How to Housebreak a Beagle Puppy

It is commonly believed that beagle puppies are more difficult to housebreak than other breeds. However, beagles have been trained by humans for centuries, and are well suited to taking on the task of being housebroken. The most important things to remember when you housebreak a beagle puppy are to supervise, praise and reward, and to refrain from violence.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog treats
• Newspaper

1. Keep the beagle puppy under constant supervision. Stay on constant watch for any potential warning signs such as sniffing or suddenly leaving the room. These signs often indicate that the beagle puppy is searching for a place to relieve himself.

2. Take the beagle puppy to a predetermined location for defecating, such as a newspaper or outdoors. Stand with the puppy until he does his business. Other good times to take the puppy out are after eating and sleeping.

3. Praise the puppy once he relieves himself in the right place. Start the praise right after the puppy begins to go. Wait until after it is underway, so as not to interrupt or distract the puppy. Provide the puppy with a treat immediately after finishing, and then take the puppy back inside or to the rest of the house.

4. Scold the puppy verbally if he relieves himself in an inappropriate location, but never harm or strike him. Also, never scold after the fact, only if you catch the puppy in the act. Doing so afterward will confuse the puppy, and he won't know what he's in trouble for.

5. Use a newspaper to absorb as much urine as possible from any indoor accidents. The next time you take the puppy outside to pee, take the newspaper and set it down near the puppy. The scent of urine will indicate that it's a good place to go and will encourage him.

6. Continue this cycle of constant monitoring and praise until eventually, the puppy will want to relieve himself in the proper place.

Tips & Warnings

• Get on a schedule with your beagle. Feed him at the same time every day and take him out to go after, until he gets in the habit of going after eating every day. Always stay outside with the dog until he finishes his business. Some dogs may become nervous that they will be left outside if you go inside. Being outside also ensures that you are around to reward and praise the puppy as soon as he relieves himself.

• Harming the puppy will decrease his trust in you, and make him fearful and nervous around you. This will cause him to be much less likely to relieve himself around you, especially if he was harmed in the process of relieving himself.

References

• Book: Training Your Beagle; Kristine Kraeuter; 2001