Siberian Huskies: Addressing the Jumping Habit

Jumping, for your dog can mean different things. It tells you that they’re excited to see you or plainly just craving for your attention. Although many pet owners are okay with this, jumping is a habit that should not be tolerated.

Being an alpha species by nature, jumping for your husky may also signify that they’re in an attempt to instill dominance over you. This is a trait that can be often be seen when there are people coming to visit your home. They do this to tell the visitor in their own language that they are the alpha of the territory. Although it is very important to respect a dogs’ nature, what they need more than that is a strong pack leader who is no other than you, being their owner and their master.

The jumping habit is a very simple issue that can be addressed provided that you are patient and consistent enough with your dog. Upon having someone to visit, keep your dog crated, while you have your guest settled into your home. Allow your dog some time to release any excess energy they may have over the excitement of having a new visitor. Once you notice that your dog is in a calm state, get him on his leash and calmly approach your guest. At this point, the sit command should be instilled in your dog. If your dog does not comply on the first command, do not easily give up as this will only send him the message that he is indeed the more dominant species than you. Hold the leash firmly and confidently and issue the command a second time; keep your grip on the leash until he complies. Upon doing this is the only time that anybody is allowed to hold or pet him (as a reward).Although do not be mistaken that is something that your dog will be able to adapt to in an instant. Obedience training takes a lot of patience and time; investing in both for your dog reaps great rewards.

As with all forms of training, you will only be effective if you are able to show your dog that you are confident and that you are a strong pack leader deserving of their trust and respect.

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Our Hero…

Cesar Millan — “I rehabilitate dogs; I train people…”

 

Garlic — Is It Good or Bad For Your Dog?

It has been a long standing question and debate whether or not garlic is beneficial or dangerous for dogs. The plain and simple answer to that is that it can be one or the other, depending on the quantity that is given to them. Many studies have proven that garlic possess great benefits not only for dogs, but humans as well — regulating good blood circulation and chemistry, allowing us to live healthier and more energetic lives.

It is well known that garlic has been a long famous additive to many commercial dog foods, supplements, and treats. Given such makes garlic appear to be safe for dogs. Although it is best to be knowledgeable of the fact that dogs and garlic do not ALWAYS mix. Aside from its’ many healing properties, garlic is also known to contain a chemical compound called Thiosulphate, which can be extremely toxic for dogs in extremely high levels which can cause hemolytic anemia and sometimes in worse cases may even lead to death. Let this not be a scare as there are many dog-friendly garlic-enriched supplements that have been made available in the market. Realistically, a medium-sized dog would need to ingest around 40-50 cloves of garlic for the toxicity to trigger.

BENEFITS OF GARLIC

• Helps maintain a healthy skin;
• Aids in promoting a glossy coat;
• Assists in the elimination of free radicals to further support skin and overall health and vitality;
• Alters your dog’s blood chemistry, masking them from blood sucking pests (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, mites, and any other biting insects);
• Can help rid your dog of any bacterial or fungal microbes that may be present on their skin.
• Helps heal itchy and irritated skin;
• Promotes production of white blood cells which helps strengthen their resistance to infection of all kinds;
• A powerful treatment for dogs with low or compromised immunity.

Upon proper and correct usage, you will very quickly see the positive changes in your dog’s overall health and well being — gaining a lot more confidence, energy, and stamina. As with all things, too much of something is bad, so make sure to consult with your local vet and follow specific instructions if new to the practice.

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Shifting to Raw Feeding

Benefits:

-muscled body that is not “doughy”

-less itching & scratching

– 90% less doggy odor

-almost odorless & smaller poops

-cleaner teeth = fresher breath

-stable energy, no hyperactivity

-no internal/external parasite infestation

-no vitamins/supplement

-healthy dog = healthy skin = healthy coat

-stronger immune system

-less vet expenses

1. The dog must fast for two days (water only)

2. Start w/ one protein source only e.g. Chicken for the first 3wks or up to a month. Then add another protein source such as Pork, then wait for another 3wks or so, then add Beef, then Fish, Quail, Rabbit, Pigeon, Guinea pig, Lamb, Turkey, etc. (at least 3-4 protein sources) You may also give whole egg(s) once a week or once every two weeks, egg shell is another source of calcium too 😉

(chicken egg, quail egg, duck egg, etc.)

