Expert: Have4Paws - 12/29/2009

Question
Hi,

My husband and I are considering getting a beagle.  I am currently not working, but will need to go back to work within the next few months.  I use to work a lot of hours, but would like to work less; either a four day work week or possible work from home.  I like to walk and so does my husband so we definitely could walk the dog twice a day min.  But, If I got a puppy and trained him, then went back to work would a beagle be okay if he were left at home.  We have a yard big enought to put in a pen, but I don't want the dog to be unhappy.  My nieces are over our house a lot, they are 9 and 11, and we would want a dog that's good with them as well.  Your advice please.

Answer
This would be the optimum time for a beagle puppy so you can be home for at least the first two months and get some training under the pups belt. You proposed work schedule is ideal if the walks continue. Beagles are very active dogs and need a lot of stimulation or they will bark incessantly or become destructive. Beagles are also wonderful with kids if introduced when they are pups and there is no abuse (tail pulling pinching etc) which your nieces should be at the age they are at to handle well. I am including a basic info piece I have written on beagles below...


The scoop on beagles.....

They are wonderful dogs with kids, very friendly and although they are active they are also considered docile. They are easy to keep clean, they do shed somewhat and brushing once a week will help but they don't need constant upkeep. A bath once a month is sufficient. Beagles LOVE to eat (ok they are DRIVEN to eat) and they need to be kept on a strict diet (NO HUMAN FOOD) and minimal treats. They have a propensity to become obese if you do not do this and obesity will greatly shorten their lives. They are pack animals and as such want the companionship of others. They will readily adapt to a human pack. These are not good dogs if no one is ever going to be home and if they will just get stuck in the back yard. They will bay (howl) incessantly if left alone too much. Two beagles may or may not solve this situation. It could, and then it could also end up that they both bay!! They are indoor/outdoor dogs unless they are hunting beagles and then they would be housed outside. I don't personally believe that ANY pet dog should sleep outside. Beagles should be walked daily if possible, at the minimum a couple times a week, EVEN if they have a big back yard but several times a day is the ideal. They crave new sights and smells and require activity to stimulate them. Since they are hounds their brain just about resides on the end of their snout. They will follow their nose anywhere so you need to be sure you have an escape proof back yard and never leave a front door open without holding onto them. I have not had any personal experience with “fenceless fences” (electronic) however my bet would be that a beagle will continuously test it because of instinctively following its nose. Whether or not they eventually are conditioned to it or not I do not know, but the manufacturers should be able to tell which breeds it works best with or provide you with testimonials.
You may hear from people that beagles are hard to train or stupid. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE!!! They are VERY smart but because their noses guide them they can be easily sidetracked by a scent. Therefore, they require consistent and firm training. The good thing is that they are highly motivated by food so they will respond to positive reinforcement training well just once again, WATCH THOSE TREATS!

I have had numerous breeds of dogs and beagles have become my love. They are sweet, loving, funny, mischievous, cuddly, smart, cleaner than most dogs, extremely friendly to everyone and yet loyal at the same time. They will act as a good "alert dog" when someone comes around but that is about the extent of it. They are too friendly to do much of anything to anyone who is friendly back. We always joke that if a robber comes in and talks nice or gives them a treat they would SHOW them where all the valuables were! As far as what to look for I suggest you go to the AKC web site and they will have all the conformation standards to look for. Temperament is important also and you will just have to use your gut instincts. You don't want a "aggressive" pup but you also don't want one that is too "submissive".

I hope this is helpful and wish you Happy Hunting!

Have4Paws