Why My Dogs Get Just as Excited About “Finish” as They Do About Finding the Hide
(And What That Has to Do with Loopy Training)
If you’ve been at one of our workshops, you’ve probably heard talk about loopy training. It’s the idea that good training doesn’t run in a straight line—it flows in smooth, intentional loops.
And one of the most under appreciated (but powerful) parts of that loop? The moment you say “Finish.”
These days I’ve noticed that, as we have consistently been calling “Finish” - my dogs get just as excited about hearing “Finish” as they do about actually finding the hide.
Yes, really.
Not because they’ve given up on sniffing. Not because the game is over. But because they know what’s coming next—a reset, a pause, and another chance to play. “Finish” doesn’t mean we’re done, it means reinforcement is coming. And that’s exciting when your training loop is clear, predictable, and fun. It also allows every search or loop to end on a high, which builds joy for the game. I have to thank Michele Ellertson for introducing me to this concept for Scent Work training.
Why It Matters for Dogs
It brings clarity
Dogs don’t have to guess when the search is over. They know exactly what’s expected—and that builds confidence.It prevents disconnect
No more post-reward wandering, over-arousal, or that confused “should I keep working?” look. “Finish” makes things clear.It creates rhythm
Dogs love patterns. When every rep follows the same loop, the training feels familiar and easy to follow—even as you add complexity.It becomes reinforcing
When “Finish” consistently leads to another opportunity to search (and earn reinforcement), it starts to carry positive meaning all on its own. It becomes part of the fun.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
When my dogs hear “Finish,” they get excited! Why? Because they know what’s coming. They like the structure. They trust the rhythm. They’re in sync with the process—and that shows. And we make Reinforcement a joyful event!
So if you’ve been skipping the end cue or treating it like an afterthought, try folding it back into your loop. Make it matter. Make it consistent. Make it a meaningful part of the rep—not just a throwaway line.
Because when your training flows… your dog feels it.
How “Finish” Becomes Part of the Training Loop
Here’s what a clean training loop in scent work might look like:
Start point (crate, mat, or verbal cue)
Search the area
Find and get reinforced
Hear “Finish”
Return to start
Do it again
When we consistently include “Finish” as part of that cycle, dogs learn that it’s not an end—it’s a transition. A link between reps. A moment that says: Well done, let’s go again.
Bonus Tip:
If you’ve ever seen your dog look around after reinforcement as if to ask “Are we still working?”, a clean, cheerful “Finish!” right after the reward gives them the clarity they need. Then, guide them back to the start, reload your hides, and you’re ready for another clean loop.
