USMONDIORING. IPO, Mondio or French Ring? The challenges of cross-over. In this issue: Mondioring, by Daniela Bedenice. Aida Flick

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1 USMONDIORING In this issue: Mondioring, by Daniela Bedenice Aida Flick Endeavor Working Dog by Terry Miller Mondioring Trial? Special thanks to Lloyd and Shawna and their SoCal Mondioring Club for hosting this 6th National Championship for USMRA. By all accounts, the field was a huge success! It is quite a challenge for a young, inexperienced club. Congratulations on your efforts! IPO, Mondio or French Ring? The challenges of cross-over Historically, Mondio Ring Sport is described to have evolved as a combination of French Ring Sport, Belgian Ring Sport, Dutch KNPV, and the German Schutzhund discipline. It is therefore not surprising that it attracts handlers and trainers of many different dog sports. As an active competitor in IPO, French Ring and Mondio Ring Sport, I have always questioned: What are the most significant challenges of each discipline? Is one really harder than the other? Plain and simple, each sport has its specific difficulty. The precision and work ethic required for IPO, the clarity, mental stability and intelligence needed for Mondio Ring and the dog s tenacity to succeed in French Ring are among the most challenging. I do believe that we can learn from aspects of each discipline in order to improve our training and success in Mondio Ring Sport. For example, although focus based obedience is not required for either of the ring sports, it may allow for better control and a strong connection between the dog and its handler. Team work is an essential foundation for any discipline, no matter which direction we take. IPO is associated with a high level of obedience in all three phases of the sport (tracking, obedience, FIG 1: Focused IPO heeling protection). It requires precision and a positive working attitude from the dog, which is expected to remain attentive and spirited throughout the exercise routines. A dog can be successfully pattern trained for IPO, as the order of exercises never changes. The IPO blind search is a specific example of pattern training, as it requires the dog to investigate 6 blinds by diagonally crossing the field from one to another. This routine is considered an obedience exercise and the dog is rated according to the accuracy, tightness and speed of the search as well as the power and consistency while

2 FIG 2: Similar behavior during IPO vs. Mondio Ring guarding (photo on right by Anna Kasho) guarding the decoy. Although not required, I personally prefer seeing a strong, consistent alert during the bark and hold phase of the ring sport search, as well. The search exercise of Mondio Ring may pose a significant challenge for the cross trained dog, as it now has to deviate from the imprinted pattern training of both IPO and French Ring. For the first 4 ½ years of his life, my personal dog was imprinted to search blinds diagonally across the field for IPO and perform a perimeter search for French Ring. Technically, both of these routines were mere obedience exercises and occasionally performed with the decoy in direct sight, while the dog was still expected to run a pattern. I therefore had to revert to the concept of a true search (scent based) of Mondio Ring by introducing my dog to building searches. Technique and tenacity appear to be two of the most important traits of the successful French Ring dog. The protection phase of French Ring is known for strong stick work and a high athletic ability of the decoy who attempts to evade or counter the dog s entry to bite. Strong drive, excellent biting technique and targeting are therefore needed for the dog to overcome these challenges. Some trainers would argue that the highest pressure phase for the French Ring dog occurs while on the bite, while the Mondio Ring dog is most challenged just prior biting, based on the environmental challenges and the need to problem solve. The routine of French Ring is more complex than IPO and may require the highest level of agility. The maximum length of the long jump is set at 4.5 meters for level 3 (4 meters for Mondio Ring 3) and the palisade consists of a straight 2.3 meter wall (without a ramp) that requires a return jump. The physical demand on the dog therefore seems highest under these conditions. Although not immediately apparent, the scent discrimination exercise of Mondio Ring may also pose a challenge for the cross trained dog. This exercise requires the dog to identify the handler s scent on one of multiple small wooden dowels. However, many IPO trainers will use a dowel to imprint a calm hold and fast retrieve. If the basis of this imprinting involves a form of forced retrieve, the dog s the FIG 3: Manifestation of commitment during IPO and Mondio Ring Sport (photo on right by Anna Kasho)

