How high is the palisade?
It depends on the level, but at the higher classes it's over two metres. It's a sloping wall the dog climbs up and over rather than clearing in one jump, so the dog needs to be in excellent shape.
Obedience and working disciplines
French Ring
The French take on ring sport. You can spot it by the palisade jump and by how strictly the judge marks control during the protection phases.
About the discipline
What French Ring is
French Ring grew up in France and has three levels, from Ring I to Ring III. Each level brings in new exercises, and the judging gets tougher.
The programme covers obedience, jumps and protection. The palisade, a sloping wall over two metres high, has become the sport's trademark: watch a dog run up it once and you won't forget it.
In protection, a hard grip earns no points by itself. The judge watches how cleanly the dog goes in and, above all, how fast it stops on command. A late release costs you more than a missed attack.
How it works in practice
What the programme contains
- distance obedience, with positions and recall
- refusing food, whether thrown or offered by hand
- long jump and palisade
- guarding an object
- defence of the handler
- attacks with a call-off and attacks without one
- the flee with recall, the sport's signature exercise
Which dogs it suits
- athletic dogs with sound joints
- working breeds with a strong grip drive
- advanced teams with access to a specialist club
What you need
- a club with qualified helpers
- a palisade and obstacles that meet the rules
- a full set of protective equipment
- serious fitness work 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 young dogs that are still growing don't do it. Before a dog starts this sport, it should have its joints X-rayed.
Can we start directly with French Ring?
No. You need a solid obedience base and helper work first. Clubs build up step by step, level by level.
Where do I start if I am interested?
Find a club with trained helpers and go to a few sessions just to watch. You start with obedience and fitness; protection comes much later. A dog without clean heelwork and a stop you can count on has no business in the grip work.
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
Britain's utility discipline, with obedience, tracking, article search and jumps.
Obedience
Positions, recall, retrieve and heelwork, done as precisely as possible in front of a judge.
Rally Obedience
A course of signs, each one telling the team which obedience exercise to do next.
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.