Many of you know that Pam trained Miss Fox to the Utility level in NAVHDA, and is currently working on an AKC Rally title. But did you know that she is also working with a Mr. Fox? The natural ability is already at a highly developed degree, but there have been significant training challenges to deal with.

For example, the need to rodent hunt during fieldwork is a distraction. While casting, a sudden jump and chase frequently interferes with pointing. If that is not enough, steadiness while being buzzed by crows can ruin the whole sequence.

Pam has also worked on attention. The recall needs a ton of work because of this animal’s tendency to scratch. Scratching seems to be the way this animal blows off the trainer. In addition, she has tried a variety of whistles and calls, all of which seem to have little effect. Food is a risky proposition because of the need to eat on the fly. She once tried a stuffed toy as a reward but the choice of a mouse was perhaps a mistake: it disappeared in one gulp.

I give Pam great credit for perseverance, but if it were up to me, I would give this project up. You should see the drag, which makes Miss Fox look like a star! Where Miss Fox trembled at the thought of going out, this animal does not stop. It tends to eat the duck anyway. Water work? Forget it! There is no way Mr. Fox even thinks about going in preferring to hunt from shore, the stinker! Besides, I think the animal is a little gun-shy.

No I think I will stay with my wirehair, Mr. Quill, who is on his back muttering amateur!