3 FIG 4: French Ring palisade (photo by American Ring Federation ) desire to quickly retrieve any one of the offered dowels may be stronger than his desire to discriminate scent on the object. All three sports include a send out exercise, but the level of difficulty increases from IPO to French Ring to Mondio Ring. The direction of the send out is always known to the IPO handler while the French Ring send out can occur into either direction along the length of the field. The send out is commonly taught by placing a target or reward at the end of the field for IPO or French Ring dogs during training. However, Mondio Ring sport incorporates a true directed send out towards any of the field boundaries and therefore requires significant practice and retraining for the cross trained dog. Only minor conceptual differences exist between the object guard of French and Mondio Ring, although these can still pose a challenge to cross-trained dogs. First and foremost, the type of object the dog is expected to guard will vary for Mondio Ring dogs, while a basket is always used during French Ring trials. Therefore, if the French Ring dog is not accustomed to maintaining contact to variably shaped objects, cannot secure a moving object or counter distractions (accessories), he may be less effective in the prevention of the decoys attempts to steal the FIG 5: French Ring object guard article. On the contrary, it has been my experience that the spectrum of techniques used by French Ring decoys to distract or evade the dog s bite is greatest in the latter discipline. A stopped attack is required for both level 3 Mondio and French Ring dogs. The former requires the dog to be called back within 3 meters, the latter within 2 meters of reaching the decoy, in order of obtain full points. Since the stopped attack for Mondio Ring is performed during a flee of the decoy rather than during a frontal attack as seen in French Ring, both exercises have to be trained independently. This being said, if I had to choose the most difficult exercise of Mondio Ring sport, especially for IPO and French Ring trained dogs, it would be the defense of handler. Although a similar routine (in name) exists in French Ring, the concepts of the exercise are very distinct. In French Ring, a single decoy is present on the field, will greet the dog and handler and subsequently walk in the opposite direction before turning back to

4 challenges imposed on the dog necessitate a high level of training, adaptability and K-9 intelligence in order to adequately problem solve the ever changing test scenarios on the trial field. I would like to clarify that I am merely presenting a personal perspective as I am a novice trainer who enjoys the challenges of raising my own working dogs, which are foremost my companions. Therefore, dog sports are my hobby and not my profession. I have been fortunately to work with several great groups of trainers and handlers over the years that have taught me all that I practice today. My current competition dog, a five year old Belgian Malinois, is titled at level 3 in IPO, Schutzhund, French Ring and Mondio Ring and still actively competes at the national level in all sports concurrently. Our latest endeavors have involved the plunge into the Mondio Ring world, with all its challenges. I hope to see you all again on the trial and training fields soon. Thank you for the warm welcome that we have received as a cross-over team! Yours in the sport FIG 6: Mondio Ring vs. French Ring defense of handler (photo by American Ring Federation ) approach the team from the rear to pursue a single handed hit of the handler. The decoy s goal is to evade the bite or draw the dog away from the handler. However, the pattern of the exercise is highly predictable and conceptually less difficult to train than the related Mondio Ring problem set. The true challenge of the latter exercise lies is the necessity for the dog to switch over focus between two or more attending decoys, amidst a plethora on environmental distractions. Both dog and handler have to problem solve throughout the exercise and make correct decisions based on the foundation of their training. All in all, the level of distraction and environmental Daniela Bedenice

5 The 2012 USMRA Nationals drew a nice mix of crowd from various backgrounds, Mondio and French Ring, but also folks who started in IPO and PSA. The commaraderie is always great, the hosts were really nice folks who worked very hard to make it happen, seeing old friends and making new ones. William Langlois and his lovely wife were very nice. He made everyone feel comfortable, took the time to really talk about the sport, the work, answer questions, etc. The decoys were paying close attention to all the good advice Mr Langlois was giving them. His background as a decoy and judge provided lots of hands on experience for Josh, Jake and Sean. Saturday the day was dedicated to the Level 3 competitors, Sunday morning Level 1, (unfortunately no Level 2 competitors), followed by decoy certification sunday afternoon. The field was a large, beautiful park setting, with lots of trees, shrubs and a little hill landscape. The judge used the natural landscape of the field for many of the exercises. The theme was A children s Playground. The trial was fair. Difficulty appropriate for a national championship. For Level 3 competitors success came down to finding the decoy in the search relatively quickly so the dog was not cooked for the rest of the exercises (decoy was about a foot off the ground in the shrubs... not in the blinds), not falling for a neutral first entry on the Object Guard (nice work on the part of Josh reading the dogs), and a clean performance on the part of the dog and the handler. Lisa Geller and the incredible Mongouse Du Loups de Soleil had the skill and experience to make a beautiful showing. But all the dogs poured their hearts into the work. Key takeaways: ensure dog has good techinique in jumping, eliminate handler help especially in heeling and DOH, and teach dog good technique (e.g. bite arms, legs, see strong stick and accessory work). A special note to Steve Garvin who could not have been more proud of his Bogan son Ace, who made a nice showing. Level 1 competitors also performed very nicely. Experienced handling, training for a variety of distractions, and good technique once again proved most valuable. Mondio ring is a fun sport, always challenges the dog and handler. The level of work continues to get more difficult so train hard, smart, and have fun! Submitted by Aida Flick, USMRA Judge