3. Recommended food amount is 2-3% of your dog’s ideal body weight per day. 10% for puppies (except when it exceeds the adult’s daily ration)

4. Balanced meal is whole prey model diet, e.g. 1 whole chicken w/ entrails, 1 whole quail, 1 whole rabbit, etc. Small dogs can’t finish 1 whole chicken to achieve whole prey model diet so as a rule of thumb we follow the 80-10-10 guide.

80% – meat

10% – bones

10% – organ meat (5% of w/c is liver)

Example:

An average adult shih tzu weighs 5kg

2% of 5kg is 100grams

The dog will eat 100grams of food daily.

80% of 100g is 80g Meat

10% of 100g is 10g Bones

10% of 100g is 10g Organ Meat (5% is Liver)

80g Pigs Heart X P80/kg = P6.40

10g Chx Feet / Neck X P60/kg = P0.60

5g Kidney X P50/kg = P0.25

5g Liver X P80/kg = P0.40

Total = P7.65/day (beat that! this is the cheapest! I can even serve premium cut steak still to beat the price of premium commercial dog food.

Large Breed – 30kg dog

2% of 30kg is 600grams

The dog will eat 600grams of food daily.

80% of 600g is 480g Meat

10% of 600g is 60g Bones

10% of 600g is 30g Organ Meat (30g Liver)

480g Pigs Heart X P80/kg = P38.40

60g Chicken Feet X P60/kg = P3.60

30g Pig’s Kidney X P50/kg = P1.50

30g Pig’s Liver X P80/kg = P2.40

Total = P45.90 / day (beat that w/ premium commercial dog food)

5. Never feed your dog w/ chicken only because this is raw feeding and not chicken diet.

6. You will only achieve balance w/ a variety of protein source in time.

7. You may fast the dog once a week when you already have at least 3 protein sources.

Pls read FAQ – http://www.rawlearning.com/rawfaq.html

Reference: PSHC – Shifting to Raw Feeding

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Finding a Reputable Breeder

 

What IS a “Reputable Breeder”?

A reputable breeder: 

• screens their dogs for genetic problems. They should be able to tell you about the genetic problems in the breed and show proof that the parents of the litter are free of those problems.
• does not breed dogs “to make money” or so “our children can experience the miracle of birth.” A reputable breeder breeds to advance their breeding program and for their love and devotion to purebred dogs.
• will tell you the good points as well as the bad points of the breed. They want to make sure you are fully aware of what to expect before you buy the puppy. Cute little puppies grow into big dogs. Will you be happy when that cute little ball of fuzz turns into an 80 pound, shedding fur factory?
• usually only breeds if they intend on keeping something out of the litters. They are breeding to further improve their breeding  program, not just to produce puppies for pet buyers.
• should be able to explain the reasoning behind breeding a particular dog to a particular bitch. They should be attempting to reach perfection as defined by the breed’s standard. In the attempt to reach this goal with the resulting puppies, they should be able to explain the good points of each dog and what things they are trying to improve. If when asked about the breed standard, the breeder looks at you with a blank look on their face – RUN! If they don’t know what a standard is, they shouldn’t be
  breeding dogs.
  
• should be able to provide you with a pedigree of the puppies, not just a copy of the parents registration papers. A pedigree usually has at least three generations of the puppies’ ancestors listed.
• does not breed a volume of puppies. A breeder with 7 adult bitches is not going to breed all 7 in a single year. Bitches are only in very rare cases bred on consecutive heat cycles.
• usually participates in some sort of dog related events such as dog shows, obedience, agility, schutzhund,  field trials, lure coursing, earth dog trials, etc. They do something with their dogs.
• usually belongs to some sort of dog club (i.e., all-breed club, obedience club, breed club, etc.).
  
• is willing to give you references from previous puppy buyers. Those new to breeding should be able to give you references from other breeders of their breed or dog club members. They aren’t offended if you ask them for references. Talking to references will help you to judge the character of the breeder.
• may ask you for references, ask about your home conditions or ask to visit you at your home. The breeder wants to be sure that the housing or yard is suitable for the dog. A large dog wouldn’t necessarily do well in a small apartment. Some breeds need to have a fenced yard with secure fencing for their own protection. The breeder is looking for the ideal situation for the puppy. They want the owner to be happy and  because it was ill suited for the environment of life-style of the buyer.
  
