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RA260 Lecture 2.2: Finishes

Behavior – Finish

AKC signs that require the finish behavior include:

Call Front Finish Right Forward, Call Front Finish Left Forward, Call Front Finish Right Sit, Call Front Finish Left Sit

The term “Finish” refers to the dog moving from a front position to heel position. The dog can either finish to the right or the left. A right finish means the dog moves to your right, wraps around your body, and ends up in heel position on your left side. A left finish means the dog moves to your left and ends in heel position on your left side. Some signs require a sit in heel position at the end, while others flow forward immediately. For this lecture, we’ll end the behavior in a sit. In the next class, we’ll focus on signs and how to move forward without a sit.

Sit Platforms and Pivot Bowls

If your dog has value for a sit platform, this can make teaching the finish much easier. A dog that loves the platform will be magnetized to it, which is helpful when shaping the behavior. If you've practiced any find heel exercises, you can use them here to teach the left finish. Place the platform in heel position with your dog on it. Mark and reward your dog a few times for being in heel, then use your treat chase marker (like “get it”) to toss a treat straight ahead. Let your dog find heel again, ideally without a lot of extra body cues. Keep your body neutral and avoid rotating your shoulders or shifting weight to assist your dog. You can use a pivot bowl instead of a platform; with the pivot bowl, don’t worry if the dog doesn’t sit. I teach my dogs not to sit on the bowl, but I expect a sit on the platform.

Naming the Behavior

Don’t name the behavior too early. I wait until the behavior is smooth and predictable, even if I’m still using props. Once your dog is confidently going to the platform or pivot bowl in heel, you can start using your chosen cue. My cue is “close.” I used to use “get in,” but I found it too similar to “get it.” Other common options include “swing” or “heel.”

Left Finish

When introducing the left finish, I typically start with the dog in front, either already on the platform or lured into that position. I’ll release the dog and use my hands to indicate I want him to go to the platform. You can use a lure if that’s easier. In the video below, I began with a sit platform in front and a pivot bowl at heel, then switched to just a sit platform in heel position.

Finish Left with No Platform

Once the dog has good value for heel, I remove the platform. This also works if you don’t want to use props at all. I begin by luring the dog into position, then fade the lure into a hand signal. Initially, I step back with my left foot to give the dog room to move into heel. Eventually, I fade the footwork and perform the finish with my feet stationary. In the video, you’ll see that I needed to cue Excel to sit. That only lasted one session; he figured it out quickly. Don’t worry about helping your dog in early sessions.

Finish Right with Platform or Pivot Bowl

The right finish can be a bit trickier because we naturally train heel position on our left. I usually introduce this by putting a prop in heel position and luring the dog around my body until they see the prop. I mark and reward when the dog gets into heel. If the dog struggles, you can mark and reward partway through the movement—such as when the dog is behind you—and again in heel.

Finish Right – Adding the Cue and Fading the Prop

Once your dog is consistently finishing right with a lure, begin to fade it into a hand signal. When your dog is confidently performing the finish, add your verbal cue. I use “around,” but feel free to use any cue that works for you. When your dog is solid with both cue and prop, start fading the prop. In this video, I introduced the “around” cue a little too early; Excel was still unsure. I’ll hold off on using the cue again until he’s more confident. At the end of the video, you’ll see me lure Excel into position without using any props.

Key Points Summary

• The finish behavior brings the dog from front to heel, either left or right
  
  
• Sit platforms and pivot bowls can help reinforce position and reduce errors
  
  
• Start by luring, then quickly fade to hand signals and verbal cues
  
  
• Don’t name the behavior until it’s predictable and smooth
  
  
• The left finish is usually easier; right finishes may need more support
  
  
• Fade props gradually and always reward a correct position generously

Homework

• Show me a few reps of your dog practicing finishes—either direction
  
  
• Use sit platforms, pivot bowls, or no props, depending on where you are in training
  
  
• Focus on one direction (left or right) if needed
  
  
• Show how you're rewarding—placement matters!
  
  
• If you’re adding the cue, let me know which one you’ve chosen