As I look back on my journey of my free inquiry project, I have realized how much has changed from my original goals. I had planned for so much more tricks to be completed, but I underestimated how much time I had. Additionally, I was faced with an additional challenge of George injuring himself. 

I definitely spent more time with training George how to wipe his paws over the snoot challenge. Wiping paws took a couple hours to teach him, plus editing the video took me an hour or so. I still get him to wipe his paws daily on the rug. However, he had not yet gained the habit of automatically wiping his paws. It more so is him coming inside and running to the treat jar and expecting a treat, then I lead him to the mat and command him to wipe his paws. He sometimes gets confused and does a spin or just stomps on the mat. However, after a few points and commands, he will wipe his paws. Honestly, I am glad that I took the time to teach him this as it has become a useful trick and semi limits the muddy pawprints!

I honestly have no idea how people can individually train their dog to do the snoot challenge. It was impossible for me to do it alone. Due to the fact I required external help to teach him the trick, I didn’t have as long to train him that I had originally hoped for. I will admit, I have not continued to practice this trick ever since.

Tracing back to George’s injury, he is doing much better now. I can occasionally play fetch with him but I make sure that it is not a rigorous activity. Its hard to remove fetch from his life as it is his favourite thing to do in the world. The best I can do are light tosses, making sure the ball does not bounce, and being in tune to as soon as he is starting to become tired. A few days ago, however, I did play fetch with him knowing my dad had played earlier. That night, he did wake me with a few soft cries but then by the next day he was okay. I guess I will have to baby him forever now!

Ultimately, I enjoyed having the chance to spend more time with my dog for an assignment. In being so busy with school, I do not have the same amount of time that I would wish to have with him. This inquiry got me started in training him again as I had a long period of not. Hopefully this summer I can continue on and teach him the tricks I had planned!

Ta ta for now! -Miranda and George tapping out