When attempting to understand how to train a beagle effectively, it is best if you first have some basic understanding of this unique and popular breed. Beagles are very lovable dogs, with an agreeable temperament which makes them popular for families with children. Beagles are also very alert, though may be prone to weight gain if not given sufficient exercise. They do love treats, and need to be trained with a training program that only incorporates low-sugar, low-fat treats with high protein. Beagles are able to get along well with other dogs, though may be apprehensive of strangers at first. Here is some information about beagle training that will help you to be able to train this lovable breed.

How to Train a Beagle Puppy

Beagle puppies are playful, mischievous and always eager to please. However, proper beagle training means that you do need to begin training your beagle puppy as soon as possible. Since some beagles may take a significant amount of time to train, begin training your beagle puppy as soon as they become an official member of your household. Beagle puppies are best trained when they are less than six months old.

First, choose a name for your beagle, one that is easy to pronounce and that has a distinct syllable sound. It’s best if you begin helping your beagle puppy to become familiar with their name right when they come under your care. Once your beagle puppy responds easily to their name, you can begin teaching some of the basic commands. In general, basic commands are generally the simplest of the training commands, such as “Come”, “Sit”, “Lie Down” and “Stay”. Though beagle puppies are extremely lovable, they may require some patience before they are able to understand and identify the desired behavior with the verbal command. It’s best if you use treats to help motivate your beagle puppy, since this can help them associate the behavior with positive rewards.

How to Crate Train a Beagle

Crate training a beagle is usually able to be accomplished with little difficulty, as long as you are familiar with the most effective crate training methods. A beagle will need a fairly small crate, that gives them just enough room to lie down in. It’s best if you avoid purchasing a crate that is too large, especially in the early stages of crate training. An adult beagle will grow to be from 13 to 16 inches tall, and will weight from 18 to 35 lbs. Since beagle puppies are slightly smaller, you may have to purchase a second larger crate as your beagle outgrows their puppy crate.

A mistake that many beagle owners make is purchasing a crate that does not have enough ventilation. In general, you have a choice of three different types of crate materials when shopping for a crate: wire, plastic and reinforced fabric. Since a beagle is a smaller dog, it’s best to first consider size, then begin deciding on a material. Though a wire crate gives the most ventilation, it also does not feel as much like a “den” due to its openness. A plastic crate is more den-like, but you need to make sure that it has sufficient ventilation for good airflow.

How to House Train a Beagle

Since some beagles may be a bit slow to learn, house training a beagle may be a challenge at first. Beagle puppies are especially notorious for their resistance to house training. To improve your chances of success, it’s best if you use your dog’s crate as a tool to help you house train your dog. Don’t ever use crate confinement as a punishment, since this can reduce the effectiveness of its use for house training.

A way to increase the effectiveness of a house training program is to feed your beagle their daily meals inside the crate. Once they are finished, close the door to the crate and allow them to sit for about an hour. After this time, put a leash on your beagle, and immediately take them outdoors. Most beagles will go to the bathroom while outdoors, since they have a natural instinct to avoid going to the bathroom in their sleeping area (crate). If they do, be sure to give them lots of praise, as well as a food-based treat. Eventually, your beagle will wait until being outdoors to go to the bathroom.

Beagle Training Tips

In “The Intelligence of Dogs”, beagles are cited as being of the lowest class of intelligence. However, this does not necessarily mean that a beagle is impossible to train! Beagles were bred to be scent hounds, and have a single-minded determination that does make training a challenge sometimes. Above all, the best advice for training a beagle is to be patient. Beagles are loving dogs, and are generally eager to please their owners.

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