Training a Beagle
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What Motivates Beagles
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Beagles are incredibly sociable animals with seemingly insatiable appetites. They have also been bred to run miles and miles on the hunt. The best way to train beagles is to make sure they get regular exercise (including a walk of at least a half hour per day) and that they live in the home and interact with you. Don't keep them out in the yard all of the time. Randomly feed the beagle when he's calm and behaved. This makes you more interesting, and he will watch you more.
Food Rewards
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Beagles love food. Small, bite-size treats are sufficient motivation to get them to do something. For example, raising the food bowl over their heads will get them to sit. Say "sit" to pair the action with the command. Praise and give the food when they sit. Keep training sessions short. It's better to do three 5-minute sessions in a day than one 15-minute session. Always end with praise and affection.
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Proper Fencing
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Beagles are escape artists because they are scent hounds. They have been bred to follow an interesting smell to its source. This is why you must either have a fenced-in yard or keep the beagle on a leash at all times when outside of the home. Otherwise, he will wander. To keep beagles from digging up the yard, designate one area as a digging pit. Every time you see your beagle dig, take him over to the digging pit and encourage him to dig there. Burying treats in the pit will also encourage your beagle to use the pit.
Spaying and Neutering
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Spaying female beagles and neutering male beagles make them far more trainable and less likely to roam. They will also not act so bossy and will be more willing to let you be in charge.
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Resources
- Photo Credit The eager beagle. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