• believes in service after the sale. If a puppy buyer has grooming questions, feeding questions, or training questions, the breeder will be there for you long after the puppy is no longer a puppy.
• will usually take back any dog of their breeding at any age. Reputable breeders do not want to find out a dog they bred has been left in a pound or dumped by the roadside. They assume a lifetime responsibility for the canine lives they have put on this earth.
  
• Would never sell puppies through a retail outlet, animal broker, or laboratory.

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Apple Cider Vinegar : How Your Dog Can Benefit From It

Apple cider vinegar for dogs is effective in helping to treat various dog health problems. Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and detoxifying properties. It is good for the skin, for the joints, for digestion, and more. The health benefits of ACV for dogs are amazing.

 

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made by the fermentation of apple cider. Fermentation is a process in which sugars in a food are broken down by bacteria and yeast. In the first stage of fermentation, the sugars in the apple cider are turned into alcohol. Then, if the alcohol ferments further, you get vinegar.

The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, as well as some lactic, citric and malic acids. Many people believe that ACV is rich in vitamins, minerals, and more. However, according to the USDA, ACV is rich in potassium but does not contain all the other nutrients that many sources claim it does.

While on its own, ACV may not be as full of nutrients as many people think, when combined with foods that are nutrient-rich, ACV helps the body assimilate such nutrients. Thus, ACV is an important digestive aid, both for people and dogs.

The color of ACV is light yellow-brown. It is often sold unfiltered and unpasteurized with the “mother” which is a dark, cloudy sediment settled at the bottom of the bottle.

Over the years, apple cider vinegar has gained popularity and attention as it has been found to have a lot of health benefits for people. Recently, it has been found that the benefits of apple cider vinegar for dogs are great as well.

What are the Benefits of ACV for Dogs?

• ACV is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic. It helps prevent bacterial and viral growth in the digestive tract. In addition, it does not upset the balance of the friendly bacteria inside the GI tract. As a result, apple cider vinegar boosts the immune system. It improves stamina, increases resistance to diseases, prevents common infections, and is therefore helpful for dogs with weakened immune systems.
• ACV normalizes the blood’s acid alkaline balance and its potassium-rich ingredients remineralize the body. ACV breaks down calcium deposits in a dog’s joints and remineralizes the bones, and as such it is beneficial for dogs with arthritis and joint problems such as hip dysplasia.
• Another benefit of apple cider vinegar for dogs is its effect on a dog’s skin and coat due to ACV’s detoxifying properties. Dogs with itchy skin caused by allergies (e.g. seasonal allergies, flea allergies) can get almost instant relief if ACV is used as an after-shampoo rinse.
• Because ACV is rich in potassium, it is beneficial for dogs with diuretic or heart problems.
• Apple cider vinegar also balances digestive enyzymes in the body, so it is a good remedy for food poisoning and digestive upsets such as intestinal gas and constipation. It also reduces fecal odors.
• Other benefits of ACV include the prevention of bladder stones, kidney infections, and urinary tract infections.

 What Are Some Common Uses of ACV on Dogs?

Apple cider vinegar can be used in various ways to treat dog health problems. Some common uses include:

• General Detoxifier

Use ACV as a general detoxifier and a mild tonic. Long term use of ACV will make your dog more resistant to infections, as well as flea or worm infestations.

Start by adding small amounts of ACV to your dog’s drinking water and slowly building up to about 1 teaspoon of ACV per 15 pounds of body weight. Some dogs may not like the taste of vinegar in their water. If that’s the case for your dog, mix ACV with his food, or mix it with a teaspoonful of raw honey.

Within one month or so, you can see whether ACV actually is actually helping your dog. Many dog parents have reported improvements in their dog’s health conditions, such as better skin conditions (less scratching and odor), reduced flea population, fewer or total elimination of tear stains on the face, and less painful joints (in older dogs).

• Rinse for Skin Problems

Use ACV as an after-shampoo rinse if your dog has skin problems such as allergies, fleas, or ringworm.

To make the vinegar rinse: Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a quart of water. Use it once a week as an after-shampoo rinse. Remember not to rinse off the ACV – just towel your dog dry.

You can also use ACV as a foot soak for dogs with itchy paws due to seasonal allergies (e.g. pollen). Dilute 1 cup of ACV with 1-2 cups of water and let your dog soak his paws in the mixture. This can greatly reduce the itching.

