Dog Obedience Training Tips

Digging is a very common behavior in beagles. They are a hunting breed and are prone to digging to get to what the scent that they are tracking. They, like all dogs, will also dig if bored. There are very few things that can be done to eliminate digging altogether. However, there are ways to modify the behavior. Most behavioral issues are a simple matter of reprimanding, but only when the timing is right. Reprimanding the pet after they have committed the offense only proves to confuse them. It is more important to catch the animal in the act of digging and punishing them then.

Preventative measures to save the needless destruction of your yard can be taken. Covering the ground with small rocks will cause your pet some minor discomfort in their paws, but will not overtly harm them, it will just be an unpleasant feeling. Spreading ground pepper over the ground can also deter most dogs because the smell is offensive, especially to beagles, who’s breed is entirely dependent on their sense of smell. Another way to deter the need to dig in inappropriate places is to place chicken wire in your plant beds, around the plants and bushes that you need protected. You can also place it under the ground in the area that your pet prefers to dig.

Digging in the ground will expose cooler earth, and during the warmer months of the year, this can be very important to dogs, who will dig holes and lay in them to keep cool. It is necessary for dogs to have enough shade and plenty of cool water to stay healthy in the heat. To help stop the occurrences of digging for cool soil, ensure that your pet has plenty of shade and lots of water to drink. It is also a good idea to fill a shallow child’s pool with water and leave it near your pet to splash about in and keep cool, as well as entertained.

Boredom can lead to many unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking and, of course, digging. For companionship-oriented pets such as dogs, especially beagles, being left alone for long periods of time can be terribly boring. Beagles need to have something that stimulates their mind and their bodies. One solution to the bored pet is to take them for a brisk walk for the day. Start the morning with a good walk with your pet. Make sure that they are well exercised. Thirty minutes to an hour walk is ample. This will ensure that your pet sleeps during some of that time that it will be home alone. You can also ask a neighbor that you trust to take your pet for a walk while you are away, or to pet sit for you and keep your beagle company.

There are many different ways to ensure that your beagle does not become a digging problem. Ensuring that they are well entertained is one of the more simple ways to do this. A bored pet is more likely to dig then a pet that is being played with. Also, make sure that your beagle has everything that they need to stay cool in the summer months. Keeping them out of areas where you do not want them to dig can help preserve the plant beds that are around the house, as well as keep your yard looking beautiful and hole free.