Mondio Mayhem: The Doberman Great Escape!

Mondioring, or "Mondio," is an exciting international (FCI) dog sport that challenges a dog's natural abilities, problem solving, and rigorous training, all while showcasing the incredible bond with their handler.

Each trial is unique, set within a creative "theme" that transforms the field with props and scenarios. Dogs and handlers compete off-leash and without collars, demonstrating exceptional control.

The Three Phases:

Obedience: Precision commands performed amidst high distractions and a unique program created by the trial judge on the day of the trial.
Jumps: Athleticism on display as dogs clear hurdles, palisades, and long jumps.
Protection: Courage is tested against a decoy with the attacks. In Mondioring the dog must go through a barrage without hesitation. Clear headedness, control and rigorous training is tested in the defense of handler, escorting and object guarding where the dog makes all his own choices without handler direction.

Mondio progresses through 3 levels, increasing in difficulty. It's a true testament to a clear-headed, well-trained working dog and the extraordinary partnership they share with their handler.

USMRA has added additional levels of its own to encourage to new participants. You can try the sport through a USMRA Brevet program, Obedience Only, or Obedience and Jumps Only. Give it a try you might like it!

What is mondio?

A person holding a gun with a Doberman dog leaping through the air towards the person on a grassy field, with onlookers in the background.

A Doberman dog playing fetch with a pink stick and hanging Christmas ornaments in a yard.

To Enter The Trial:

Membership Status: You will need to obtain a USMRA (US Mondioring Association) membership. Canadian Mondioring members may be able to obtain a waiver.
Scorebooks: Your dog must have an AWDF scorebook or other accepted scorebook. An AWDF scorebook is also accepted by French Ring and IGP. Additionally it also has specific sections for Breed Survey and UDC conformation shows and obedience trials.
Eligibility of dogs: Any dog is eligible to compete through December 31, 2026 through a variance granted by the FCI to USMRA! Afterwards, FCI Mondioring rules apply, which accepts only registered dogs, and males must have a veterinary form certifying the presence of your male’s original factory parts.
Sociability Test and Rabies: To enter a trial, your dog must have passed a basic sociability test. A CGC, BH-VT, CSAU are accepted or USMRA’s sociability test. Your dog’s rabies vaccination must also be up to date.
So now that you know, what are you waiting for?
Get ready with us for the great escape!

meet your Mondioring team

Mahogonay gamble

Mahogany began her journey in Mondioring 13 years ago when she was introduced to the sport by her mentor. She served as the USMRA president, has titled 3 dogs in Mondioring and one in French Ring, competed at the international level, and now she’s excited to serve as a judge within the sport.

Judge

Decoy

Tony is a highly skilled Level 3 Mondioring decoy with extensive experience working trials across the country, including USMRA Nationals and the 2025 Super Selection in Italy, where he placed 13th in the world. His expertise also extends into IGP and PSA, making him a well-rounded and highly technical decoy. Tony is a graduate of the Micheal Ellis School and has traveled the country to hone is skills as a decoy as well as working as training decoy for multiple clubs.

Anthony Sagstetter

Decoy

Paul is currently a certified decoy in Mondioring (Level 2) and French Ring (level 1), as well as a club level IGP Helper. He is currently the Chairman of the USMRA Decoy Committee. He grew up in Casper, Wyoming with hunting labrador retrievers and started playing competive dog sports in 2015.

Paul is interested in all aspects of dog training and is a TWC Certified Trainer. He started Cowboy K9 Training to help dog owners guide their dogs through life and have a strong conflict free bond.

Paul decoyed his first Mondioring trial in December, 2019 and has decoyed over 45 trials since then, despite his frequent travels. Paul has been instrumental in helping several clubs without decoys get the work they need to be successful, and has enabled multiple dogs to title due to his diligence and determination.

Paul and his dog, Carpe Omnia’s O’Pepper Di Noraa, stepped onto the Mondioring trial field for the first time in September, 2021. They have since earned FR1 and MR3 titles, and have competed at the USMRA Nationals in Level 2.

Paul lives in Colorado, and is a member and decoy with 5280 Ringsport.