If your dog has dandruff, try massaging full-strength ACV into his hair coat before shampooing.

For minor skin irritations, such as sunburn, calluses, abrasions, you can simply apply full-strength ACV to the affected area(s).

• Flea Repellent Spray

You can also prepare a spray by simply using 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water. Use a spray bottle and spray your dog’s coat after his daily walks (avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth), and you can use it to spray his bedding as well.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs – Which ACV?

Not all vinegars have the same benefits. Do not use a vinegar that is clear such as wine vinegar, sushi vinegar, etc. that can be found in most supermarkets. These types of vinegar are “dead” because they do not contain any enzymes and other live factors as found in unpasteurized ACV.

The best ACV is one that is raw, unpasteurized, unheated, and organic. You can find organic ACV in health food stores.

 We highly recommend Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar which can be bought in (well-known) local supermarkets.

 Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs – Is it Safe for Dogs?

Apple cider vinegar, when used in appropriate amount, is safe for dogs with one exception – Dogs with a chronic yeast infection (Candida) or those with an overly acidic system or irritated intestines are not recommended. Vinegar is believed to reactivate or worsen these conditions.

Other precautions when using ACV on your dog:

• Never give undiluted ACV to your dog.
• When using it as a rinse, take care not to let it get into your dog’s eyes.
• Also, do not use ACV on open wounds such as cuts or scratches as it will burn.

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Raw Feeding : Feeding Your Dogs The Natural Way

Back in the wild days where no humans were around to domesticate animals, all that was there for them to survive on were livestock, fish, and cattle – there were no commercialized feed then. The same goes for the canine species. It has been said and proven that raw feeding provides dogs with a lot of benefits. I am putting this together to share general information to everyone who is concerned about their dog’s health and diet, also as an alternative option for those who have been encountering problems in feeding with commercial dog food.

The Difference of Commercial Dog Food vs Raw Food Diet

Commercial Dog Food –

• Are fortified with artificial vitamins and minerals
• May cause dogs to be more prone to ticks
• Most often results in giving your dog a dull coat
• Causes dogs to have that foul-smelling doggie breath
• Are filled with artificial flavors and color – making it more enticing for dogs – but are not good for their health
• May make use of meat by-products or meat that have failed to meet the standards for human consumption, thus a lower quality of meat.
• Makes use of grains as one of the ingredients (Prolonged feeding with grains can cause big health issues for your dogs such as liver, or any other digestive health problems)
• Shortens the life span of your dog friend

Raw Food Diet –

• Provides nutritional requirements in the right proportions without the need for supplements and vitamins
• Provides them with more energy and agility
• Helps them have fewer sick days and recover faster from illnesses
• Is a cheaper but healthier alternative, cost wise
• Helps them be at less risk of being exposed to canine allergens
• Helps them get naturally clean smelling (less to no dog’s breath, no distinctive doggie odor, no foul smelling poop)
• Gives your dog real good quality food, and not just by products.

How much should I feed?

• The general guideline is 2% to 3% of your dog’s ideal adult weight. This is only a starting point. Each dog is different. Watch your dog’s waist and ribs. If your dog gets too chubby, cut back on what you’re feeding. If your dog gets too thin, increase what you’re feeding.

What should I start with when I switch my dog to raw?

• One common beginner mistake is to feed too much variety too soon. Pick one protein source and stick with it for a week or two. A popular choice for dogs new to raw is chicken. It’s inexpensive, the bones are relatively soft and easy to digest for beginners, and it’s easy to find. Chicken leg quarters are a good choice for most dogs. They have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid cuts with very little meat on them like necks or wings. Also, necks, because of their shape and size, can be a choking hazard.

Raw feeding is safe for all dogs – whether they’re puppies, aged, underweight, sick, pregnant, or adult. It is highly advisable that you conduct a thorough research first before switching to raw feeding. Find more resources online which will give you tips on the best food of choice – usually raw chicken meat, fish, and ground beef.

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Beagles at Home

Are Beagles easily trained?
There is no simple answer to this question because, like people and most other breeds of dogs, individuals vary. However, in general, hounds are challenging to train. Beagles are often said to “live on their own agenda.” This doesn’t make training impossible, it just means you need to find the training method that works for your dog.
Food is often the best motivator for Beagles. The use of food in training is not accepted by all dog trainers, so it is important to find an instructor who understands Beagles (or scent hounds in general) and is willing to use different methods, depending on what is effective for your Beagle.

