Hi - for all you obedience people, which finish do you use?  The one where the dog comes round your body (the continental one??) or the one where the dog does it all on the left hand side?  And why do you use the one you do? Thanks :)

Actually you have got them mixed up ;-), The dog heeling to the left is known as the German finish(well it was when people first started using it)& sending the dog round the back to the right is the traditional UK way. I teach my dogs both & use both. This way the dog positions itself in the correct position to do a straight present as it never knows which way I am going to use

I always did the German one but then she started anticipating the finish, so I introduced the other one and problem was solved.  I find the German one gets a more accurate position on the end result, so I save it for when she has worked a good round. ;)

I've only ever taught the German one. The lady who taught my dog training classes always said that in her opinion, the dog was slightly more likely to become distracted while going round your body for the UK finish. I must say that my lurcher always gave a lovely straight finish the German way. We used to practise in the kitchen, next to the cupboards so that they and my body made a sort of "tunnel"  and he could'nt go too wide, and had to turn right round and stay straight :)

Might try the UK one next though, just for variety :)

Used to pick whichever the dog was best at, since having started for a new trainer a couple of years ago now only do left one as the way we train it is next to a wall so the dog learns from day one to be really close -it cannot GET further away as there is no space. :)

I try and vary my finish, which isnt difficult as each has a different command. I found that by varying it, my girl was more attentive, as she could not predict what was going to happen. Personally I favour the right hand finish, as she came in tighter and positioned herself better. And for any who may aske YES amazingly it is my afghan who does obedience!

I use the continental one usually (all on the left side) but my girl knows the English one too, we use it occasionally so she doesn't start anticipating and sitting crooked. :-)