The American Beagler Forum

I HAVE A 2 1/2 YEAR OLD MALE THAT SOMETIMES GIVES A LITTLE MOUTH ON A CHECK NOT MUCH BUT HE DOES GIVE MOUTH.
ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO GET HIM TO STOP WOULD BE GREATLY APPERCIATED?

If you find something that works let me know. Come to think of it I have an a 19 year old that gives way to much mouth every time I give him a check to

solo, solo & more solo work may be able to run it out of him

My advice will be unpleasing to many. I would pack him with a dogs that will fire out of the check like a rocket while he stands there boo whoing. If he has brains, he should stop babbling and move the line. Sorry, I can't stand a dog to do that in the least! That is VERY disruptive to the pack and will cause a dog to lose his spot in my pack quicker than any other running fault except over-running while still tonguing. I would probably try "nicking" him with an e-collar (just enough juice to get his attention) when he barks in the check area without forward progress. Of course, you may need a true-tongue dog to know when to he is babbling. If I could not break him, he would not get to hunt with my pack. Good luck with him!

Chuck Terry: On the part about running him with other hounds who will fire out of the check; what is the reasoning behind how and why the method works? I've not herd of that method before. Of the shocking method what happens if you make a mistake and shock him at the wrong time?

It might not help Joe. It has worked with some beagles I have had in the past that "hung up" on checks. If it does not help, he would be cut from my pack anyhow. Same for the collar - might not help. Again, mouthiness in the check area is unacceptable to me - it is "lying" - it disrupts the work of the pack, and it discourages pack cooperation. It is a FAULT of the worst kind if you want a smooth, steady pack that keeps a rabbit going. I know you are 100% ANTI-COLLAR and I respect your opinion. However, (from several years experience) I am convinced that if the collar is set very low, it will not harm the dog in anyway nor ruin him even if you make a few mistakes. If cat-claw briars do not discourge a beagle neither will an occassional "tickle" from a level 3 of 15 stimulation. I feel like I have just reposted the same thing again but that is my honest opinion. If the owner is willing to put up with extra mouth in the check area that is fine with me as long as he leaves it in the box (or better yet, at home) when we run together!