Expert: Have4Paws - 4/23/2009

Question
Hello,
We adopted a rescue beagle last week. She was brought up north from a confiscated Virginia hunting pack. We're working on housebreaking her now (thank you for all your training instructions!) but were wondering if there is any hunting pack behavior we should watch for and might need to help her unlearn. She is very good with our cats and our other dog (when she's not literally running over them), and of course she amuses herself barking at our ferret and chinchilla. We're also teaching her to walk by using a harness to try to stop her pulling. We want to be able to train her for agility, but we can never get her attention at all, unless we get right in her face. Is this pack behavior or just beagle behavior?

Thank you!

kat in sNJ

Answer
Hi, you didnt mention how old this beagle is. My concerns are if this was an actively trained hunting dog it is dangerous and crazy for you to let her around your chinchilla and ferret, they are small prey which a hunting beagle would be trained to kill. SHe might be fine one minute and grab one the next.

Even a beagle who has nothing to do with hunting has the hardwiring for small prey, I have personally had one of mine go after one of our hamsters by somehow getting into the closed room it was in and then knocking down the cage. They never got it in their mouths but tore at the cage and shook it to death we think. I think you are playing with fire. As far as the cat, they can defend themselves and so can the other dog. JUst my opinion but better to be safe than sorry.

One of the things you can work on with her is using "watch me". This is where you hold a treat in your hand and put your closed hand up to your forehead. Let her know the first time that you have the treat in your hand. Then begin by making her sit and holding the treat to your forehead saying "watch me" The second she looks there and makes contact with your eyes say "Good girl" and give her the treat. This will teach her to look into your eyes. Eventually you will begin to use her name and then begin to extinguish using the treat always giving big overly done praise. Also remember that when you get to teaching her to come to you never call her to come to you for something negative, only positives.

Lastly depending onhow long this dog was hunting it may be diffcult to extinguish hunting behaviors in her. It may require the help of a private trainer for a few sessions. I hope it does work out but just know that hunting behavior is the opposite of everything we want in a house pet.

Good luck and feel free to check back anytime.