Expert: Have4Paws - 2/7/2002

Question
I am about to fence in my backyard and I want that to be the new method of "going outside".  My Beagle is 2 1/2 years old and she has always been walked on a leash to go outside.  How difficult should it be to get her used to going outside to potty without me with her?  Or am I to forever be a dog walker?  And she's not like most Beagles, she's very lazy and I guess that's because she's never had anywhere to run and play.  I'm just wondering the outdoors will be fun for her or if she'll just use the restroom and want right back in, which that is fine, but she does need to run around and lose some weight.  Any advice will be appreciated.

Answer
Hi and thanks for writing to me! I want to make sure I understand the scenario correctly..... because you did not have a fenced yard in the past you took your dog on a leash
out to go potty? If I have this correct then here is my answer. If not please email me again to Have4Paws@aol.com.

Once you fence the yard I think she will love it. Beagles are scenthounds and under normal circumstances will spend a good deal of time just sniffing around and exploring. You are right that her laziness may be caused by the fact that she has never run loose yet I feel that once she gets used to the idea her normal instincts will take over. I would suggest also putting in a doggy door so she can come in and out as she chooses. I don't think she will have any problems learning to go potty outside but I do suggest that you teach her in a particular way, meaning that you select an area for potty and keep her to that area. Otherwise you will be going on treasure hunts a couple times a week to pick up her stools. You can select the area she should go in and start off by taking her ON THE LEASH (and after the fencing)showing her where you want her to go. Praise her lavishly when she does go in the right spot. Then once she has mastered this let her go unleashed but go with her and call her to "the spot". If she successfully stays within the spot and goes, praise her lavishly (and give her a treat?) If she does not go back to the leash for a few times.Keep doing this until she gets the picture. Do not punish her or reprimand her if she doesn't go int he right area. ONLY positive reinforcement should be used to get the message across.

As far as running around and getting exercise, throw a ball for her or some toy, or have her chase you or visa versa to give her the idea that it is ok to run loose and have fun. Also, and VERY important, because Beagles have been known to be diggers make absoulately sure that the fence you put in is escape proof...... it must go down deep enough in the ground to make it impossible for her to get under it if she digs. Once again because of the scenthound thing she will follow her nose if allowed to be off leash so you must make sure it won't lead her out of the yard!

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me directly at the above email address.
Good luck!