ZENFULdog of the Month: Worker

Welcome to the February 2025 edition of ZENFULdog of the Month featuring our lovable star—Worker, the hard-headed, wire-haired pointing griffon! Worker epitomizes a shaggy dog with a medium-length brown and white coat and a scruffy appearance. He is a beloved family member to his doting pet-parents, Chad and Guylaine, and a favourite among our ZENFULdog Training community.

Worker 

Age: 9 months old

Meet Worker’s Family

(Chad & Guylaine—Worker’s pet-dad and pet-mom): Chad is 38 and the owner of Natural Design Landscapes in Cornwall. Worker’s pet-mom, Guylaine, works in the business as well. 

Worker also has a dog-sister named Estelle and a human-sister named Maggie (who's in grade one).

Worker and Estelle

Worker's Personality According to Chad: Worker is an extremely smart dog who wants to live life on his terms but he's happy to play ball with the right incentives. Worker wants to be a friend to everyone and he's one happy-go-lucky pup!

Chad Shares The Most Unique Thing about Worker: Worker likes to complain whenever his sister, Estelle, is given a bone before he is—he howls like a hound dog and puts up a fuss until he gets one too.

Worker's favourite Treats/Foods according to Chad: “Worker loves a freshly cracked egg over his dog food or the occasional feast from the garbage whenever he's feeling sneaky—his favourite unauthorized meal is spaghetti.”

Chad Lists Worker’s Favourite Activities: Worker’s favourite activities are strolling off-leash in the winter mornings surrounded by his 10+ doodle friends, and learning new tricks with Chad in the evenings at home for treats.

Chad Explains How Worker Unwinds After a Full Day of Activity: When it’s time to unwind, Worker loves nothing more than cozying up by the fireplace, soaking in the warmth. Or, you’ll find him perched by the giant front window, his gaze dreamy and distant as he envisions his next great outdoor adventure.

If Worker had a human voice: Chad believes Worker would sound like Billy Bob Thorton: “As a bird dog, I'm sure he's got some Southern drawl in there somewhere.”

Worker’s Training 

Worker embarked on his training journey at ZENFULdog Training in late summer or early fall of 2024. He has successfully navigated through Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 training, showcasing his incredible learning abilities. Worker also participated in the Couch to 5K Canicross program, proving that he's not only a smart pup but an active and determined athlete!

Chad Tells Us How Training Has Shaped Worker: Chad feels that training has helped Worker in many ways. Worker knows all his basic commands as well as appropriate social skills (although they are still working on those): “Training has given Worker discipline that I think every puppy needs and it's enforcing a work-time mentality that he can switch in and out of when I need him to.” 

Chad Describes Worker’s Biggest Training Challenges/Successes: “The biggest challenge I've had to face with Worker would likely be overcoming his strong will. He's a stubborn dog and while he loves to impress me and show me that he's capable of learning, he wants to do it all on his terms and training with treats doesn't always work with him.”

Worker has achieved incredible success through his training journey. More often than not, he was among the first to grasp most commands. This success didn't stop at the ZENFULdog—Worker continued to excel at home, where Chad has taught him a variety of fun tricks that have deepened their bond.

Chad recalls Worker’s Most Rewarding Moments of Training in Action: “The most rewarding moments I've had with Worker would probably be when he looks at me for approval on things. Honestly, I thought he didn't even like me for the first few months—I'm still not sure if he does. But when he comes to lie with me on the couch or when he looks at me to see if he's allowed to do something it makes me feel like we're at least getting there!”

Chad adds: “I've always wanted a dog I can do everything with. We're not there yet but we're trying and I have no doubt that Worker will be that dog. I started training with Worker because I didn't want to spend the next 14 years frustrated with my dog. We're both learning together and I think that's the most important part of having a pet.”

Kendra adds: “I absolutely adore the dedication and positive vibes the Quenneville family exudes while training their fabulous pup, Worker! Their enthusiasm and positive attitude shine through in every class they attend. Worker himself is an incredible dog. His laser-focus during skills classes with his pet-dad and his boundless energy on the trails during canicross are truly impressive.

Being in his adolescent stage, Worker is still full of playful energy and occasionally needs a good brain break while learning—don’t we all? He is a great family dog and canisport dog. Plus, he is a big sweetheart and a very good-looking Griffon! 

Even my dog Ren, who is usually very focused, couldn't resist Worker’s charm during their first canicross run together. She was so taken with him that she just wanted to play, which says a lot about Worker’s lovable nature. I am incredibly proud of the hard work the Quenneville family has put into training Worker. They’ve raised a wonderfully balanced dog who can enjoy a myriad of activities and adventures!”

A heartfelt “Thank You!” to Chad for providing fantastic content for this feature! Don’t forget you can follow ZENFULdog Training on Facebook to stay connected with your like-minded, dog-loving community every day!