My Dog Training Secrets 

Beagles are the 5th favorite dog in America for their charm, intelligence, and playfulness. They are always ready for a good cuddle after a hard day of play. Beagles are great watchdogs! Beagles are not generally yappy dogs, but they will bark if there is something to bark at, such as other dogs, people outside, people through the walls, a doorbell, a squirrel out the window, etc. They will bark because of excitement--when you come home, if they think it is dinner time, or when they think there's a treat coming. Beagles are very hardy dogs, bred for running after rabbits all day. They have great stamina and resilience.

Beagles are of medium length and have an oval skull and square muzzle. They have long, big ears and big brown eyes. Beagles have a sweet expression and are a nice medium sized dog. This makes them ideal for both the city and country. Beagles live longer than many of the large breeds. The average life span is about 14 years, although 17 years is not unusual. Beagles have a life span of about 12-15 years. Beagles come in two varieties: Not to exceed 13" and Over 13" but not to exceed 15".

Beagles are independent and are not necessarily concerned about pleasing people. They are generally very smart and learn quickly, but get easily bored and if they don't feel like obeying, they just don't. Beagles are intelligent, but are stubborn and may be hard to train due to their strong will, which is common in the breed because of its curiosity. However, if a newly-bought puppy has some decent beagle obedience training, they can be easy to train and can obey basic commands.

Beagles are one of the top breeds that suffer from separation anxiety, and there are many things you can do to help your beagle become accustomed to being home alone for short periods of time. Beagles are known to get along well with other dogs. Beagles are particularly good pets with small children because they are rarely aggressive and are sturdy enough to withstand rough play.

Beagles love to get dirty no matter what their environment is and it is up to you to make sure that their love for dirt is not their eventual undoing. Beagles are lively, playful and curious, which combined with their pleasant personalities makes them excellent family pets – both entertaining and loving.

Beagle puppies that mill around your feet and nibble on your fingers are generally good choices for your new pet. Watch for signs of aggression and fear, and avoid those types of dogs. Beagles tend to be clowns, and love to entertain their families with their antics. They enjoy daily exercise in the form of a brisk walk or running with the kids in the backyard.

Beagles are easy to look after. Brush the short-haired coat with a stiff brush often and bathe the dog only when necessary, possibly once a month. Beagles are resourceful dogs, and sometimes dig holes to either cool themselves or warm up if the temperature is not to their liking. Be sure your Beagle has a warm, dry, sheltered, cozy area to retreat to when outside.

Their coat is traditionally tri-colored-brown, black and white. Beagles are prone to several conditions that cause poor skin and coat, however, the most common cause of a dull, thin coat is improper nutrition. They are extremely social and hate to be left alone and will get into trouble. But if you've given them enough exercise, they'll probably sleep most of the time that you're not home.

Beagles are not only unhappy in an outside kennel, but you also will see behavior problems. Kenneled beagles tend to howl, which results in neighbor complaint, and the beagle will dig to try to get out.

Beagles are one of the most appealing pets anyone could have, but only if they have the training they need. They are no more difficult to house train or more stubborn than other breeds. The key is gentle, consistent training and patience. Beagles are so intelligent and can be trained. Often called 'stubborn', it may really be more their 'persistence' or 'single-mindedness' that keeps them from being easily-trained and from coming when called. They require a fully fenced yard with a 5 foot fence and chicken wire or cement buried at the fence line.

Beagles are strong willed and need firm handling. Because they are scent hounds, if they detect an interesting smell they may divert their attention toward it instead of what you want them to focus on. Beagles are absolutely tremendous dogs. Beagles are very clever, but they can be mischievous or even destructive when it comes to acquiring food. But they respond well to diligent and consistent training, particularly if a positive approach with food rewards is used.

Beagle stubbornness should not rule the day; a puppy kindergarten and basic obedience training are in order for the new Beagle owner to learn how to train the puppy to be a well-mannered dog. Happy-go-lucky, gentle dogs still need manners, and Beagle owners need patience to deal with their pets' lack of enthusiasm for formal training.

Beagles are known for their intelligence as well as needing a little nudge now and again to keep them on the right path. Most families find Beagle puppies to be full of life and spirit, willing to become part of the family and hoping to please their owners by learning all they are taught. Beagles that are carefully chosen can bring their owners and families plenty of love and fun for many years to come.