1. Do beagles really need a fenced yard?
Either you take your beagle on a couple of long brisk walks everyday on a leash without fail, or you're going to need a fenced yard. Beagles need a lot of exercise, and because they will follow a scent trail or a fast-moving animal without regards to hazards like oncoming cars, a fence is a necessity.
2. Why is my beagle constantly making noise?
Beagles are bred to raise a racket. If they don't bark, bay, whine, howl, or generally carry on, how will the hunter know the pack is on the trail? You can't train your beagle to be silent. Instead, concentrate on giving your beagle enough exercise and attention that he doesn't become a nuisance barker out of boredom.
3. Are beagles hyperactive?
A well-bred beagle should not be naturally hyperactive, but a beagle bred with no regard for temperament might be. Some smaller beagles tend to be more hyperactive than larger beagles, but there are many exceptions. That said, beagles are very high-energy dogs. If they don't get enough exercise, interaction, and attention from you, they probably will seem hyperactive.
4. Are beagles hard to housetrain?
Beagles are easier to housetrain than some breeds, harder than others. Look for signs he needs to go (sniffing, circling) and consistently take him out every few hours. He'll learn quickly. Crate training also works.
5. Are beagles hard to obedience train?
Beagles like to please, but their independent nature-- a function of centuries of breeding to work alone in the field-- can make them an obedience challenge. However, any beagle can learn basic rules and good manners in the house, especially in a basic obedience class. If you really want to get your beagle to pay attention, a treat will be sure to do it.
6. Will a beagle like my kids?
Are your kids nice? Do they know how to play appropriately with a dog? Do they like to throw a ball? Do they like to play chase and tag? Would they never even think of poking eyes or pulling ears or tails? Then what's not to like?
7. Does my beagle like food better than he likes me?
Some pet owners can feel downright dissed when their beagles seem more interested in the treat in the hand than the owner of the hand, but the beagle has such a finely tuned sense of smell that aromas really do seem to switch off the other parts of his brain. But food is a tool, not a competitor for your beagle's affection. If you are the magical source of those fantastic treats, your beagle will be very motivated to do just about anything you ask.
8. Do I have to worry about my beagle getting fat?
Yes. Beagles like food so much that they don't always realize when they should stop eating. Monitor your beagle's food and treat intake and dial it back if your beagle begins to resemble a sausage more than a sleek hunting dog. Your beagle should never be free fed.
9. Do beagles stink?
Beagles do not have that notorious musky hound dog smell, but a beagle who's rolled in something delightfully stinky will need a bath.
10. Do I really have to exercise my beagle everyday?
Yes. Without exercise, beagles can become destructive, nuisance barkers, hyperactive, and dangerously overweight. Besides, it's good for you too.
