Beagle troubles? Correcting bad habits...

[kargo]

Thanks for the help. Dottie is doing much better. She is starting to learn 'down'. (Actually, she sits when you say down, but whatever.) The family ate a meal today wihtout interference. She jumped on me once, but I told her 'down.' and she sat. She lay down after a while and napped while we finished our food. Then I gave her a treat. She's a really sweet girl. My new probles are now that we have cats and a rabbit that she loves.

 

[thebritt]

I agree with the kenneling solution. I'd give her a Kong filled with yummy treats and put her in there during mealtime. She must associate being kennelled with positive results,or she'll just cry (I'm guessing not quietly!). Positive reinforcement is the key. Try to get a good couple books and follow the advice for kennel training. It's pretty straightforeward. Good luck.

 

[FutureChickenMan]

beagles are extremely stubborn. on the flip side, they are extremely loyal.

So here's the deal, use simple commands and make sure everybody in the house uses the same commands for the dog. It's taken two years with out beagles, but they finally obey commands about 90% of the time.

sit = sit down.
down = lie down.
off = get off of what ever you are on (sofa/people/chairs/tables/etc)
go to bed = go to your bed and stay there.
come = where ever you are come here (we also have a whistle we use in case they are too far to hear our voice)
no = obvious
shh = be quiet
out = get out of here

We still have trouble with them barking, but they are hunting dogs thats what they do. They still get in to any kind of food they can find including garbage (it's a beagle thing).

With all their bad behaviors, they're still the best dogs to have with kids. I never worry about my kids and the beagles. However I'd never leave my kids anywhere near my sisters 1/2 black lab 1/2 rottie.

Most importantly you need to establish YOU are the boss of the house. Once you do that and you keep that established, they'll follow commands a lot better. Beagles are a lot of work, but they're so dang loving and loyal it's worth the work.