Aggressive Beagle Behavior

Beagles can be good-natured, active pets, but aggression issues can make life with them difficult.

Beagles are, on the whole, relatively good-natured dogs. However, as with any dog, aggression issues can develop at any age if their needs aren't met. Fortunately, recognizing the cause and taking steps to remedy it can go a long way in restoring a happy beagle.

Types

Without exercise and stimulation, a puppy can become bored, destructive and aggressive.

When people adopt a beagle, they often don't realize how much exercise this little dog needs. Lack of exercise can result in boredom and frustration, which can be taken out on those around. Aggression from the first days of puppyhood could be a result of breeding, as beagles are known as dogs who have very distinct temperaments bred into them.

Considerations

Beagles are no different than their wild ancestors when it comes to pack mentality.

Firmly establishing a pecking order within the household will go a long way in curbing a beagle's aggressions. Snapping, growling and food aggression should not be tolerated, and when the beagle knows that the humans rank above him in his pack, these behaviors will stop. Establish humans as pack leaders; do not reward aggressive behavior. Keep the beagle off the furniture and "beneath" his human companions, and do not feed the dog first.

Significance

A lonely beagle can begin to act out.

A beagle is largely social, a dog that enjoys the company of people and likes meeting and making new friends. An aggressive beagle is a sign that something in the dogs' life or environment is wrong, whether it's a lack of exercise, a lack of leadership or a lack of social stimulation.

Potential

Encourage the good behaviors while discouraging the bad.

Instead of getting angry, look at the aggression as an opportunity to grow as a pack leader and alpha dog. The beagle is not aggressive through any fault of his own; use it as a teaching tool to firmly establish the pack order in the household and also to encourage good behaviors.

References

• Dog Obedience Advice: Agressive Beagles
• Jackpot Hounds: Beagle basics

Resources

• Your Purebred Puppy: Beagles