6 with Apprentice Donald Lee set=a club members skills, here Marsha Boggs animates a wolf and howls to scare the dog on the long down (Absence) exercise. Judge Keith added difficulty by stopping all distractions way before the stop time. We watched as almost every dog took the stopped distraction as a cue for handler to return. But nothing happened and the dogs got antsy looking around for handler to pick them up or distraction to continue.

7 Over the river and through the woods handlers and their dogs did their heeling, food refusal and defense of handler. Little piggies adorning the trees reminding us something from Lord of the Flies. Nice but creepy touch from Judge Keith Jobe. theatrical skills, here Marsha Boggs animates a wolf and howls to scare the dog on the long down (Absence) exercise. Judge Keith added difficulty by stopping all distractions way before the stop time. We watched as almost every dog took the stopped distraction as a cue for handler to return. But nothing happened and the dogs got antsy looking around for handler to pick them up or distraction to continue. Little Piggy balloons were attractive to most to most the dogs, guess they all like bacon! Here a little piggy peaks around his house of straw.

8 Positions were unusual, with the handler laying on the ground, here Ann calls positions for Nacho. The defense of handler on Saturday involved knocking on the homes of the three little pigs. The knocking created some distraction for some of the dogs who thought this was a signal to sniff and look for something on the wall. But Vegas only had eyes for The three little pig homes and construction tube were also used for the escort as shown here by Todd Dunlap. On Sunday the defense of handler took the teams through the woods, past the creepy pig masks, and into the lair of the big bad wolf. Here Don Lee and

9 The hit for defense of handler occurred as the handler sat on a stool in front of the big bad wolf. handler. The issue of sitting and moving the cape fooled. who came to play. Some did not pass, but came close and put on a good show and had fun. We were most pleased of our club s Schutzhund cross-overs. Elane Flower and LWee SchH3 earned their Brevet. Amanda and her GSD Qaysar SchH3 quickly learned what they needed and earned their first leg for MR1. We have to give a lot of credit to the decoys who trained these dogs who saw legs and bite suits for the first time and learned the techniques they needed. Special thank you to Michael Ellis, JJ Belcher and Todd Dunlap for visiting our club and cross-training our dogs and our local decoy in multiple sports. The visitors had impressive performances and provided great entertainment. New mondio convert Todd Dunlap with Vegas finished both legs of his MR1, and also worked the trial as talented decoys in addition to showing their dogs. First time visitor Alfredo earned their MR1 leg. We were proud to have long time trainers Ann and Don who showed us professional work and exceptional courtesy. Ann did a great job managing Nacho and surprised herself with a passing score for MR2. Ann and Rich have been chasing titles together for awhile, this time working on their MR2 s. Rich and Ace came up with a very nice passing routine, with Ann and Tina a nervous wreck by the end. I heard something about a pact to get roadrunner tattoos; did any of you get them? The weekend ended with our traditional raffle which help fund our trials. Thank you to Diane Wray who always finds lots of cool stuff to raffle, and our local Pet Pangaea store for donating gift bags. As always, the event was made enjoyable by the wonderful people who came to work, participate, and to watch. Hope to see you all at our next annual Halloween weekend trial!

10 This exercise is common to the various ring sports, with subtle variations in each. The exercise will take place with the dog on the ground. The dog and the handler must be able to see each other from a distance of 5, 10 and 15m, depending on the level. It is permitted to call the dog by name before giving the positioning command, but it must be spoken only once along with the command. If not, it is a double command. For each position, the handler is entitled to 2 additional commands. If the dog has not executed the position after the 2 additional commands, the exercise is ended and all points already awarded are kept. Also for the initial position, if the dog changes it, handler must re-command the dog (2 extra commands allowed) The dog that anticipates the position, at one position at least (that which it has just left), may eventually lose another one, if it takes the following position. To avoid a situation where the dog obeys the Deputy Judge s signal, we propose a triangle system of signals (the dog faces away from the Judges and each of the three positions are illustrated on a moveable three sided board ). *Handler seated *Handler w/back to dog using mirror. *Handler behind bottle wall. *Handler lying down. *Handler peeking out window. Exercises. The handler positions himself with his dog sitting at the line of departure. He commands the initial position upon the Judge s signal, and then leaves his dog after a stay command. to see his dog during the execution of the exercise. placed in a stand, sit or down, at the direction of the Judge. *****see editor s note at end of article. once. In Level II and III each position will be taken twice, at the signal given by the Deputy Judge. The exercise will take place with the dog on the ground. The dog and the handler must be able to see each other from a distance of 5, 10 and 15m, depending on the level. It is permitted to call the dog by name before giving the positioning command, but it must be spoken only once along with the command. If not, it is a double command. For each position, the handler is entitled to 2 additional commands. If the dog has not executed the position after the 2 additional commands, the exercise is ended and all points already awarded are

