How to Train a Beagle Not to Howl
Originally bred for hunting, the beagle developed a howl over generations that could carry for miles, letting hunters know when he had found the prey. Today, beagles are rarely used as hunting dogs, but their howl remains. If you adopt a beagle, you're adopting a dog who is more vocal than average. For your own peace and for your neighbors' peace, plan on spending time training him not to howl.
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Instructions
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1
Get your beagle neutered if he is male, which will make training go easier. Unaltered male beagles are likelier to develop the habit of howling than are females or unaltered males.
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2
Choose a single word for a "quiet" command, which you will use to remind your dog not to howl whenever he starts howling. Use a word that's easy to remember and that you don't usually use in the presence of your dog.
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3
React as soon as your beagle begins howling. If she is howling in response to something in the environment, first acknowledge or investigate the cue. You don't want to teach your dog to be quiet even when she thinks there's danger. After you check on the reason for the howl, clap your hands to get your beagle's attention.
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4
Make sure you have your beagle's attention. Hopefully, you've startled him enough with your clap that he stops vocalizing. If not, get his attention by making eye contact or even by touching him. Give the "quiet" command and provide an immediate food reward if he is not howling. If he continues vocalizing, keep giving the command and reward him as soon as he is quiet.
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Repeat Steps 4 and 5 whenever your beagle begins howling.
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Notice the situations in which your beagle howls. Sometimes, your dog might howl to show separation anxiety or boredom. If you dog howls for these reasons, you will need to solve these underlying problems as you train.
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Predict the situations in which your beagle may howl, so you can redirect her energy whenever she is about to do so. Engaging her in other activities will help her see that there are more rewarding activities than howling.
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