ZENFUL Dog of the Month: Odin

Welcome to the January 2022 edition of ZENFUL Dog of the Month featuring Odin! Odin is a super sweet and smart boy who revels in learning with his pet family, loves everyone instantly and wants to be everyone's friend. Odin joined the Allard family in June 2020 when he was just 7 weeks old.

Odin

Age: 19 months

Meet Odin’s Family:

Kristina (Odin’s mom): Initially, the family thought that Odin would be ‘the kid’s dog,’ but he turned out to be Kristina’s baby. Kristina has been Odin’s primary trainer—taking him to ZENFULdog training classes and to ZENFULdog Cani-Trail Club. She takes Odin everywhere, even to her office.

John (Odin’s dad): John was initially resistant to adopting a dog but eventually agreed to the idea after 22 years of Kristina’s gentle persuasion. Since then, John and Odin have become great companions. Odin seems to work extra hard to gain John’s love and attention.

Simon (16) and Katherine (13)—(Odin’s siblings): Simon and Katherine are Odin’s favourite playmates. Katherine is very good at brushing Odin and providing him with mental stimulation. Simon and Katherine both exercise Odin—he knows the word ‘walk’ so they amble, stroll, march, saunter, hike, promenade.

Odin's Personality: Odin is playful, goofy, loving, loyal and energetic. Kristina says the best part of having Odin in their family is the extreme dance party celebration he throws for them every time they return home— even if they’ve only been gone 10 minutes.

Most Unique Thing about Odin according to Kristina: “As a puppy at ZENFULdog, Odin loved learning to stand on various objects to earn a treat. Since Odin is a ‘pandemic puppy’ and we do a lot of online shopping, he quickly learned that interesting packages frequently arrive at our front door. He happily greets every delivery driver with a friendly wagging tail and waits to inspect their delivery. Next, he sits on the box, regardless of its size or shape…and waits for a treat.”

Odin's favourite Treats/Foods: Odin loves all food! Cheese and peanut butter are among his favourites.

Odin’s Favourite Activities:

• Playing fetch—especially with his favourite red Kong squeaky ball

• Car rides

• Walks

• Playing with other dogs

• Belly rubs

How Odin Unwinds After a Full Day of Activity: Outdoors, Odin enjoys sniffing the wildlife tracks that animals like rabbits and squirrels leave behind at night in the backyard. He puts his nose into every single footprint they leave in the snow. Indoors, when he is completely relaxed, Odin stretches out and sleeps on his back—always ready for a belly rub.

If Odin had a human voice: Kristina thinks that if Odin had a human voice, he would sound like beloved Canadian actor—Ryan Reynolds.

Odin’s Training

Odin’s family is committed to continuous education and socialization. The ZENFULdog family loves having them in classes, socials and on Cani-Trail hikes. Odin is happiest in class if he can be on something elevated, whether it's a platform, bolder or a cardboard box; he is a parkour superstar!

Kristina Tells Us How Training has Shaped Odin: “ZENFULdog guided us in training Odin to be the best version of himself and a great fit for our family. ZENFULdog Cani-Trail Club has been a great way to connect with other dog families. Odin has learned to walk along with his friends while staying attentive to mom and focusing his attention when needed. Kendra is truly ‘The Puppy Whisperer’ and Odin responds instantly to her voice. She has been amazing at correcting behaviours as they arise.”

Odin’s Biggest Training Challenges: Odin was easily distracted and impulsive when walking on leash. Kendra helped the family teach Odin how to pay attention to his walker. He learned to calmly watch cars and people pass by without barking or trying to chase them.

Kristina describes Odin’s Biggest Training Success: “As a very young pup, Odin learned to ring a bell to go outside. He uses the bell very consistently and knows he can quickly get our attention by ringing the bell. This is especially useful when we are busy or in another room.”

Kristina tells us about Odin’s Most Rewarding Training Moments: “In the summer of 2021, we took Odin on a long road trip to the East Coast. He was calm for long days in the car and was a great camping companion on hikes and on beaches. We had the opportunity to take Odin to an outdoor restaurant patio and I was worried about him being disruptive to other guests but he was amazing! He laid down under our table, the waiter brought him a bowl of water and he looked at other nearby dogs without barking. He knew it was time to be calm and to relax. It was such a success that we were able to enjoy other patios later in the week as well.”

Kendra adds: “Odin always wants my attention, especially if another dog is on the receiving end of my love. I am happy to oblige him with some love and to tell him how handsome he is! He has these long eyelashes and he makes me think of the dog ‘Max’ from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Kristina is such an amazing person and I love to chat with her on trails and share parenting antics as much as dog ones! Her beautiful kids, Simon and Katherine, have done such a fabulous job teaching Odin and sharing adventures with him too.”

A very happy and healthy New Year to you all from ZENFULdog! Don’t forget that you can follow ZENFULdog Training on Facebook to stay connected to your like-minded dog-loving community every day.

Also, a very special “Thank You!” goes out to Kristina for providing so much of the content for this feature.