Beagle Training 101
Now that you’ve brought home your Beagle, you’re going to have to teach him the rules of good behavior. This is especially true if your Beagle is a puppy. Before you begin your new dog’s training regime, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when training Beagles.
The Beagle was bred to be highly intelligent, independent and energetic. Many breeders report that a Beagle can be very headstrong, causing untold frustration for the owner trying to teach the dog basic training. Despite this, as you work with your Beagle, you will find that you will develop a strong bond with the dog.
Don’t try to start your training sessions when you are tired or frustrated with the animal. Without meaning to, the fatigue can cause you to be harsher than you mean to be. Instead, try to establish a routine where you have frequent, short training sessions throughout your and the dog’s day. Your dog will welcome the mental stimulation of learning something new, and the frequent sessions will help use up some of his natural energy. You want to make the training session is an activity your Beagle will be excited about and looks forward to. Also, be sure to use the Beagle’s favorite treat as a reward for performing well and make sure to lavish praise on the dog when he has performed correctly. In time, your praise will be all the dog needs.
A Beagle is also one of the hounds trained to use its scent ability for things like hunting, tracking drugs or finding bombs. For this reason, the Beagle is a breed that tends to follow its nose to the exclusion of everything else when it finds a scent or series of smells to hold its attention. Keeping this in mind you need to train your Beagle to walk on the lease in the “heel” position, otherwise, the Beagle will be able to use his considerable strength to drag you along behind him as he follows his nose. Likewise, you will need to keep the Beagle on a leash whenever you walk him or you could lose him as he will pay more attention to whatever scent he is following than your attempts to bring him back to you.
When house training your Beagle, most breeders agree that using the crate to train with supervision and a set schedule is the most effective way. Be sure to use plenty of praise when he uses goes to the bathroom outside like he’s supposed to. And if he makes a mistake, you need to catch him right when he does it and take him outside immediately, otherwise the lesson is lost. Keep in mind that the old method of rubbing his nose in his mistake will do nothing more than cause him to fear you and there is a good chance he will not understand the lesson you a trying to teach.
No dog is born knowing every rule, so it will take a little time for your dog to get used to you and the words you use to train your Beagle, especially if the animal is young. Remember to be patient, consistent and positive and you will soon see the rewards of your hard work.
Jul 14, 2009 | 0 | beagle training