11 kept. Also for the initial position, if the dog changes it, handler must re-command the dog (2 extra commands allowed) The dog that anticipates the position, at one position at least (that which it has just left), may eventually lose another one, if it takes the following position. To avoid a situation where the dog obeys the Deputy Judge s signal, we propose a triangle system of signals (the dog faces away from the Judges and each of the three positions are illustrated on a moveable three sided board There are some new variations to this exercise. *First, when you approach the line of departure, you must arrive at the line and tell your dog to SIT. Then, look at the judge and the judge will authorize you to give your dog the position that it will be left in. (Ex.down or stand. ) IF the position is a sit, you MAY give your dog another command to sit/ stay. Failure to sit dog and wait for judge s indication will result in a loss of general allure points. *It is becoming increasingly common for the judge to have the handler move laterally during each position change. For example, dog left in a sit, handler positions himself with Deputy judge behind. First position given, then handler must MOVE laterally to side and give next position. Often, with a series of persons in a line that handler must stop in front of. Another variation is that handler may have to move laterally from one chair to another. Andrew and Fusel in the Boxes. The handler and both decoys moved a series of boxes from one place to another, about 10 meters away. The handler had to move the boxes three different times. On the third time one decoy stayed at the boxes. The other decoy took the handler to get a new box. When the handler was about 3 meters, the handler had to turn around so the decoy could take a picture of the Boxes trial work. The handler had to back up into the hit. I was testing both the dog and the handler. The handler had to handle the dog for an extended period of time on this task. The dog had to stay with the handler for a long time even when the handler had to walk backwards. All of this was taking place about 5 meters from the spectators. Boxes trial

12 Themes, scenarios, props, retrieve items, accessories and on and on and on! Your first trial, as a new club of enthusiastic mondioringers, can be a daunting prospect. It seems like there is so much to do, so much to plan! The idea of creating scenarios, or building props, does not come naturally to some folks. Just the sends chills down the spines of many people! This article will attempt to give you ideas and allay your fears just a bit. Providing props for a mondioring trial does not need to break the bank. Nor does it take a set designer for a Broadway production. There are clubs in the organization that have gotten crazy with the props, creating elaborate scenarios that any theatre aficionado would drool over. However, those same clubs have had trials that simply used things on hand. That is the focus of this article..using what you or the club as a whole have in their garages, sheds or back pastures. has probably done this the best. trial, a Farm Equipment trial southwest), and an Indian Village trial to name a few. Included are some photos of those events. done both ends of the spectrum. Elaborate beyond words, and super basic, using what we have. We Photos of these included. Endeavor for their incredible scenarios and elaborate props, had one trial that was in the frugal venue. They had a Garage Sale trial, and then when it was over, conducted a garage sale on the field for the community. One other that comes to mind was who had a Tornado Alley trial. That was easy. Lots of twisted stuff!! Mexico recently came into the Mondioring scene. As their judge, I can tell you that when I arrived there was not a shred of equipment on the field to create scenarios, etc. Despite assurances from my host, I was worried. I located the Between the two of us, we created a field that was basically a beach scenario, constructed of the bits and pieces of equipment stored in their storeroom. By the second day, I had convinced people to contribute and the field looked

13 more like a real beach scene. From the judge s perspective, I would advise clubs to plan some sort of scenarios and establish some focal points on the field using those props. If you leave it ENTIRELY to the judge, you may get some surprises that you were not counting on. The rules say that the organizing club sets up the field. The more you have in place, the less is left to the judge. Get your retrieve items set and in a row. Get your accessories and your guard of the object items established. If you wait, and let the judge poke around.you may not like the results! There are many clubs around that have hosted a couple of dozen trials. Feel free to contact them, or others for help. This is a village, and there are many in the village that are talented scenario builders. Reach out! Someone will answer!!