid obedience base and helper work are needed first. Clubs build up progressively, level by level.
Where do I start if I am interested?
By finding a club with trained helpers and attending a few sessions purely as an observer. You do not begin with protection but with obedience and physical conditioning. A dog without clean heelwork and a reliable stop has no business in the gripping exercises.
The rule figures on this page come from Canadian Ringsport Association - French Ring, defalcarea punctajului. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
KNPV
The Dutch programme for working and selecting utility dogs.
Working Trials
A British discipline covering obedience, tracking, search and agility.
Obedience
Precise execution of commands, positions, recall and retrieve.
Rally Obedience
The team follows a course of signs with obedience exercises.
We do not run French Ring
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.