Beagles are intelligent dogs and very good problem solvers. They can get bored very quickly with an exercise and find another way to have fun… which may mean teaching you to interrupt a training session for supper.

You should count on short training sessions *every day* for at least the first two years of your dog’s life if you want a perfectly obedient dog. There aren’t many Beagles out there with Obedience titles, but there are some, and it can be done.

Are Beagles easily housebroken?
Beagles can be challenging to train, which may (but doesn’t necessarily) carry over into house-training.

There are many methods of house-training. Your best bet is to read up on the subject and choose one with which you are comfortable. If your dog doesn’t respond to your favorite method, don’t despair – just try another way.

Many Beagle owners find crate-training sufficient, and it tends to solve other problems such as destructive chewing. Crate training is fairly easy for you and the dog, and allows you to establish a schedule that meets your needs. Consistency and vigilance will almost always result in a properly trained dog.

Be warned however, some Beagles take up to a year to be fully house-trained, and the odd few are never completely reliable.

What are Beagles like with children?
Beagles generally adore children and will play for hours with them. However, like any breed, Beagles need to be socialized properly, and should never be left alone with young children.

Socialization and supervision should be sufficient to make Beagles the perfect playmate, however, there are two things you should know:

First, Beagles play rambunctiously and can accidentally hurt young children. Second, Beagles tend to be “mouthy”, which means they like to play with their mouths, or chew things. This is not biting, but grabbing things with their mouth. It is not done in anger or fear- for Beagles, it is a way to play. This is one of the many reasons why you need to make sure that your Beagle is up to date with the anti-rabies vaccinations too.

Over-enthusiastic play and “mouthiness” may be trained out of most puppies, but it seems to be instinctive and is something that you should be aware of when considering a Beagle.

Do Beagles shed? Do they require regular grooming?
Yes, Beagles shed – don’t be fooled by the short coat. However, Beagle shedding is rarely intrusive because they shed short hairs. Their coat is actually classified as a medium length (as opposed to a short-coated breed like the Doberman) because they have double-coats, which include a coarse outer coat and a soft undercoat.

Beagles generally shed more in the Summer time (in a tropical environment), as their coats tend to thicken over the colder months. This isn’t necessarily due to climate. Hair growth depends on the amount of light, not on temperature. As the days get shorter, hair grows faster.

Beagles should be groomed with a medium-bristle brush or a hound glove at least once a week. This loosens and removes dead hair and allows for new hair growth. It’s also good for the skin. Beagles are fairly clean and, as long as they aren’t rolling in really-nice-dead-things, don’t require frequent baths. However, bathing helps if you are trying to control fleas.

Beagles’ hanging ears must be checked at least every two weeks for infection and waxy build-up. There are several great ear-wash products available, and this doesn’t need to take more than a minute. Odors from your dog’s ears may indicate a yeast build-up or infection, and may need stronger treatment. Other signs of ear infections include constant head-shaking and scratching at or just below the ears.

Do Beagles make a lot of noise?
Beagles do not tend to be ‘yappy’ dogs, however, as hounds they are trained to sound when they sight quarry. For some Beagles, “quarry” means a shadow, a bug, a plane, a leaf… but other Beagles are very quiet and rarely make a noise.

Most will bark or growl when strange dogs/people/things-you-can’t-see come into their territory. They may also bark when excited, although this varies from dog to dog.

Beagles can howl. This alerts hunters when the Beagle pack corners their prey. Again, not all Beagles will howl, but you should be prepared for the possibility.

A third noise Beagles can make is hard to describe, kind of like a half-howl, called baying. Beagles will often make this noise when they catch the scent of “quarry,” which was useful during the hunt.

If you want your dog to be quiet, you can patiently train them, but it may take weeks for your dog to understand the ‘quiet’ command. Some Beagles never do understand that you want quiet.

