Expert: Have4Paws - 1/21/2004

Question
Hi,
We got Sherlock, our Beagle first, then the Eurasian (or Chow mix)Both males. We tried to find a dog about the same size as the Beagle for 3 months, but all dogs his size hated his energy and either ran away or gave warning barks etc. When Kodak saw Sherlock outside the humane society fence they seems to like each other. So we let them visit with each other and it was love and play at first sight. They are still inseparable. I don't know who is the alpha dog. The Beagle tries to pull Kodak around by an ear and take his food. But if they have a bisquit Kodak makes it clear Sherlock is to stay away or else and he gets it. Sherlock gets fatter and Kodak is not thin but may be all hair. If Hudini, I mean Sherlock, gets out of his pen, Kodak barks and tells on him. Actually he doesn't want him away from him. I'm wondering if I should continue to feed them together? It would be a hassle to separate them but I could. Sherlock will eat all his smaller portion of canned food out of his and then go to Kodaks dish to get more. Kodak will let him and go to the other dish. But Kodak needs the extra food, the Beagle doesn't. In the summer maybe I'll take the canned food away and just give dry. What is your recommendation please?
Another problem is if they get out of the yard they run and keep going. It's happened 3 times and what fun for THEM. Afraid they will get run over. The Beagle can be coaxed with food but not the Eurasian. However Kodak won't leave his buddy so if we catch one, the other will come. If we didn't see them get out and they are half way across town, its a bit of a problem. We built a better fence but nothings fool proof expect the humans. We are more easily fooled than the dogs. As they run right through our grasp. Any way to make them stay where they belong? Thank you for your help.  

Answer
Hi, thanks for writing.

First, Beagles are notorious overeaters and will literally eat until they are sick. They are one of the most likely breeds to be overweight and therefore must be strictly monitored as far as intake. He should only be fed between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of DRY food, twice a day. You can add one teaspoon of wet food for flavor if needed but better for him and his teeth if he never has any.

Beagles are also known to be great escape artists. They want to to roam, their noses are their guiding brain. Therefore it is imperative that you find some way to make the yard/gate situation fool proof. He will continue to run away if it is possible. Taking htem both to obedience classes may help some but a beagle is never considered 100% reliable because of their instincts to roam.

As far as feeding them together, I think it is ok to feed them at the same time but someone should be standing there to discourage eating out of each others dishes. Allowing this can encourage food aggression and then the fighting will begin.

Sounds like you are doing a good job of loving them and they are pretty lucky dogs!
Have4Paws