Beagles- What Do You Like About Them

[huski]

I LOVE beagles and LOVE training them. They are on my list of dogs to own one day. If getting one from a puppy, with correct socialisation and training there is no reason why they can't be obedient and settled.

Their sociability is a huge plus- i LOVE their personality and confidence with people and other dogs generally. The downsides are the work required to get a good recall (it can be done) and the stimulation requirements to limit destructive behaviour. I do believe that beagles do better with either a companion dog OR an owner that doesn't work full time.

Totally agree with you Cos

Beagles are HIGHLY trainable IF you use the right methods. They are smart dogs, I love living with mine because she's so easy to get along with other dogs, my cat, she's great for dog sports because she's confident and isn't timid or easily fazed by things.

I think the right first time owner would do fine with a beagle if the breed suited their lifestyle and they had a good breeder who talked them through all the pros and cons.

I work my beagle off leash all the time and I don't have any problems, but I put the effort into training her.

[raineth]

Beagles = lovely lovely lovely!!!

I don't really see why they wouldn't be suitable for a first time owner.

I guess it depends on the owner's expectations of them.

there is one that lives opposite us, (it does live with a maltese) and every couple of days they let them have an explore out the front of their house for about 15 minutes. The beagle comes back on the first call every time. I don't consider the owners to be really dopg savvy or anything. Maybe they don't klnow that typically beagles are known for having poor recall they just expec t it to come back and it does

all the other ones I've met have had such a lovely nature. They do seem to be a bit noisy though

[huski]

LOL Raineth my beagle certainly loves the sound of her own voice!

[corvus]

Haha, I see a lot of beagles running around dog parks cheerfully ignoring their owner, who is running after them calling their name. I know they are generally thought to be sociable, but we've met several that have been snappy. I would say don't take it for granted that they will be sociable. I'm guessing grumpy beagles are under-socialised?

[huski]

Daisy is sociable in that she'll get along with anyone, though she doesn't like rude dogs. But she's also quite independent and will happily run off on her own scenting, in fact she very rarely wants to actually play with other dogs. She's also not that interested in people, people who ask me if they can pat her are usually a bit disappointed because she'll rarely show an interest in getting a pat!

[Asalei]

I have never met a tan and white that I haven’t wanted to steal (yes monkey, one day you will be mine!) and I really can’t tell you how amazing this breed is.

God dammit woman, you'll try anything won't you! First the floods, now a speil on DOL! If my husband and I suddenly end up dead, you know who to send the police to. Tam gets my beagles in our will! haha. Except monkey, I think you'll have to fight Hilary for her.

I can't really add anymore than what Tam has said, except it makes me really sad that those people who have "destructive beagles" really haven't experienced what a happy, healthy beagle can be like. They are the ones missing out.

I have three beagles whom are inside all day and have full run of the house 24 hours a day. One of my three is 14 months old and has been allowed inside with full access since she was 5 months old. My girls have rarely destroyed anything, they love nothing more than being part of our pack. I sit on the lounge at night and give each one of them a cuddle when they come up to me for their "special mummy time".

My girls all know what is required of them and what the routine is for the house. The best thing we could have done for our girls is put them into a routine. They know it so well that when I put my laptop screen down in the morning, they all run into the laundry and wait for their treat before we leave for work. As soon as they hear that noise, they are off.

I can even go to the beach with three beagles off lead, recall them, let them have fun and still go home with three exhausted girls after some fun. We always get comments of "you have three beagles off lead, HOW?!"

If you are willing to put the time and effort in, you will have a loving companion for life. BUT, you must be willing to laugh at that little mischevious puppy that insists on stealing and running outside with your undies.

[Asalei]

Actually, I've got photo proof of how well trained my girls are:

We decided to push it one step further:

[pebbles]

There are 2 youngish Beagles just arrived at a neighbours place. Both girls (no idea if they are still entire), they were confined in a yard for a day with the result of lots of barking so this am I hear the Beagle 'bay' from behind my place and there they were in hot pursuit of some of the numerous rabbits around. Last seen vanishing at top speed through a very big paddock. Don't know how long they will last here!

