No finish in obedience is valued a _____ point loss?

• A. 2 points
• B. 3 points
• C. 5 points
• D. 6 points

Answer: (C)

In obedience scoring, faults are assigned point deductions based on how serious the lapse is. Not finishing in obedience is a substantial fault because it means the dog didn’t complete the commanded exercise, which undermines the demonstration of control and drive through to the end.

That kind of incomplete finish carries a 5-point deduction, a middle-range penalty that reflects its importance to the overall performance. It’s more serious than small hesitations or minor off-cue errors, but not the maximum penalty you’d see for the most severe disobedience or unsafe behavior.

To improve, focus on the finish cue: practice finishing from heel with a clear, consistent cue, reward the dog for completing the finish, and gradually increase distance and distractions so the dog can reliably finish under realistic conditions.