Why Does My Beagle Act This Way?

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Usually the answer has to do with the fact that Beagles are hound dogs – scent hounds. This means they’ll follow their nose anywhere. They’ll follow it right out the front door and into lands unknown. They won’t even realize how far they’ve gone and by the time they realize they’re far from home, they’re lost. This is why Beagles must be on a leash at all times – you can’t let them roam freely as you would other breeds. This is why a fenced yard is a must for a Beagle and you must go the extra step to ensure that your Beagle can’t climb the fence. A box lying next to the fence can make the ideal launching pad for a curious Beagle.

Because Beagles are scent hounds they can be fascinated with your dirty laundry. Sounds crazy, huh? It’s not. Your clothes smell the most like you and when you’re away, this can comfort your Beagle.  Beware many Beagles have been known to steal and/or eat items of clothing!

Beagles are also chow hounds – they’ll eat anything and sometimes it seems like they will eat until they pop. This creates all kinds of fun when it comes to the trash can or food left on the counter. It’s best to have a tall trash can with a lid so a curious Beagle can’t topple it or flip its lid open. Many an unsuspecting Beagle owner has come home to find trash strewn about the kitchen floor and their Beagle chomping down on the leftovers. As for food left out, many Beagles have been known to go ‘counter surfing’ so be sure that any food left out is completely out of the reach of your Beagle!

Being hounds, Beagles are pack animals. This means your family is your dog’s ‘pack’. And as with any pack, there is a hierarchy – the alpha on down to the ‘lowest’ member of the pack. Sometimes an unruly Beagle is simply a Beagle who thinks he’s the ‘alpha’ of your pack. It’s your job, through firm, but gentle training, to show the Beagle that you are leader of the pack.

Beagles are intelligent dogs and, like all intelligent creatures, they can get bored – and destructive – if they don’t receive proper stimulation. If you have a Beagle, you have to play with him, walk him and incorporate him into the family. A busy Beagle is a happy Beagle!

Having a Beagle is a joy – with the proper training, love and guidance, Beagles are one of the best dogs around. If you’re thinking of adopting a Beagle, please see the article Before You Adopt. If you have a Beagle question, please email us at info@azbeaglerescue.com.