Hi,
We have a male Beagle, about 3 years old, that we adopted a little over a year ago. In general she's pretty good except for two areas. First, we cannot keep her out of the trash. We've resorted to putting the trash in the garage because nothing, and I mean nothing, will keep her out of it. She once pulled the pantry door off the hinges while we were out to get to the trash.
Second, taking her for a walk is NOT FUN. She pulls and barks at everything she sees - other dogs, squirrels, you name it. We've tried training her to heel with no success. I know Beagles are stubborn but can she be trained to stay out of the trash and to walk with us comfortably? If so, how?
Thanks,
Karen
Two training issues
Moderators: Pike Ridge Beagles, Aaron Bartlett
Crate training is the best for left at home alone, the do distructive things because they are bored, try running them in the field this will take some of the sass out of her....
As for obedience training, start with a short lead and a choke collar. When she gets away from the desired position (Heal Position) one sharp quick jerk and the heal command will work, how ever this training takes time as does any other training. We have a beagle that is obedience trained and does well on lead, how ever if he is over excited he needs to be reminded to heal. They can't always walk on lead and be in the heal position with out due exercise.
Your dog sounds excited to be out and exploring is why she is dragging you down the street so maybe she is in need of a more vigorous regimin.
Work with a flexilead is good too.
As for obedience training, start with a short lead and a choke collar. When she gets away from the desired position (Heal Position) one sharp quick jerk and the heal command will work, how ever this training takes time as does any other training. We have a beagle that is obedience trained and does well on lead, how ever if he is over excited he needs to be reminded to heal. They can't always walk on lead and be in the heal position with out due exercise.
Your dog sounds excited to be out and exploring is why she is dragging you down the street so maybe she is in need of a more vigorous regimin.
Work with a flexilead is good too.
From Field to Show and Show to Field the way it should be
Our dogs are all loose in the house when we are not home. But we do start with crate training. You do not need a spike collar for training. Get a proper choke chain collar & 10 foot lead. The collar has to be properly used- up close to ears & with fast jerks on the leash. Its called choke collar but you do not want to choke. All our dogs-including Beagles- are obedience trained. Beagles are harder to do because of their nose. Look for the book "Expert Obedience Training " by Winnifred G Strickland. Your dog is not a pup & will take some time. Farnum makes a spray called "No Chew". Try it or something like it on your trash. Could also put mousetraps on the trash.
instead of a choke chain, you can get a thing called "Easy Walker". This works by same concept as a choke chain, however it contracts across the bridge of the dogs nose, which is a pressure point on a dog. Will have the dog walking at your side in a matter of days.
As for the trash issue, you have a bored dog. Crate training is probably the ONLY solution.
As for the trash issue, you have a bored dog. Crate training is probably the ONLY solution.
You have a very bored dog! The dog needs to be walked at least twice a day- before you leave for the day and in the evening. I have had good luck using both a prong collar and a body (tracking) harness to stop pulling. I find using any type of head control on a beagle is counter productive, they are bred to smell and restricting that creates more friction with human. Choke collars work only if you apply the pressure at the correct time and don't just let the dog pull the collar tight. Find some obedience classes in your area.
I don't ask my beagles to heel only not to pull. They need to explore their environment but in an appropriate way. Find a large fenced area where he can run free, use a drag line to catch him. Take two people and work on recalls (running from one person to the other). Use a treat to get the dog to come. Run the dog as much as possible. Your dog is bred to hunt 8 to 12 hours 2 or 3 days a week in the heavy bush. Now you want your dog to loaf around the house and do nothing day in and day out. Recipe for disaster as you are finding out.
Get a crate for when you are not home and at night. A medium plastic vari kennel is better than a wire crate. Don't have too large a crate. You may need a bark collar on the dog until he learns to be quiet in the crate.
Beagles are generally very smart but also very stubborn. With some dedication, you will be happy with your dog. He will learn to be a fun member of your family if you set the rules and give him some exercise.
Carolyn
http://www.indulgeservices.com
http://www.storydogs.net
I don't ask my beagles to heel only not to pull. They need to explore their environment but in an appropriate way. Find a large fenced area where he can run free, use a drag line to catch him. Take two people and work on recalls (running from one person to the other). Use a treat to get the dog to come. Run the dog as much as possible. Your dog is bred to hunt 8 to 12 hours 2 or 3 days a week in the heavy bush. Now you want your dog to loaf around the house and do nothing day in and day out. Recipe for disaster as you are finding out.
Get a crate for when you are not home and at night. A medium plastic vari kennel is better than a wire crate. Don't have too large a crate. You may need a bark collar on the dog until he learns to be quiet in the crate.
Beagles are generally very smart but also very stubborn. With some dedication, you will be happy with your dog. He will learn to be a fun member of your family if you set the rules and give him some exercise.
Carolyn
http://www.indulgeservices.com
http://www.storydogs.net