Training: Beagles are bred to follow their instincts, not commands! Because of their independence and single-mindedness, they are ranked in the lowest group of dogs regarding working or obedience intelligence. Even when Beagles are contained, they can be stubborn pupils and easily distracted. Treats are usually a good motivator, but when the food runs out so does their focus. They require firm leadership with a consistent training regime to become an obedient dog.
The best way to get these hounds performing well is to channel their breed characteristics. Nose to the ground, tail high, ears flopping - watching a Beagle at work in the field is like watching an artist in flow. Recreational tracking, hunting, and nose work are great opportunities to see them perform. They can even hold down a professional gig. The US Customs and Border Protection’s Beagle Brigade uses Beagles to prevent pests and diseases from entering the country in illegal agricultural products. The Beagles’ success rates can be up to 90% after two years of experience and some Beagles recall nearly 50 different odors.
Barking: The amount of noise a Beagle makes is disproportionate to its size. They’re known for being one of the most vocal dogs, barking and howling frequently. And they snore, too. Beagles have three characteristic kinds of vocalization: bark, bay, and howl. Their bark is loud and full. They bark when alarmed or when asking for attention. Beagles bay specifically when they’re on the hunt. This is a call that alerts rest of the pack to a trail they’ve scented. The bay can be heard over long distances, making them easy to find and hard for any neighbors to ignore. They also howl in bonding with a human or dog pack, out of boredom, or when accompanying the piano.
Beagles can be taught to use ‘indoor voices’ with commands like “speak soft” and be given leeway to use their full range when asked to “speak loud”. It’s a good idea to work with Beagles on these vocalizations, in order to reward desired behavior.
Temperament & Behavior: Beagles are known for their sociable, friendly attitude. Despite being pack oriented, they have a confidence that allows them to explore the unknown—sometimes stubbornly.
Behavior with Kids: Beagles are reputed to be great with kids. They are a reasonable size for children to play with and thrive on the energy of family life.
Protection: Beagles may bark in anticipation of a human or animal visitor, and can be considered adequate alarm dogs. Overall, though, they are more bark than bite.
