John R. Kenner

It has been 45 years since I went to obedience training with John Kenner at Kenner's Kennels in Mira Loma, California. I was a 26 year old college student who had been given a female Samoyed. Sogi was a beautiful, big, strong willed and stubborn dog and I knew I needed help with her. I had been told that John Kenner was the best and so I decided to enroll in his class. Sogi got some real hands on training from John, because when he wanted to demonstrate a correction, he would use Sogi, being pretty sure she would not perform the first time! I was terrified a lot of the time in that class because I did not have the ability then to be the calm, assertive leader/master of my beautiful dog! I have trained a few dogs since then and have always wondered if John ever incorporated the principals of operant conditioning in his training. My next four dogs were so much easier to train using a small treat to reward wanted behavior. But.I know that John Kenner loved and understood dogs! It sounds as if John lived a full and rewarding life! I will always treasure what I learned from him and, to this day, "Phooey" is the word I use to mark incorrect behavior!

So many wonderful memories with uncle John and aunt euni during my childhood. I'm so sorry I didn't know about this sooner. John Jr (cousin), I have no way of contacting you but I have a lot of pics and stuff of your mom. I'm sorting through all of it because your aunt Ella passed away last year. Please call me 702-336-5633. Love to you and your family. Tricia (patty) Horst

John was a sure delight. I was so surprised to see he had went to heaven in our neighborhood booklet today. He was such a gentleman and I will truly miss him. Sincerely, Patty Durbin

John was my one of my most loved customers at work and he will be forever missed. I switched branches 6 months ago and missed seeing him and hearing about his grand daughter and how well she was doing in college. John and I would always make sure to make time to say hello even if I was busy with another customer, sometimes he would even wait for me when he was done so he could show me the newest letter or picture from his granddaughter (he talked very highly of her). You could tell they truly loved each other. My prayers go out to the family and friends that truly lost an incredible soul. RIP John Kenner!

I trained many dogs over the years with John Kenner and became good friends with his wife Eunice. John really loved training dogs and the humans that came along for the ride. I remember him clearly telling everyone in class that it wasn't the dog making the mistake but the human holding the leash. John and Eunice were such a loving and dedicated couple. However on the first night of class, John could be very intimidating. After that first night you realized he was a lovable Teddy Bear.
My sincere sympathy to John Kenner II, Christopher Kenner and Kati Kenner. Your father/grandfather was a wonderful man. Remember the good times. Leslie Axel Davis Dellaro, Riverside.

My dog Heidi and I became best of friends through John's teaching and the enthusiastic encouragement of Eunice who was on the sidelines often during class. The boarding services were superb and a source of pride for John. I am thankful to have benefited from John's excellence. Sincere sympathy to the Kenner family and loved ones. Katie Wider, Riverside, CA.

Phooey is the word I soon learned for disciplining my dogs when training with John. I think I learned more than my dogs. He was such a kind man but you didn't want to show up not having done your homework! I will always remember John and Eunice.

We always remember how he helped train our problem cocker spaniel down at a sckool at Fremont school. Also his friendship with a long time employee of mine -Jerry Mann.

John will always be remembered for his patience, knowledge, and kindness. Our unruly German Shepherd loved John, and John loved him. Our condolences to John's family. He was one of a kind. John is shown with our GSD Danny in a Press Enterprise ad on April 17, 1976.

Mr. Kenner was a good, decent and generous man. His mentorship of my sister and brother-in-law when they were starting their own kennel in Mira Loma not only provided them invaluable business advice and support, but lead also to their ensuing lifelong friendship. His impact on their lives is unforgettable and I know they will miss him very much.

There is a special place in heaven for folks like Mr. Kenner who devote their lives to dogs and helping those most in need. I never met Mr. Kenner, but have heard many, many stories about him over the years-may he rest in peace.

Anyone that hears the work "Phooey" will think of John Kenner. He not only taught my dogs, he taught me about the discipline of owning dogs. He was quite a character, one I won't forget. Hopefully he is getting a warm greeting from all the dogs from his past that he loved.