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Q. I've heard that Beagles get fat easily. Is this true?

A. Beagles don't feed themselves. Their owners do! If you control the caloric intake and exercise level of your dog you can likely control their weight. Beagles do have a VERY healthy appetite, so I highly recommend that you feed 2 meals per day of the appropriate portion, and minimize "snacking". I also strongly recommend that you NOT feed your Beagle "table" food. Table food is typically high in calories and fat, may contain ingredients which are harmful (or even poisonous) to your Beagle, and encourages begging. However, if you plan to allow your Beagle to dictate it's own caloric intake and exercise level you will likely have an obese (and unhealthy) Beagle.

Q. Do Beagles bark and howl a lot?

A. Some do, some don't. Most will if they are looking for attention. This can be a problem for you (and your neighbors) if you live in an apartment or condo and must leave your Beagle home alone for long periods. Not all Beagles will howl when they're seeking attention, but those that do probably always will. Interestingly, I have rarely heard a Beagle howl at a dog show.

Q. Do I need to have a fenced yard for a Beagle?

A. Beagles are scent hounds, and have been bred for hundreds of years to follow a scent. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to train them to stay in your yard unless it is securely fenced. When a Beagle is "on a scent" they are solely focused on the scent and may not hear (or may ignore) calls to return. Unfortunately, they also may not hear a car driving on the road. Obviously, the results could be tragic.

Q. What about the "invisible" fences?

A. Invisible fences are NOT a suitable replacement for a real fence for Beagles. Again, when they are "on a scent" they are solely focused on the scent and will run right through the invisible fence in order to chase their quarry. Worse, the invisible fence may discourage them from returning home. Also, an invisible fence will not keep other dogs and animals OUT of your yard.

Q. Are Beagles good with kids?

A. Absolutely! I believe their size (not too small, not too big) and their ruggedness make them excellent companions with children. And, they like to be a part of the "pack", so they tend to be very friendly with kids. One note of caution, Beagles (like many other breeds) are very food motivated, so children MUST be taught to NEVER bother a Beagle (or any dog) while they are eating. Doing so could cause the dog to become agressive in order to "protect" it's food.

Q. Is it hard to train a Beagle?

A. Somewhat. Beagles have been bred to do certain things (like follow a scent) and it can be extremely difficult or even impossible to train them to not do those things. They are very intelligent, and can sometimes be stubborn or headstrong. However, as with almost any breed they can be trained to be wonderful member of the family. Training requires patience and consistency. They respond extremely well to being rewarded (with food!) for good behavior. It is always better to reward good behavior than to punish for bad behavior. "Puppy Kindergarten" can be extremely helpful; check with your local pet shop or vet.

Q. What about housebreaking?

A. All puppies need to learn where to "use the bathroom". Crate training will assist greatly with housebreaking, as the puppy does not want to soil it's "den". One particular issue with Beagles is that they "forget" to "use the bathroom" when brought outdoors because they are too busy sniffing a scent. The owner assumes the don't need to go, brings them back inside, and they have an accident. This problem can be avoided by allowing them a longer period of time to "use the bathroom" (they'll eventually remember they have to go), or, when that isn't practical, by limiting the amount of outdoor area they are allowed to sniff around in. An "expen" (or exercise pen) is a great way to do this. Always reward your Beagle for "using the bathroom" outside and they will quickly learn to remember.

Q. Why do Beagles walk around in a circle a few times before "using the bathroom" and/or laying down to sleep?

A. Many dogs do this. When the dogs lived in the wild they would walk in a circle to tamp down the grass (or snow) before using the bathroom. Modern dogs still do this, even though it's probably no longer necessary. They do the same thing with their bedding, to make the bed comfortable for sleeping.