What is Mondioring?
August 4, 2023
Mondioring, often shortened to just “Mondio” (or MR) is a working dog sport that tests a dog’s ability to protect its handler, maneuver around obstacles (jumps) and complete obedience exercises under a variety of distractions.
Mondioring was created during the late 1980’s, taking inspiration from existing dog sports like Schutzhund and French Ring and creating something new that would appeal to an international audience of dog owners. The sport has 3 levels, with a variety of obedience exercises unique to each level. At the highest level, a Mondioring trial lasts 45 minutes and consists of 17 exercises. Some (but not all) of these exercises include:
- Heeling without a leash
- Recall back to handler
- Send away from handler
- Refusal of food (including very high-value food like raw meat)
- Searching for an object
- Going over a long jump
- Various positions (Sit, down, stand)
Like all protection sports, Mondioring also includes a portion that tests a dog ability to protect its handler. These exercises are unique to the sport, and include body and face bites (which is different from Schutzhund, for.). Some of the protection-oriented exercises in Mondioring include:
Most people know of sports like Mondioring due to the protection aspect, but there's considerable obedience and agility training required as well. This is because for a dog to be able to endure the rigorous training required in Mondioring, they must be very physically fit.
A Belgian Malinois during Mondioring training, wearing no leash or collar.
Like most dog sports, dogs competing in a Mondioring trial cannot wear any gear, not even their regular collar. All exercises are performed off leash and with the dog wearing nothing at all.
- Did you know?
Dog’s can recognize different pieces of gear used for training. This is known as having a dog that is “gear savvy” and is one of the many reasons dogs are not allowed to wear anything during trial.
A dog that is “gear savvy” can be taught to act differently when wearing a certain collar, or harness and can give that dog-handler team an unfair advantage.
Breed restrictions
Mondioring has no breed restrictions, although, your dog must be at least 12 months before entering a competition, and must also have passed a general temperament test, either issued by another kennel club (like an AKC “Canine Good Citizen” test) or the Mondioring test known as the USMRA Evaluation of Working Aptitude.
The reason for a temperament test before committing to long-term training is to ensure the dog has the temperament for the sport. Not all dogs, even dogs in the same breed, will enjoy protection training. Dogs who are not suitable for this type of training can be identified in most temperament tests, because they will be too scared, stressed, or distracted to perform.
Getting started in Mondioring
Like most dog sports, to enter a Mondioring trial with your dog, you need to be a member of the association and pay a fee. This process can take up to 1 month to complete, and also requires the purchasing of a scorebook when you’re ready to compete.
Once you are a member and have your scorebook ready, the next thing to do is to find a reliable dog trainer and dog training club so that you and your dog can get plenty of regular practice. Successful Mondioring training takes years, and requires a large time commitment, so it might even be a good idea to check out a local club before you get too far along in the registration process, to see if the training process is really for you.
Once you’ve found a club, getting started is simply a matter of training as often as you can! Dog sport teams usually train 2-3 days per week at a minimum, with world-renowned handlers often working their dog(s) every single day. This process can be very fun and rewarding for both you and your dog, but the time commitment cannot be understated!
When you’re ready to put all of your training to use and compete, you can register for a trial. Mondioring trials are the ultimate tests of a handler-dog duo's teamwork, intelligence, obedience, and agility. As you step onto the field, a surge of excitement and nerves fills the air, setting the stage for a showcase of unwavering trust between you and your canine partner.
Beyond the thrill of the competition, Mondio Ring contributes to the overall well-being of participating dogs. The mental and physical challenges presented by the sport provide ample opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Dogs engaged in Mondio Ring exhibit improved obedience, heightened problem-solving skills, and heightened responsiveness, all of which translate into better behavior in daily life.
