What to do About Beagle Problem Behaviors

Beagles aren’t perfect, which may be hard to believe. And they never seem to read any dog training books. They can be prone to developing bad habits and worrying behaviors. This is true of any breed of dog, even mongrels. Many Beagle behavior problems can be nipped in the bud with conscientious canine care, including proper nutrition, regular exercise and neutering.

If you don’t neuter your pet Beagle, then you are not only opening your Beagle up to lots of health problems, but also to Beagle problem behaviors like territory marking, wandering and aggression. Getting your dog fixed will fix more than one of your dog’s problems! And if you don’t spay your female Beagle, then you may have the expense and drama of unwanted puppies. The owners of "Dad" are under no legal obligation to share any of the expenses. Beagles tend to have large litters, even for a first liter, which is one reason why they are so popular as laboratory animals. But even neutered animals can have problems wandering. If they are not wandering for sex, then what are they wandering off for? They could be wandering off to follow a delicious smell (Beagles have appetites bigger than they are). They could also be wandering off because of boredom. Your yard needs at least a four-foot fence to keep in a Beagle. Although excellent for other breeds, invisible fences do not always work for Beagles.

Beagles will scavenge through your garbage looking for food, which can be an annoying and costly Beagle behavioral problem. Beagles will eat anything – even if it’s good for them or not. Keep garbage and trash in locked receptacles and spray the can or bin with bitter apple, usually sold to stop puppies from chewing on the furniture or on your hands. You may also have to put a lock on the refrigerator, as Beagles have been known to figure out how to open them. The next most common Beagle problem behavior is separation anxiety. This is when they are so upset at being left alone in the house they will either howl or destroy stuff – ANY stuff. All dog training books will cover separation anxiety and the cure is the same for all dogs, no matter what their breed. First off, don’t make a big fuss or apologize to your Beagle when you are about to leave. Put the dog in one room or in a crate as a secure den for him or her.

Leave a radio or television on so your Beagle hears comforting noises. Also leave a shirt or pajamas with your smell on it as another way to comfort your Beagle. Leave proper chew toys to give your Beagle a suitable alternative to the furniture. You can also leave toys like Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or thick gravy inside and then freeze it. Soon, your Beagle should associate you leaving with the appearance of a treat. There is no Beagle behavior problem that can’t be solved with patient Beagle training.

Michelle Adams has worked with trainers of problem dogs, including those Beagles with problem behaviors. You can find lots of articles such as this one on dog problem behaviors, including proper Beagle training. When not on the end of a leash, this author writes dog training books and articles.