Beagles are medium to small dogs of the hound group.
They're traditionally used for trailing and often for
search dogs. Beagles are strongly, maybe more so
than many other breeds, inclined to pack life. If your
life style calls for your dog spending lots of time on his own, a Beagle may not be a great choice for you.
Being strongly pack oriented doesn't mean that they actually need to live with other dogs. Humans are considered pack members too. It need not be a large pack, just you and your dog is enough, but solitude
isn't the Beagle’s natural state.
If you don't have time to spend with your pet you may want to rethink your choice. But, having said all that, if you are able to spend time with him your Beagle will be a wonderful, funny, loyal and intelligent companion. Taking this into consideration and remembering it throughout your dogs training will help the two of you develop a successful relationship.
In all the dealings you have with your Beagle from puppy hood throughout his life you need to make it very clear that you are the alpha figure or the pack leader. If you fail to be firm and consistent the stubborn tendency inherent in the breed will assert its self and your Beagle will soon be dominating you. In every step of your training and relationship with any dog it's important to remember that dogs enjoy training and want to do what you want them to do.
If your Beagle does begin to show dominating behaviors such as refusing to get off the sofa or not giving way when you attempt to take an object from him it is his way of showing that you have lost your alpha position and the respect that goes with it. This isn't a sign that he doesn't like you, but rather that he is taking over the leadership of the pack out of preconceived necessity for the good of all the pack members. Don't take it personally, just take your position back and don't let it happen again. He won't resent it or stop being your friend.
Many behaviors that are considered unacceptable are natural to dogs. The key is to train your dog to know when a certain behavior is OK, when it isn't and to stop when commanded to do so.
Digging
Digging is natural to all dogs and Beagles are no exception. The first thing to determine if digging becomes a problem is why your dog is doing it. In the case of Beagles you must remember that they are very intelligent and may have a good reason to dig.
Check to be sure his surroundings are comfortable. He may be digging in the summer to create a cool ,soft bed or in the winter to make a cozy hollow to lie in. If you need to make changes to his environment to accommodate these needs then do so. Every dog needs a kennel and a cool spot to lie down in hot weather.
The leading cause of problem digging is boredom and loneliness. As mentioned, Beagles are especially prone to loneliness and separation anxiety. If you do need to leave him alone for significant stretches of time then be sure to provide him with plenty of toys and chew items to engage him mentally. The puzzle toys that release treats when manipulated will help him pass the time.
Remember that Beagles are active dogs who need plenty of exercise and provide him with enough activity to keep him fit and cut down on boredom. In the case of a Beagle, he may just enjoy digging. If you've taken care of his physical requirements and he keeps digging it may be that he simply considers it a good time. Many owners have had success setting aside a small area of the yard or even creating an enclosed sand box with sand and soil to give their Beagle an approved place to dig.
The method of training to insure he sticks to the right area is to spend time in the yard with him. If he begins to dig outside the area tell him “No,” in a firm voice and pick him up and move him to the area you want him to use. You can dig a little with your hand to give him the idea. Praise him for digging in the right place. Keep this up and he'll soon get the message. If he continues to dig in the wrong places you can use a reverse sensitizing strategy of placing pieces of poo in the holes. Dogs usually don't want to recreate in close proximity to feces and this will at least keep him out of that area.
Click on the menu at the top of the page "Dog Breeds" or click the link below here and you will find some insights into the characteristics and training issues of some of the most popular breeds for you to consider as you do your research. Dog Breeds
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