[Dogsrawesome]

My boyfriends mother made a mistake many people make "oh they are so adorable" I tryed to tell her about them but thought no it will be a good and easy puppy to bring up bought a female beagle and she is extremely distracted by most things, very nose driven is the way i should put it which is what beagles do, but i would give them this they would have to be one of the friendliest breeds ive ever met to people and animals. I think if you get one you need to train him/her from day one and be consistent. I think beagles are intelligent is you find a good deal with them haha lol

[megan_]

I don't understand why people say they're not for first time owners? The beagles I have met are happy, sociable dogs. Great with other dogs and people without too much effort put into their socialisation (obviously they need it, but unlike the terriorists for example, they tend to be really easy to socialise.

There are two regular beagles at our park, including Fergus' BFF Toby the Beagle. They both have a great recall and play nicely with all sorts of dogs. They are well known and loved by everyone at the park. They also have great recalls and while their owners have done some work to achieve this, it is no more than what I've done with my dogs.

Given that newbies often make mistakes with socialisation, I would think they would be a great, hardy, happy little dog for a first time owner.

Obviously, locked in the backyard they are very destructive, but I think most breeds would be?

The howl would be the only off-putting thing for me.

Aren't they known as the Merry Hound?

[BMAK]

i have never seen one well behaved, obedient or trained beagle in my area or surrounding suburbs it always leads me to think is it the dog or the handler :D .

Hats off to those with well behaved and trained dogs.

Much like any breed with great working capabilities they are not for the inexperenced handler!! in the wrong hands it is one big mess waiting to happen.

This is why so many dogs end up dumped.

[huski]

Aren't they known as the Merry Hound?

Yep they sure are and I think that expressions suits beagles to a T.

They can be a really stubborn, hard headed typical hound though and I think a lot of first time owners are not necessarily prepared for this. I was and I still found my beagle a challenge but she is still to this day the most scent driven beagle I've ever met. I could hold her up by her collar with her front paws off the ground and she would still be sticking her nose forward trying to scent, I used to be able to shove steak under her nose and she wouldn't even notice it was there. Actually, on the occasions we've gone to beagle meets and been at a park full of beagles, she was always the one off miles away on her own with her nose down :D

I've made it work for me but I think if she'd gone to an average pet home they would have found her a challenge. She is a very active and busy dog, and is not afraid to challenge you.

i have never seen one well behaved, obedient or trained beagle in my area or surrounding suburbs it always leads me to think is it the dog or the handler .

Here's one for you....

[Asalei]

I don't understand why people say they're not for first time owners? The beagles I have met are happy, sociable dogs. Great with other dogs and people without too much effort put into their socialisation (obviously they need it, but unlike the terriorists for example, they tend to be really easy to socialise.

I don't understand either. If you've researched your dogs and yuo know what a beagle is like, then first or tenth dog, the beagle is still going to be the same.

People told us we were idiots getting a beagle "haven't you heard how distructive and naughty they can be?". Well, we got TWO beagle puppies and brought them home and raised them to be beautiful girls..

If you spend time with them and train them, you will have little issue. There are some that are different to the norm, but those are the ones that are usually put to work with AQIS and termite detection as Tam said above.

I wouldn't own any other breed. There is nothing better than coming home and seeing those merry little hounds at your door, so excited to see you. You could have had the most terrible day at work and cried all the way home, but they don't care, they are just happy to see that you've come home to them! It always puts a smile on my face :D

[huski]

Erin, I agree with you in that most people who do their research well before getting a beagle find them a pleasure.

I think the trouble usually occurs when someone hasn't done enough research or get one for the wrong reason (i.e. they are sooo cute etc).

ETA: I've been told by people who have worked with customs dogs that Daisy has more drive than most of the beagles there so maybe that explains it :D

Edited January 23, 2011 by huski

[crazy beagle lady]

:p ;) :D im sure she would look great on a bed by my coonara, infact all 3 would!

Hilary my dear, now i know that technically monkey has very strong ties to you but im happy to remove that pressure and once i bump andrew and erin off i shall keep the girls together

I have never met a tan and white that I haven’t wanted to steal (yes monkey, one day you will be mine!) and I really can’t tell you how amazing this breed is.

God dammit woman, you'll try anything won't you! First the floods, now a speil on DOL! If my husband and I suddenly end up dead, you know who to send the police to. Tam gets my beagles in our will! haha. Except monkey, I think you'll have to fight Hilary for her. ;)