Dog Obedience Training Tips

Beagles are bred hunters and are trained to be scent hounds. Therefore, they are naturally accustomed to bellowing a deep and throaty baying bark when they sight game. For this reason, beagles tend to be loud dogs. Although the domestic beagle is most likely not being used for hunting, it will still want to utilize these typical beagle habits. A lot of pet owners, as well as some vets, believe that barking is something to be ceased at any cost. This is not exactly a good way of viewing the issue of barking. Dogs tend to bark for many different reasons and taking away there only means of communication can be detrimental to the animals mental and physical well being.

Most beagles bark simply because they enjoy the sound of their own voices. A lot of times, they are bored and will bay to voice their disapproval. Also, the sound of their barking, as well as the sensation of it is pleasing to the beagle. They will also bay loudly to signal their human that it is meal time and they are hungry. They will also bark if they need to go out. Beagles are also very protective of their territory and are very alert. If something seems to be going on outside, or seems unusual, or if they hear or smell people outside, they will bark a warning to their human as much as to whomever, or whatever, is outside. They will do the same anytime they see another dog.

A bored beagle will sometimes get obnoxious with their intense barking when they are wanting their humans attention. Getting the attention of their person is not necessarily a bad thing. It is generally a good sign that the beagle wants the interaction. However, they can start to use the communication as a way of manipulation to get what they want, like extra food or more attention. If the owner has given in to these actions before, the beagle is most likely to attempt the same behavior again. It is not acceptable to allow the beagle to determine the time of the affection and food. That should be up to the owner.

All dogs need some form of stimulation, including lots of exercise, company, toys, and even games. They also need the company of other dogs to keep them content. The best ways to keep a beagle from barking obnoxiously is keep your beagle happy and occupied. Do not leave your beagle alone for a long period of time. You can also try praising silence. Any time your beagle does not bark when they normally would, praise them and give a reward. This will enforce a time and need for vocalization. Whenever a beagle barks for manipulation purposes, it is best to simply ignore them. Any form of reinforcement at that point can be construed by the dog as a positive reinforcement. When the beagle begins acting in this unwanted behavior, ignore it until they stop. Once the beagle has stopped barking, praise him for being silent.

It is better to channel a beagles extra barking then it is to stop it altogether. Teach the beagle to bark on command. This will help in enforcing when it is acceptable to bark and when it is not. It will also teach the beagle to be quiet when the command for to be quiet is given. Getting your pet to understand when it is good to bark and when it is not can be more beneficial, and easier, then teaching the beagle not to bark at all.