Are Beagles Easy To Train?

Are Beagles Easy To Train?

Beagles are a very smart breed, which would lead you to believe they are easy to train.

However, their intelligence can also be a negative. They are super smart and will want everything on their terms. You will need some patience, and It will take some work to train your Beagle pup.

They won’t make it easy for you!

So, are Beagles easy to train? As a hunting dog Beagles lead with their noses and will follow a scent to wherever it takes them.

Their hearing of commands from their owner can be overridden by their desire to follow a scent.

All dogs have different personalities, so don’t be put off if you are finding it difficult to teach your pup.

Beagle Training Tricks

So your new Beagle puppy is home, and you’re all excited, a little too excited! Your commands are having no effect, and your pup wanders off!

There are a few tricks you can use to help you train your dog.

The first thing you should consider is positive reinforcement. This consists of rewarding your dog for their success, rather than punishing them for their mistakes.

Using a Clicker is a great tool. The clicking sound the clicker emits is distinct and is an effective, fast way to help you train your dog.

Always give your Beagle a treat after using the clicker. This helps your dog understand they have done well.

Try to be consistent with rewarding your dog with treats or you may confuse your Beagle.

Remember a dog’s instinct is to please their owners, and good clear communication is key to having a well-trained dog.

Dog treats are especially helpful when used with the clicker.

Don’t give up on training. You may find your dog is not keen to start with. However, your Beagle is not untrainable, they just need a little more time.

Remember all dogs have their own personalities and traits, and the Beagle is no different.

The video below offers 3 tips on how to train your Beagle.

As a hunting hound, they use their nose to scent and track game like rabbits. Your commands go against the Beagles instinct to follow its nose. Don’t be disheartened.

A little patience will help!

Beagles are active intelligent dogs and need exercise and mental stimulation.

Daily Walks and games will help satisfy your dog and make them more open to being trained.

Remember like many breeds they want to outside chasing something or running.

The best way to start to train your Beagle is to develop a routine around exercise and playtime. Take them on a walk of 30-40 minutes.

Hiding treats and toys around your home and encouraging your dog to find them, and help stimulate their mind and the training process.

By setting a routine your pup will begin to understand when it’s time for a walk and a time for play. Use treats sparingly as it can be a sure way for your pup to gain weight.

It’s a good idea to start training your puppy as soon as you bring your Beagle home. You could do this by taking them outside to a toilet spot, and praising them when he goes.

Just be careful not to be too demanding for your puppy’s attention. Another good way is to get your puppy Beagle to sit before putting in their bowl, helping you introduce the sit command.

Toys that stimulate your pup will also be helpful with, toys that are interactive will keep your dog’s interest for longer and stop them from wandering off and losing interest while you are training them.

It’s important that you are consistent in giving your commands when training, if not your dog will become confused.

Also, praise your Beagle when he obeys your command. “Good boy!” “Good girl!” or cuddles and belly rubs help your pup understand they have done well.

Tips to help train your Beagle

Teach Your Dog Simple Word-Based Commands.

Teaching your dog to sit. This is the foundation command for training your Beagle.

1. Kneel in front of your dog, and hold a reward treat in your hand
2. Place the treat under your pet’s nose.
3. Move your hand upward.
4. Tell your dog to sit.
5. Use your other hand to guide their backside down into a sitting position, as your dog lifts its head to bite the food.
6. Say, “Sit.” as it sits down,
7. Praise it, when your canine follows the command.
8. Every day repeat the command.

Teaching your dog to Heel. This command will teach your Dog to walk beside you.

1. Leash and collar your dog.
2. Place your dog in a sitting position.
3. In your left-hand take of the leash.
4. In your right hand hold a squeaky toy above the animal’s head.
5. With the toy start walking in front while saying the “Heel” command.
6. Get your pet’s attention by squeaking the toy.
7. If it gets distracted or pulls in front, stop walking immediately.
8. When it pays attention again, praise your pet and give them the toy.
9. Once your dog gives you 30 seconds of attention, begin walking again.
10. Increase the times before you reward your pet.
11. Repeat this process daily.

Teaching your dog the Down command

1. Get a nice smelling treat and hold it in your closed hand.
2. Place your hand up to your dog’s nose.
3. Allow it to sniff the treat.
4. As your pet smells it, move your hand to the floor.
5. Allow your pet to follow it.
6. After your dog is in the prone position, say “Down.”
7. Give your dog the treat and praise it.
8. Repeat this training daily.

The stay command

1. Command your pet to sit.
2. Open your palm and put it in front of you.
3. Say, “Stay.”
4. Step backward.
5. If your dog stays put, give him the reward and praise.
6. Increase the number of steps you take each time.
7. Always reward your dog for staying, even if only for a short time.

The Leave it command

1. Put a treat in both hands.
2. Show your puppy one closed fist with the treat inside.
3.  Your dog will probably try to get the treat.
4. Say “Leave it,” to your dog.
5. Once it stops, give your pet the treat from the other hand.
6. Next time, wait for your dog to move away from your first fist.
7. Say, “Leave it.”
8. Only give your dog the treat when it moves away. Make sure it makes eye contact with you.

Sarah is the Senior Editor at Beagle Owner. An avid reader of crime novels, fashion lover, and walking her Beagle Woody.