Beagles

[adambeagle]

Hello all,

Im looking at getting a Beagle soon, but as will all things like this i need to be responsible and research everything i need to be know and be aware of first of all.

Ok im 27 years old and living in a house in the country with big garden, we have no children and no other pets, however upto now ive been a cat person so i have no experience of dogs of any kind.
Just looking to talk to Beagle owners for some general advice on ownership, training, feeding, health, etc, etc.

many thanks for your replies in advance.

Regards Adam.

[skunkstripe]

Hi adambeagle and welcome to the forum.
I've not had Beagles myself but my husband had one a long time ago.
They are lovely dogs with great temperaments, and if you enjoy being outdoors and are willing to give them lots of exercise they may be right for you. One thing that they are known for is running off though, since that is what they were bred to do. Once they catch a scent they're gone, and then you can hear them from a distance 'baroooooing' at a tree. The idea is that you should join them. More than once hubby had his Beagle run off on him and had to return to the spot where he had parked his vehicle the next day and there his dog would be waiting.
So they're not real good about staying with you unless they are leashed.

Hope that helps a little!

[Dauxside]

My first "show dog" purchased for me was a lemon Beagle, as noted they need a LOT of exercise, and if not properly trained will go off after their nose. Always best to walk with two leashes, your regular walkie leash and then a long leash (6-12 foot) so you can practice recall.

Great breed, just love them to bits.

[erl1391]

I'm on my first beagle still (she's just under four years) and already planning on getting more later on. They're a great little breed.
As already mentioned, they have trouble running off. You must start training a recall from day one. While training the recall use special treats- like hot dogs or cooked liver. Never do something to the dog that it views as "bad", like a bath or scolding, after the dog has come to you on command. Even if you have called them multiple times and are frustrated, do not scold them when they finally come to you.
Beagles are also known for their obesity problems. So make sure to feed a high quality food, have scheduled feedings (never just leave an automatic feeder for them, they don't know when to stop), use lean treats, give plenty of exercise, etc.
I also urge you to adopt a beagle. Since they tend to wander, beagles are abundant in shelters. I can't remember a time I've gone to a shelter and I didn't see a beagle or beagle mix.
If you have any questions, just ask. I love talking about beagles and have done quit a bit of research on them in the past, so I'd love to help.

[adambeagle]

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys :)

It seems i'll have to make my garden escape proof before i get a beagle.
My mum says i should re-home a dog from a shelter so maybe i shall go down that route.

Are there any advantages/disadvantages of getting a dog/bitch?

[erl1391]

There's very little difference in the genders, especially if you spay/neuter them. Intact dogs will mark territory, wander, be more prone to fights, etc. whereas females go into heat. I highly suggest you alter whatever dog you get due to the overpopulation and health advantages.
And re-homing a dog is an excellent choice. So many are being euthanized due to the overpopulation, and just saving one is wonderful. Plus, with many shelters the dog comes with a microchip, up to date on vaccines, and they are spayed/neutered.

[Jake2006]

HI Adam,
welcome to the forum. I found this -if you scroll down to the bottom you will find a list of breeders and advice on who to contact if you wish to rehome/rescue a beagle.

Please post pictures of your pooch when you get one. I've owned both dogs and bitches and I have no preference for either.

http://www.kennels.co.uk/Hound/Beagle.html

[Redsox]

Bloom is my first Beagle. Our first dog ever was a bolognese-maltese-something mutt. A very quiet, calm little dog. Then we got Bloom. And so she's like her total opposite. We had to get used to such powerful dog. I've got to admit, I even thought about getting rid of her. I mean she was a handful. She destroyed everything and ran away from me a million times. I had to put a lot of work into her to make her a social acceptable dog.

But I don't regret my decision at all. I definitely made the right choise.
Beagles are great dogs with a great personality!

[ownedbybeagles]

Hi, I have two Beagles and they are the best dogs ever, just be prepared to give your life up to dog walking! Beagles are fantastic as long as you give them LOTS of attention and LOTS and LOTS of walks. I have learnt that being strict and giving them boundaries makes them easier to live with, dont whatever you do let them rule the roost as puppies, having learnt the hard way and at three years old I've just about undone all the bad habits that they picked up when they were puppies and I was a new dog owner! Now I cant imagine being without them. They are walked about two hours a day on weekdays and half a day on Saturdays and Sundays, and extra if I have days off, they seem happy with this arangement! If you do get a Beagle please put the work in because it is worth it in the end, they are so loving and clever but never underestimate a Beagle!

[Hazen 'n Mike]

All I know is that they are quite noisy. Good luck.