How to decide if a Beagle is right for you

Beagles are very appealing dogs because of their appearance and low maintenance requirements.

Consider carefully because this is breed that will challenge you and definitely one that will try your patience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time- you need to be able to spend some time every day with your beagle.
• Friends or relatives who can house your beagle for short periods if you travel or go on vacation
• Willingness to train your dog
• Patience- as they challenge you for top-dog position often

1. Decide if you have the right lifestyle for a beagle. Apartment dwellers beware. This is not an apartment dog for many reasons- say: howling...
   You need to spend about 20 minutes playing with your beagle, and at least 30 minutes walking. Rain or shine. These numbers are a start. The more the better obviously. Beagles are people dogs and do not like to be alone.

2. Do you have the right personality for a beagle? Although all dogs are pack animals, this is quite obvious in beagles. Beagles like to dominate and you will need to learn the signs of this (for example, "liking" can be a form of dominance) - and deal with it.

3. Can you run? If your beagle gets out of the yard, or you let him off leash for any reason and he bolts, can you catch him? This is necessary. The reality is - you probably won't be able to catch him, so training him to obey your voice is key, and is related to step 2.

4. Will he fit in with your family and friends? Although beagles are lovable, in fact; everyone will tell you how cute your dog is- but watch closely because your friends will tire of your dog's affections quickly.

5. Can you be consistent with your training? Ask your self this honestly. As mentioned, the dominant pack-nature of this animal means that it will challenge for position (and there are many web sits about this). This is not bad, it just means that the earlier your dominance is established, the better. It will also be easier for you to re-assert it if you create it early.

6. Can you understand that discipline and anger are not related? You must be able to take your anger out of your discipline. Most people cannot, and this is why there are beagle shelters. Your beagle will make you angry.

Tips & Warnings

• make sure you have the room in your home and in your life for a beagle.
• make sure your friends and family welcome your choice- as beagles love people.
• remember to be consistent in your training.
• use a crate for training.
• keep your beagle near you at night, in your room if possible, but not on the bed.
• one look at a beagle puppy can make you fall in love with it.
• they are fun dogs and it's easy to be lax in your training. This will be a disaster later.
• be prepared for some loss of property. You can not be everywhere at once and beagles get bored and chew..