Different Games, One Passion - The wide world of dog sports - FRENCH RING

Working dog sports span a wide array of disciplines, each presenting unique challenges and training philosophies. K9Force Magazine is exploring these sports in a new series starting with French Ring. We had the privilege of speaking with Saul Garcia, an experienced Canadian French Ring competitor, decoy, and trainer.

Can you explain what French Ring is and how it compares to other “bite suit” protection sports like PSA and Mondioring?

The first Ringsport originated in Belgium in 1896. French Ring, as its name indicates, originated in France, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that the first French Ring competitions took place.

The purpose of French Ring is to showcase the quality of a dog’s working ability, including its courage, balance, work disposition, and athletic performance. All dogs must first pass the CSAU (Certificat de Sociabilité et d’Aptitude à l’Utilisation), essentially a temperament test, before competing.

The entry level in French Ring is the Brevet, which consists of four obedience and two protection exercises. There are three levels in French Ring, with each level ranging from 11 to 19 exercises. French Ring combines agility, obedience, and protection work. Agility includes maximum jumps of 1.2 meters (hurdle), 2.3 meters (palisade), and 4.5 meters (broad jump).

As an older sport, many similarities exist between French Ring and other dog sports because exercises have been shared across various dog sports. However, differences that distinguish French Ring from other “bite suit” sports are:

•   Handling: One of the most significant distinctions is the absence of handler assistance. In French Ring, handlers cannot use body movements or cues to guide the dog.

•   Precision in Outs: Dogs must release (out) within one second, with any delay beyond this time resulting in point deductions.

•   Decoy Work: Decoy work in French Ring is highly regulated to ensure safety and welfare of the dog. Everything, from the thickness of the suit to the weight, length, and splitting of the bamboo stick, is outlined in the rules and strictly enforced by the judge. Decoy movements are precise, technical, and tailored to the competition level being worked.

•   Stick Work: In this sport, the bamboo stick is designed to challenge the dog. However, stick hits are strictly limited to specific parts of the dog's body to prevent harm.

What makes it unique in terms of training, challenges, and dog-handler dynamics?

Training demands high level of balance and technical skill from teaching a puppy to turn its head and master a pivot to advancing through tasks like navigating the opposition of a barrage.

Particularly challenging are transitions from high-drive activities, such as jumps, to precision exercises like position changes. In bite work, the dog moves from explosive long attacks to working independently from it’s handler, such as guarding an object.

A strong bond and mutual respect between handler and dog are essential throughout the training journey. The handler acts as the bridge between the program and the dog’s development, requiring the ability to read the dog effectively and enforce consistent rules.

How did you get involved in French Ring?

I began training service dogs in Mexico 25 years ago. Some of my colleagues practiced French Ring, and that was the first time I saw a bite suit and a Malinois. From the moment I saw it, I knew I wanted to try the suit, and I’ve since turned what started as a hobby into a career.

Are there specific dog breeds and training philosophies that you believe are best for this sport?

The Malinois is definitely a most versatile breed for Ringsport, though it comes with its challenges. Any dog with proper genetics and guidance can succeed, but success also depends on the team behind the dog. A cohesive group that dedicates time, effort, and collaboration is essential to progress in this sport.

Can you tell us a bit about your dog and your training journey together?

Being the only decoy in my club makes handling and decoying my own dog very challenging, although this is dog dependent as I love dogs with strong temperaments. My own dogs are currently ready with their Ring 2 programs, and I am starting another puppy.

In my household, one of our dogs has reached Ring 3 and became a Canadian Champion two years in a row, Vice Champion in Mexico in 2023, and qualified for the French Selectifs 2025. Over the last decade, we’ve had multiple champions across various countries.

What is the current state of French Ring Sport in Canada?

There aren’t many clubs, decoys and trainers:

•   Canada has only about seven clubs, with my club being the largest.

•   There are seven certified decoys, and even fewer training decoys.

•   As for trainers, while there is passion and knowledge, they are few and far between.

In Western Canada, my club typically hosts all trials and has historically held the Canadian Championship every two years for over 20 years. Due to these challenges, most of our trials require traveling outside Canada.

Canada’s vast geography, long winters that prevent outdoor training, a shortage of training decoys, and the sport’s complexity make it difficult to retain long-term members. However, those who are passionate stay committed, while others who don’t see immediate success tend to drop out.

Could you walk us through key elements of training for this sport and how you prepare for trials?

Training requires passion, dedication, determination, discipline, and resilience. Stick to one method while adapting it to the dog in front of you. Seek advice from those who have achieved high levels with varied dogs and are aligned with your training methodology.

Trial preparation is very specific. A month before a competition, we replicate a trial without any equipment. This helps identify areas that need polishing. Decoying is another crucial aspect. I compare it to mixed martial arts—studying opponents (decoys), teaching, and training dogs to handle technical movements so they’re well-prepared for trial conditions.

Do you see differences in the way the sport is practiced or perceived in Canada compared to its European roots?

Living in Canada, we adapt to winter conditions by training indoors. In terms of perception, we practice French Ring according to the GTR (Groupe de Travail Ring, which governs the sport in Europe). The only difference lies in how we structure our championships, due to Canada’s size and smaller membership base.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting French Ring?

•   Find someone knowledgeable to help you select a dog with proper genetics. Genetics play a crucial role in training and serve as the foundation.

•   Look for a club with a proven track record of consistent achievements. Observe the relationships between the dogs and handlers.

•   When joining a club, be fully engaged. Watch, learn, and ask questions during training sessions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Saul Garcia for sharing his expertise and insights into French Ring, a challenging and rewarding sport.

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K9Force (2025, February). CACIT Netherlands https://publuu.com/flip-book/199364/1605518/page/16

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Images courtesy of Find Direction Photography, Lori, and Dora Lazcano