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Question
We have a 1 and a half year old beagle. He has been a great addition to our family. I am a stay at home mom so he is able to have a lot of one on one time with me. He does very well with his commands. We have also taught him some sign language for fun, never expecting it to really work. My only problem is that he does not listen as well outside, when he gets loose from his leash. With enough training and persistence will a beagle ever be able to hang out in the front yard without running off? Or is it just a hopeful dream. Thank You
Hi Melissa, I had to smile at your last sentence because I have so felt that way. Unfortunately the answer is probably it is a dream that most likely will never come true. :( We have both picked the wrong breed for it...... beagles are as you are probably aware ruled by their noses, this is what they were bred for and it is genetically hard wired in them. As I have told past questioners, maybe if you spent every minute of every day training you could get to 95% reliable but it is doubtful I do not believe it can ever be 100%. And getting to the 95% as I said would be a humongous chore. They are just not wired for it. Sometimes people say beagles are stupid but in my experience they are VERY intelligent, their handicap is that stupid nose so it takes longer to train them becasue it is harder to keep them focused. SOunds like you have done very well with yours and that is awesome. Personally I would keep him on a long line if he is out in the front yard with you and I would never leave him unattended that way because he WILL try to take off and could get hurt.
Good luck with your boy..........
Have4Paws
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Answers by Expert:
Have4Paws
Expertise
I am happy to answer BEAGLE BREED SPECIFIC behavioral questions. Please DO NOT ask CRATE TRAINING OR MEDICAL questions! I am not a vet nor an expert in the use of crates.
Experience
I currently have one beagle, a male age 5, an 12 month old Pit Bull, and a 8 year old min. poodle. I have had to let go of three of my dogs, 2 beagles and 1 whippet/rat terrier mix in the past 5 years, most recently my whippet mix. The two beagles lived to 15 and the whippet mix to 13.5, it has been hard to say goodbye to them. I have done rescue work on and off for years as well as fund-raising for the local animal shelter. I worked for a dog magazine in the past (Southern California Dog Magazine). Being a psychotherapist has encouraged me to do in depth studying of animal behavior as well. I have worked with many people to help curb undesirable behaviors in their dogs (or them!) or to form good behaviors. My life is devoted to and surrounded by my dogs........The picture you see here is Zeppelin but we also call him the "miracle dog". He was hit by a car April 2010 while out with the dog walker and had very serious injuries... 4 surgeries and $17,000 later my boy is whole again and back to loving life. He is so special to me and he weathered a lot of pain and trauma yet is still the sweet boy he always was! I also work to stop Breed Specific Legislation and help to get pit bulls adopted.
Organizations
HSUS, PETA, SPCA
DONT SHOP...ADOPT!!
Publications
Dog Fancy
Education/Credentials
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of CA and am also credentialed as a Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist
Awards and Honors
Honored by the Agoura Animal Shelter for my volunteer work.
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