Raising Kippers

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, I’ve come to believe it also takes one to raise a well-adjusted dog. Having lived on a farm, outdoors all alone in a concrete pen for the first six months of his life, Kippers came to us with many challenges. Having had four other dogs, we were familiar with the usual puppy learning experiences. Becoming house trained, basic manners, and walking on a leash. These things were a given. But the trust issues, skittishness, and especially the high-pitched constant fear barking was not. It seemed as if any sound, opening a door, turning on the dishwasher, even a beeping kitchen timer, would set him off. Once he got into a barking frenzy, it was extremely difficult to calm him down.

So, our first step was hiring a dog trainer to come to our home. She instructed us on many Doggie Dos and Don’ts. Because of his reactionary tendencies she warned us about introducing him to other dogs right away. She also mentioned that because of his lack of early socialization, he may never be comfortable around other dogs. That notion made my heart sink. So, our focus became getting Kippers acclimated to people first. Fortunately for us, we have kind neighbors who knew our other dogs and wanted to get to know Kippers, too. We explained the situation and how best to approach him, low to the ground, outstretched hand, no sudden movements. With patience, persistence, and perseverance Kippers now wags his tail and looks forward to getting pets from everyone on our block. Yay!

Next, was enrolling him in puppy classes for obedience training. Because Kippers was still reactionary, we began with semi-private lessons that included just a few other dogs meeting in local parks. Time and effort paid off as we’ve now graduated to the beginner group! This trainer expanded on what we learned from the first. Everything from understanding Kippers’ body language, to using positive reinforcement. He also explained that there’s a certain protocol for dogs meeting other dogs, which did not include letting them go up to any and all dogs they meet. He advised that owners only let their dogs engage with other dogs whose owners they know, and whose dogs behave the way they want their dogs to behave.

Then, we sought out assistance from two dog walking sitters. We’ve known one for more than 20 years, and the other, while new to us, came highly recommended.  Both are compassionate and gentle with Kippers. Such life savers! We can now go to the gym, on appointments, and out to eat without worrying. And we’ve even enjoyed a few overnighters this summer!  How wonderful for all of us!

As with any new addition to the family, we’ve been consumed with caring for Kippers since we brought him home eight months ago. We’re always trying to be sure we’re doing the right things, the right ways, so we don’t set him back in any way. So, what happened on an early Sunday morning about a month ago, surprised us. No, stunned would be a more accurate word.

Walking Kippers on an open stretch of road, not a soul in sight, we could all relax. No people to encounter. No dogs to avoid. Just us enjoying ourselves. That is until we saw a runner, a tall thin man wearing neon orange sneakers up ahead, bounding straight towards us. Trying to decide if we should cross the street, the man quickly approached and said, “Hi Kippers!” He slowed down long enough to fish a dog treat from his pocket and offer it to Kippers, who gratefully accepted. Before we could even say anything, he mentioned that he met Kippers and his Bull Mastiff friend in the park with MJ. He also commented on Kippers’ athletic ability calling him, “the fastest dog in the park”. Then, poof! Tall thin man was gone!

Dazed we wondered, did this man have the right dog? Most likely, yes. It would be hard to mistake Kippers for any other dog. First, he’s a beagle. Though everyone we come across says they had a beagle when they were a kid, it seems no one in their right mind would choose one to own as an adult. Second, though his barking is mostly under control, if you heard him bark even once, you will never forget the sound or the dog it emanated from. Third, Kippers is not a common name like Duke, Buddy, or Prince. When we say his name is Kippers, people look at us quizzically and we say, “it means little fish” which still doesn’t make much sense, after all he is a dog. If you’re curious, we named him Kippers because it was Robert’s dad’s favorite food, and we thought the name was cute.

While we continued our walk, we tried to unravel this mystery…Who was MJ? Who was the Bull Mastiff?  Who was tall thin man? Why did he have dog treats on him? And, why the bright orange sneakers?  The only thing we knew is that the park had to be Wendy Park where we walk every day. Then we began to wonder…did Kippers have a secret life we knew nothing about?

From my journal: July 12, 2021, Newbury Park, California

“Streamed “The Secret Life of Pets 2” and watched it together today…ha! Both us wondered what pets really do when we’re not home. Reese’s guess was that they met their friends for lunch! My guess? They just slept – but I like her idea better.”

A day or two later, on our usual morning stroll through the park, who did we see standing in the middle of the grass field talking to another man with a large dog on a leash? None other than tall thin man! Kippers’ tail began wagging as did the big dog’s tail in the distance. Clearly, they all knew each other. Cautiously heading their way, they waved us over. Tall thin man introduced himself as Kyle, aka the dog treat dispenser. Lon, the other man, we learned lived just a street over, and his 115-pound Bull Mastiff? He was Kippers’ friend Oakley! It’s then the pieces all came together. MJ had brought Kippers to the park whenever she sat for him, and of course, she was our new dog walking sitter who we only knew as Mary Jo.

Our dogs greeted each other just the way dog friends do…bobbing and weaving together, smiling, giving chase. This was the first time we ever saw Kippers play with another dog, and I have to say it was so heartwarming it brought tears to my eyes. We laughed at being amused, as well as relieved. And as it turns out, Kippers really can run very fast!

When we returned home, we contacted Mary Jo and told her of our adventure in the park. She said, yes Kippers and Oakley love to play together and she was glad we all met. We are, too.

Kippers is now thriving. Still in Obedience training, we are now taking Agility and Scent classes, too. Each session exercises his body, stimulates his mind, and channels his energy in constructive ways. Introducing him to new people, dogs, and situations has been good for all of us. And the community support we continue to receive is a Godsend. It has boosted his confidence, well-being, and enjoyment of life. And, ours, too.