Beagle Training, Obedience Training

Obedience training is a continuous process that takes place during the day between you and your Beagle. Read several books on the topic, so that you get an idea of the different methods used to teach certain things to dogs. In the end, you have to decide which of the applicable methods is best for you. Your two guiding principles should be whether the approach promotes a better relationship between you and your Beagle and whether your dog makes progress as you go along. Taking your dog to a training school will enlarge your outlook and make you aware of your mistakes. While the instructor teaches you, you will also learn from the mistakes or strengths of other students.

"Sit" Command

To teach this command, kneel next to your puppy and hold his collar with your right hand. Then give him the command "sit" and pull up his head somewhat with your right hand while, with your left hand, you gradually push down his rump, so that he is forced to sit down. As soon as the puppy does it, stroke his head and back quietly, and praise him. If the puppy gets the urge to rise, immediately put your left hand back on his rump, push it down, and correct the puppy with "sit". Then praise him again as soon as he sits completely.

When you push down the puppy, keep your left hand as far back on the rump as possible. Don't push the loins, it is quite unpleasant for the dog and he may start to defy you.

At the start, don't let your Beagle sit for too long a time. After he sits properly, let him go with a pleasantly spoken command "free". Then play with your Beagle for a little while and let him romp around as a reward. Altogether, the "sit" lesson should not take more than two or three minutes. You can repeat the lesson 3 to 4 times a day.

"Stay" Command

After several days, you won't have to put pressure on the dog's rump anymore: you will be able to stand up while you give the command. As you step away with your right foot, swing your left hand palm down toward your puppy's face almost far enough to touch the muzzle, and command, "Stay!". Slowly increase the length of time you have the Beagle stay in place until you give him the command that releases him.

It is important that your Beagle perform the action on command perfectly at least once every day. If your dog obeys some times and other times gets up without permission and runs away, you may have asked more from your Beagle than he could handle.

It helps to give the first "sit" and "stay" lessons in a quiet room, where there are few distractions. Once the lesson goes smoothly indoors, you can start practicing with your Beagle outdoors. At the same time you can start the "heel" command indoors.