Q&A for How to Train Beagles

Find ways to use their naturally active temperaments for enjoyment. Beagles can get so caught up in smelling things that they tune out everything else, including your commands. But instead of stopping the dog from sniffing, use it to have fun. Train the dog to follow a scent trail to find a favorite toy.

Beagles are easily distracted, and would rather explore than listen to their masters. However, they also love food, so find an ultra-tasty treat (try cheese or liver cake) that they will run to you to get. Train your dog several times a day to recall. Start by calling "Come" when the dog happens to be coming toward you, and reward with a tasty treat. Try having him on the lead and stepping away while calling "Come." Practice off-lead in the yard, and gradually build up the distance for the recall.

When the puppy nips, you must pretend it really hurt and squeal (just like one of their litter-mates would), then let your hand go limp. If they persist, get up and leave the room. Don't smack or wag a finger as this is liable to get the pup even more excited.

She mistakenly believes the crate is her potty place, which most often happens if the crate is too big. Check the crate size and see if you need to partition it. Increase the chances of her toileting outside by putting her out (and staying with her) each time she wakes, shortly after eating, and every half hour (when awake) in between. When she does squat, give her lots of praise.

There is arguably no friendlier dog than the Beagle, but they aren't without their faults, which makes them a considered option for a pet. Although loving, fun, and friendly, they can be stubborn. Also, when bored, they are prone to destructiveness or else bark and disturb the neighborhood.

Beagles are utterly delightful dogs but can be frustrating to train. Their sense of smell is a constant distraction as they will want to check out interesting sniffs. Plus, they are so food obsessed that they forget all about their owner if they smell a likely source of food. But this does mean that reward-based training using treats will give the owner a powerful way of getting the pup's attention.

This requires a two-pronged approach. First, don't give the puppy the opportunity to pee indoors (use crate training or keep them on a leash attached to your wrist). Secondly, take the puppy out to the toilet spot every 20-30 minutes, then praise them when they do go in the right place. And lastly, be sure to clean up any indoor spills so the puppy isn't attracted back to them.

Find ways to use their naturally active temperaments for enjoyment. For example, beagles can get so caught up in smelling things that they tune out everything else, including your commands. But instead of stopping the dog from sniffing, use it to have fun. Train the dog to follow a scent trail to find a favorite toy.