Beagles Eager To Learn New Behaviors

A happy, healthy animal always makes the best pets, especially when there are young children in the house, and the happy, go-lucky nature of beagles make them ideal to have around the house. Although needing plenty of exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight to ward off the development of hypothyroidism, the overall health of beagles is one of their features that make them such lovable pets.

Their incessant barking and rowdy behavior when confronted by a stranger makes them appear more aggressive than their nature supports, but this action is what makes this otherwise friendly pet such a good watchdog, Usually, a word from its owner will settle the dog down while it becomes accustomed to this new person in its territory. In addition to them making excellent pets and serving as the occasional watchdog, beagles also can be trained as hunting dogs to track and capture game, due to its keen sense of smell.

Although relatively short in stature, standing between 13 and 16-inches tall, the Beagle is taller than the so-called toy dogs, making it an ideal pet for small children. Inherited health issues may include epilepsy, which can be controlled by medication, but Beagles lack the numerous problems that afflict other breeds. Hypothyroidism and dwarfism are possible with many beagles and their diet is especially important as they may have a tendency to gain weight. This is usual among animals that are maintained in an inactive environment.

Beagles trained for hunting and those that have adequate outdoor space in which to run seldom develop a weight problem, provided their diet is consistent with their needs. One of their physical traits, long eyelashes that contributes to their overall appearance can also cause problems, these long lashes may curl into the eyes and become embedded. But this easily fixed by minor surgery and by the owner being conscious of the possibility during grooming.

Beagles have been used as hunting dogs, mostly due to their keen sense of smell. Their use in rabbit hunting in the 18th century quickly exceeded that of the harrier as the Beagles speed, stamina and determination would allow them to track down the speedier animal. Their size also allowed them entry to many places larger hunting dogs could not fit. Heavy underbrush, while inviting to hares, proved no match for the Beagle and its sense of smell and ability track the animals into the wild.

Learning to follow simple commands seems to come easy for this even-tempered animal, allowing even children to offer behavioral commands to the animal. Their easy learning, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners makes beagles an excellent breed for those in small living environments. Although always welcoming the opportunity to into the open and run, beagles can understand their confines and adjust to their current environment.

One of the smartest of the dog breeds, they not only remember and recognize previous friends of the family they have met, but can also quickly master some of the most complex commands. A professional, experienced trainer usually trains beagles to work as hunting dogs, but owners with patience have also had success with their training.

Michelle Adams is a dog lover who has spent plenty of time researching the history of the various breeds of dogs, including the Beagle. Since breeding brings certain instincts and behaviors into play with different types of dogs , understanding the history of your Beagle will better equip you to work with your new pet. There is plenty of information available about the history of the Beagle standard. Articles like this and interviews with experts in the field will help you to understand where your Beagle came from and why the standards have been established.