The American Beagler Forum

Where do I start?
OK, I'm going to be getting a beagle within the month and am wondering; do I get a pup or a dog that already hunts?

I wanted to get some insight into cost of getting a pup as far as training. Along with that the cost of getting a new pup as opossed to say a one year or 2 year old dog that already knows what they are doing.

Cost is kind of an issue for us (cough, cough, an issue for the wife!)
I have opportunity to get a choice of dogs from a guy here on the boards from the Houston area and kind of want to narrow down my search.

I know my questions here are pretty much ramblings, but I am really at a loss on where to start.

Thanks a lot for the help,

As far as training a pup, and the cost, it really doesn't cost much at all as long as you are taking the time to do it yourself. And it does involve quite a lot of time. The pup will either have it in him or it won't, and if it has it, it will train itself, you just have to be along for obedience, safety and minor corrections. You'll have to be prepared to wait though, it takes a lot of patience. It's a growing process. On the other hand, buying an adult dog you'll be able to hunt it right away, and it's already running sufficiently (hopefully). Here are some pros and cons of each as I see it, there are a lot more though...

Puppy Pros:
1. You get to bond with the dog at a very young age, makes it more your dog, IMO
2. You have a little more influence on the dog, as the old saying goes... "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"

Adult Dog Pros:
1. Already running
2. Dog has already had all it's "Puppy shots"
3. As long as you've seen it run, you should have a good idea what you are getting

Puppy Cons:
1. Takes a lot of time
2. Have expense of "Puppy Shots"
3. Never know how it's going to turn out, that's part of the fun for me though

Adult Dog Cons
1. Dog has already been selected by someone else as something they dont' want for whatever reason
2. The dog is pretty much already set in it's ways, you have very little influence

Good Luck in your decision!!!

in the long run you'll same money buying a finished hound, but you'll get more satisfaction training your own pup. All pups don't make rabbit dogs. when you raise a pup he will bond with you and probably mind you better than a dog trained by someone else.
I think any true houndsman gets more enjoyment see pupsing develop into rabbit dogs, than any other aspect of beagling.
You may not have any hair left training a pup, but if you get him trained you'll be very proud.

First dog should be finished, then get a pup. A finished dog will be cheaper then a pup plus shots. How are you going to feel about raising a pup to find out it is a mouthy, back tracking fool. Will your wife let you put it down? Will you be able to? Buy a finished dog and you won't have this problem. Make sure you get it on trial. No trial, No deal.

Get an older dog. Pups are fine once you know what they are supposed to do and how to train them but an adult dog can teach you!
Make sure you take someone with you when you look at running dogs if you aren't familiar with the speed and style you want. There are a lot of fine beagles out there for sale but there is just as much junk for sale too.

Don't get in too big of a hurry!!! Building a good pack takes TIME! and a "Good Dog" is worth the wait.

I'm with Hatteras on this one. If you don't know anything about (Beagling), you should start with a finished dog. You can learn what you want and/or like in a dog, and apply that knowledge to what type of puppy bloodline you want to get.

Bart

We were typing at the same time Southern

Well I didn't know what I was getting into when I first started out. I bought a pup and trained it myself. It was fun and I will never forget it. Now I have 4 beagles total and am having a blast every time out.

I still stand by my original post, but Hatteras Bob and Bart are right, it is best to start with a finished hound, because if you get a dud pup, you're never going to know what you are missing!!!!!

I agree, start with an older dog. maybe not "finished" but one that is running good. I'd look in the 2-3 y/o range. Dogs in that age you still have a chance to correct SOME bad habits. Then get yourself a pup to run with the older dog.

$$$$ will depend on what you want and who you get it from

Thanks for the good advice fellers. I have some long thinking to do now. I should be done in about 10 mins and have changed my mind 20 times by then!lol

yes you will!!!!!!

Do you have an oppurtunity to run w/ some locals to check out different style of hounds. Any beagle clubs in your area. There is wide variation in beagles--this board caters to the medium to better style huntin dog--good for hunting. I agree w/ trial on a future woods partner.

I started with a pup and regreted it. My pup never opened up. As far as i know he is still running a silent rabbit today if i'm correct. I spent hours trying to get this dog to open. I thought i was doing something wrong?

Do you're self a big favor and get a finished dog that someone is ready to move. I would look for an older FC female dog (like 5 to 6 years old) that someone is selling at a decent price. Something that is a veteran and could give you some nice pups buy the time you're ready to breed her. Buy then you should know enough about bloodlines, etc...to select a nice male to breed.

mc is right!!!!!!!!!!
Check out some local clubs and see what they are running. It is likely, these guys will be your future running/hunting buddies. You need to have similiar style/speed dogs or you will be hunting by yourself.