Does this sound familiar? You take your dog for a walk, and it pulls so hard on the leash it ends up walking on 2 legs instead of 4? It doesn't have to be that way. Beagles in particular are prone to following scents, but it doesn't mean training is an impossible task. Take it from a beagle owner, follow these 6 training tips and you're well on your way to a happy, well-trained dog:
1. Start early. From the time he or she is a puppy, training can begin. Put the dog on a feeding schedule to assure it eats at the same times each day. It's never too early to get your dog used to strict schedules. Also, if you begin to reward good behavior early, the greater the likelihood your dog will develop fewer bad habits.
2. Start with the basics. Even simple commands such as "come," "stay," and "sit" are vital. The obvious benefit here is that it teaches discipline. But it also let's your dog know that you're the leader. Beagles are pack animals and, believe me, they'll establish dominance if you let them.
3. The best training sessions are the short ones. Even with as little as 5 to 10 minutes twice a day, you should see amazing results. Remember, beagles can get unfocused very quickly, especially because of their desire to follow smells. If the sessions are short and entertaining, he'll want to learn.
4. Physical punishment never works. Under no circumstances should you ever use force on your dog. It will have the opposite effect and, in fact, will either make your dog more aggressive, will make him more fearful of you, or both. Fear and respect are not the same thing.
5. Use positive reinforcement. Dogs like treats, and they especially like to know they're being rewarded for making you happy. And, being a hound, the beagle is motivated by food. The key here, though, is to not let your dog see the reward before you give a command. The dog will see it as a form of bribery and will obey only when the reward is in view.
6. Use training methods that are appropriate to beagles. Again, a beagle is a scent hound, so anything involving the nose, such as uncovering buried objects, would be very beneficial. Since beagles are bred to hunt, anything involving running and retrieving also would be quite useful.
A trained beagle is a good beagle, just as any breed of dog that is well-trained is a good dog. Yes, they can be a bit difficult at times. I know from experience. But if you're diligent and stick with these 6 basic guidelines, you'll have an obedient beagle that will bring you years of love, loyalty, and happiness.
1. Start early. From the time he or she is a puppy, training can begin. Put the dog on a feeding schedule to assure it eats at the same times each day. It's never too early to get your dog used to strict schedules. Also, if you begin to reward good behavior early, the greater the likelihood your dog will develop fewer bad habits.
2. Start with the basics. Even simple commands such as "come," "stay," and "sit" are vital. The obvious benefit here is that it teaches discipline. But it also let's your dog know that you're the leader. Beagles are pack animals and, believe me, they'll establish dominance if you let them.
3. The best training sessions are the short ones. Even with as little as 5 to 10 minutes twice a day, you should see amazing results. Remember, beagles can get unfocused very quickly, especially because of their desire to follow smells. If the sessions are short and entertaining, he'll want to learn.
4. Physical punishment never works. Under no circumstances should you ever use force on your dog. It will have the opposite effect and, in fact, will either make your dog more aggressive, will make him more fearful of you, or both. Fear and respect are not the same thing.
5. Use positive reinforcement. Dogs like treats, and they especially like to know they're being rewarded for making you happy. And, being a hound, the beagle is motivated by food. The key here, though, is to not let your dog see the reward before you give a command. The dog will see it as a form of bribery and will obey only when the reward is in view.
6. Use training methods that are appropriate to beagles. Again, a beagle is a scent hound, so anything involving the nose, such as uncovering buried objects, would be very beneficial. Since beagles are bred to hunt, anything involving running and retrieving also would be quite useful.
A trained beagle is a good beagle, just as any breed of dog that is well-trained is a good dog. Yes, they can be a bit difficult at times. I know from experience. But if you're diligent and stick with these 6 basic guidelines, you'll have an obedient beagle that will bring you years of love, loyalty, and happiness.
About the Author:
Bob Moore is the proud owner of his own beagle. Check out his own dog website and beagle blog. Stop by today to get free and invaluable information related to man's best friend.
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