How to Train a Beagle to Go Potty Outside
Beagles adore food. This worship of food can help a beagle owner successfully house train a beagle puppy or adult dog. Beagles will do just about anything in order to be fed, including defecating or urinating outside. To help the beagle learn, the owner must clean up any accidents thoroughly and must learn the beagle's body language and normal elimination habits. Using a crate encourages beagles to hold their urine or feces until released, according to "Beagles" by Eve Adamson.
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Things You'll Need
- Collar and leash
- Small dog treats
- Enzyme-based cleaner
- House-training crate or dog gate
- Old newspapers or house-training pads (optional)
Instructions
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Take the beagle outside immediately when it shows signs of needing to urinate or defecate. Adamson's "Beagles" says these behaviors include walking in small circles, sniffing, and scratching the floor. If the yard is unfenced, use a collar and leash. Beagles also need to defecate after a long nap or evening sleep, after they eat and during exercise such as a walk. Always praise the beagle for squatting or lifting a leg in the right place. Carry food treats and reward your beagle.
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Clean accidents in the home thoroughly. The lingering scent of urine or feces cues a beagle as to where to go. The Humane Society of the United States recommends using an enzyme-based cleaner to remove these odors. Ammonia-based cleaners smell too much like urine to work. (See Reference 4)
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Choose either a house-training crate or a room in the home where the beagle can be confined when it cannot be supervised. This will keep accidents to a minimum. The crate needs to be large enough so the beagle can lie down and can turn around in it. Dogs try hard never to soil their beds. But if a crate is not practical, keeping the beagle in just one room such as a kitchen can also work. Lay down old newspapers or house-training pads to help minimize mess and to train the beagle to go in one spot in the room.
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Tips & Warnings
Any sudden change in urination or defecation habits could indicate a medical problem. If a beagle suddenly begins urinating or defecating in the home after months or years, take the dog to a vet as soon as possible.
Puppies and adult dogs may dribble urine when they are scared. Puppies will urinate like this when extremely excited, such as when meeting a human friend. Puppies grow out of urinating when excited, but no dog grows out of submissive urination, or urinating when frightened, according to Hilltop Animal Hospital. (See Reference 3)
Never rub a beagle's nose in its urine or feces found inside of the home. The beagle will not understand why it is being punished. Rubbing the dog's nose in mess may also encourage the dog to eat its poop, notes "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend." (See Reference 2)
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