Beagle troubles? Correcting bad habits...

[kargo]

We got a 5-month-old Beagle today. She's sweet. She apparently isn't a fan of dog food, though. We are having chicken for dinner and cannot seem to eat a bite. She hops up onto the sofa and into the plates. She does not know the meaning of the words 'get down.' At least, not when you have food she wants. She also stands on the trash can and tries to eat what's in it. If you tell her to get down then, she will. Help? I know t's not Dottie's fault because she was not taught any better, but we must stop the attacking people for food right away.

 

[calicokat]

About 5 weeks ago we found an abandoned Yellow Lab. I went to the library and found a lot of books about her breed, training, etc. And since I'm a cat person and know NOTHING about dogs, it was a huge help! So you might try there in the morning.

Two things I'd suggest:

I'm guessing that a swat across the nose and a firm "NO" is a good place to start. Turns out that the mamma dog did her correcting as a puppy by putting pressure on her snout too, so you are just building on some training she's used to a little bit.

Also, "kennelling" - where you put her in a nice sized cage at times maybe very helpful too. Typically folks kennel the dog when they leave the house and doggy is home alone, also at dinner time when they want to enjoy the meal without those big brown eyes staring at them. Our dog was definately used to table scraps, it's been a LONG five weeks for her in that dept. because we have a strict NO people food rule. It's better for her health. People think they are being sweet to share with the dog, but so often they are just starting a bad habit and helping the dog to get overweight.

Good luck!

 

[calicokat]

And you know, when she gets hungry enough she WILL eat the dog food

 

[catnip]

Beagles can be very food driven and stubborn, and deaf when they put their nose to the ground. We happen to have one of those Beagles.

A great book to read is "My Smart Puppy" and even "Beagles for Dummies." Beagles can be a challenge to train, but it is possible. Praise good behavior and correct negative

 

[zatsdeb]

beagle family here too. we have to keep any food up from them that we don't want them to eat. they will eat till they get sick, they don't know when to stop!!
they will eat the dog food when they get hungry. you can get some yummy food, like in the little packets, gravy kind, and add a bit to the dry food, to entise the pup.
beagles are different! but we love ours!!!!

 

[abluechipstock]

welcome to neagle ownership!

 

[KotaDVM]

You could try a spray bottle filled with water for if she jumps anywhere near the table when you are eating. I would start training her now to not even come into the dining room when the family is eating. Be a bully and let her know you are top dog in the house. She will eat the dog food when she gets hungry enough.

 

[Big Chicken Little]

You have only had the dog 1 day ... it takes awhile for a little love and understanding to sink in ...just be kind and persistent he/she will get the idea in time.

 

[gaited horse]

here is a beagle rule the nose turns and the ears tern off

 

[AngieChick]

Beagles are extremely food driven. Which can be good for training to walk, sit, etc. However, you have to measure out their food each day and keep all other food out of reach, this includes the trash. Make sure all cupboards are closed. Keep your beagle trim, it will save its back.

Our beagle got into the cat food years ago (one of the kids left the garage door slightly ajar) and ended up in the doggy ER because he was so dehydrated. The silly thing was so full he couldn't walk. Shot of water in his back and he was good as gold, though we moved his kennel out of the main area that night. Cat food gas is the worst.

Train the dog to stay out of the kitchen when you are eating, a spray bottle is very helpful. Use the terms "out" and "off" rather than "down" , that should be used for getting it to lie down. Mind you, we have been training him for 13 years to keep his rear out of the kitchen, but any little way he can weasle his way in, he will. Food is his life. You can use this to your advantage. If you give the dog treats it will respect you as its leader. A beagle has to want you to lead it. He who controls the food controls the beagle.

If you aren't home to watch them, make sure they have a crate. A great way to keep a beagle busy is to get one of those food cubes that they have to push around to get their kibble out of. Put their daily ration in that and they are entertained and fed at the same time. We also scatter his food on the patio, this keeps him busy eating so that the lab can finish her food (in a bowl in the house). It take the little snifferdoodle the same amount of time to finish his food as the lab, he's fast. And yes, if the nose is on, the ears are off.

Beagles can be lovely, sweet dogs. They do need exercise and supervision. They need persistent training where food is concerned. If you want a dog that you can leave a plate on the table and it will be left alone, a beagle is not it. They don't mindlessly obey. They are stubborn and have a definite "attitude". My boy is a character, and we love him dearly. But, he is a dork. A food obsessed dork. He minds us when we tell him to, sometimes in his own good time, but it took work and vigilance to get there. We are going to miss the dear little bugger when his time is up.