There are several reasons why beagles are consistently voted a top breed among dog lovers. Beagles are spirited and affectionate dogs who are make great family pets. They do have some specific needs though, so follow these steps to be sure you are meeting your beagle’s needs.

Step 1: Make sure you don’t leave your beagle home alone too often. Beagles suffer from separation anxiety when left to themselves for long periods of time. Their generally docile nature will be tested and your pup will begin to exhibit negative or destructive behaviors.

Step 2: Plan to play tracking games with your beagle. A beagle has a natural instinct to track and you should encourage that instinct by hiding items for him and allowing him to “hunt” for them. 

Step 3: Keep your beagle leashed and/or fenced at all times. Their natural instinct to track also means that beagles like to follow their nose.  If you aren’t careful, your beagle might follow his nose to the next town over in no time at all!

Step 4: Enroll your beagle in an obedience class to tackle a behavior that is common in beagles; barking and baying. Although it’s a trait that beagles are known for, that fact will probably not ease the irritation felt by your neighbors.  Beagles respond well to obedience training and will have no trouble learning basic commands when rewarded with praise.

Step 5: Exercise your beagle daily. A beagle can be quite content in a small yard; due to their energetic nature they will get plenty of exercise even if given a small space.  Play games in the yard or take him on walks to better socialize him to other pets and people.

Step 6: Feed your beagle one nutritious and delicious meal a day. The breed has a tendency to gain weight easily so be sure not to feed him table scraps or too many treats.

Step 7: Keep a close eye on this natural born hunter. Pets other than canines could fall prey to your beagle if you don’t take the time to socialize him to other pets in the home that are not dogs.

If you follow the steps above, you can be sure that you will share your home with a healthy and happy beagle. Your efforts to meet his needs will be rewarded with your beagle’s wagging tail and endless loyalty.

Collin Walker