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What You Need To Know About “Sibes”

Description

Siberian Huskies are strong, compact, working sled dogs. The medium sized head is in proportion to the body, with a muzzle that is equal in length to the skull, with a well defined stop. The color of the nose depends upon the color of the dog’s coat. It is black in gray, tan or black dogs, liver in copper dogs and flesh-colored in pure white dogs. The medium sized, oval shaped eyes are moderately spaced and come in blue, brown, amber, or any combination thereof. Eyes can be half blue and half brown, (parti-eyed) or can have one blue eye and one brown eye (bi-eyed). The erect ears are triangular in shape, set high up on the head. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The tail is carried over the back in a sickle curve, not curved to either side when the dog is excited. The large “snow shoe” feet have hair between the toes to help keep them warm and for gripping on ice. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The medium length, double coat is thick and can withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees to -76 degrees F ( -50 degrees to -60 degrees C). Coat colors include all from black to pure white, with or without markings on the head. The face mask and underbody are usually white, and the remaining coat any color. Examples of common colors are black and white, red and white, brown, gray and white, silver, wolf -gray, sable and white, red-orange with black tips, dark gray and white. Pie-bald is a very common coat pattern.

Temperament

Siberian Huskies are loving, gentle, playful, happy-go-lucky dogs who are fond of their families. Keen, docile, social, relaxed and rather casual. This is a high energy dog, especially when young. Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they bark little and love everyone. Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, but they will only obey a command if they see the human is stronger minded than themselves. If the handler does not display leadership, they will not see the point in obeying. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character. If you are not this dog’s 100% firm, confident, consistent pack leader, he will take advantage, becoming willful and mischievous. Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as long as it is not too hot. Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. They do not do well if left alone for a long period of time without a great deal of exercise beforehand. A lonely Husky or a Husky who does not get enough mental and physical exercise can be very destructive. Remember that the Husky is a sled dog in heart and soul. They are good with other pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Huskies are thrifty eaters and need less food than you might expect. This breed likes to roam. Siberian Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who are aware of what to expect from these beautiful and intelligent animals and are willing to put the time and energy into them.

Common Health Problems

Prone to hip dysplasia, ectopy (displacement of the urethra), eye issues such as juvenile cataracts, PRA (primarily in male dogs), corneal dystrophy and crystalline corneal opacities. Breeders can get hip screenings from the OFA and eye screenings yearly from a canine opthamologist (AVCO) and register the exam through CERF and SHOR). Also prone to a skin issue known as zinc responsive dermatitis, which improves by giving a zinc supplements.

Living Conditions

They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs.

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Getting To Know Beagles

Introduction

The Beagle dog breed has a personality and temperament that is friendly, happy-go-lucky, but sensitive in nature. While Beagles are not good guard dogs, they do make good watch dogs and will often sound a howling alert when new people or animals are near the home.

Personality

Beagles are smart, affectionate, curious, friendly and playful.  They are ideal family pets because of their size, groomability, and easy going nature with children. Beagles are full of energy, and benefit from an active family with a yard where they can run around and explore. Couch potatoes will want to steer clear of beagles; this breed loves constant activity and the outdoors.

 

Activity Requirements

Despite their compact size, beagles require a lot of exercise. At first glance they might seem like a good apartment dog, but families who don’t have fenced yards for beagles to run in should be sure to walk them and take them to the park regularly in order to keep their weight down and to prevent boredom.  Because they were originally bred to be hunting dogs, beagles like to stay active and love being outside.  Breeders recommend several long walks a day, plus time for running.

 

Trainability

Beagles have been labeled stubborn dogs, and have a reputation for being difficult to train. It is recommended that obedience training be introduced as early as possible, before stubbornness can set in. Beagles respond best to training done with treats as well as positive reinforcement – punishments only cause them to develop avoidance behaviors.

The Beagle’s response to scent is both a blessing and a curse. Their highly evolved sense of smell makes them some of  the best hunting and tracking dogs around, but if your family beagle catches a scent while outside, he will employ what some trainers call, “selective deafness,” meaning he will tune you out completely and will not respond to your calls for him to return. For this reason, breeders recommend never leaving your beagle off-leash in an area that is not fenced in.

 

Behavioral Traits

Separation anxiety, barking, and destructiveness are common behavioral problems in beagles. Fortunately, they can almost all be prevented by keeping your beagle well exercised.  Taking your Beagle for a long walk before leaving the house will leave him with little energy to be destructive. Beagles who bark or howl are often doing so because they are bored. Ensuring your dog has plenty of exercise and toys or bones to chew on, will keep him entertained and will stave off many of these undesirable behaviors.

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