Modern Beagle

Wondering if your beagle is EVER going to stop pulling on the leash? You're not alone! Beagles make amazing family pets. They are friendly, smart and enjoy being around their human family. That's the good news. The bad news is what every beagle owner already knows! Beagles are notorious for being runners, who are difficult to catch if they get out of reach AND for being just stubborn enough to be a pain. Leash training your beagle can be a frustrating experience; however, it's a necessary one! It's a matter of safety. Even if your beagle spends time playing with you off-leash on your property, you need to be able to leash them for day to day transportation or even, in case of an emergency. Many beagle owners spend a good deal of time and money figuring out how to stop your beagle from pulling on the leash. It will take time and patience, but I promise, it can be done! How to Properly Leash Train Your Beagle First, a few words about training in general. Dogs come into our lives wanting to please us but they are also uncertain of what is expected of them. For this reason, it's important to always be patient and firm with your dog as they learn how to properly walk on a leash. Beagles can be quite strong for their size and are easily distracted by any kind of movement or prey. It will take time to teach your dog to respond to your commands and focus on you, rather than on that delicious-looking squirrel that just ran by. That said, patient does not also mean wishy-washy. Your beagle will be looking to you to take charge and show them what is expected. Kind but firm, with lots of positive reinforcement, will get you the results you are looking for. As for the specifics, here are a few tips on how to properly leash train your beagle. Start training at a young age This isn't always possible, of course, so don't despair if your beagle is older. Despite popular belief, it is possible to teach old dogs new tricks. That said, the earlier you start training, the better. Dogs are learning from the second they are born. They are constantly developing habits and forming new behaviors. They are observing everything around them. As pack animals, one of the first things they figure out is where everyone fits in the pack. You want to be the pack leader, and that is where training early comes in.You can get started on leash training as soon as about 8 weeks and definitely should try to start by 10-12 weeks of age. The first step is to introduce the collar or harness to them, so that your dog gets accustomed to wearing it at all times. You can even attach the leash and leave it on him while you play with them indoors. You want them to view the leash as a positive thing. A safety note: Do not ever leave a puppy unattended with a leash attached to his collar, as it can get tangled and even be a health hazard at times. Try starting out with a clicker and treats You are going to work to create another association. You want to use positive reinforcement to associate the sound of a training clicker (a small device that you can hold in your hands to create a snapping or clicking noise) with a treat. Start out in a quiet area that is free of distractions. Put the leash on your beagle and call them over. When they looks at you, use the clicker and give praise and treat. Over time, they will understand that the clicking sound means something good is coming! You can use this method to teach them to come to you, backing further and further away. Practice regularly to form a habit Continue to play with your beagle while on leash. Offer praise and rewards when you walk them and they stay near you. If your beagle tries to pull in another direction, simply stand your ground! Be an immovable object. Wait for your dog to come back to you then offer a reward. This will teach your dog that staying near you is a good thing. Practice makes perfect and practice makes habits. The more often you can walk your dog on the leash, the more quickly they will learn. That said, you should also keep in mind that young puppies tire out quickly. Frequent, short training sessions are the best way to reinforce what you are teaching your beagle. Don't let beagles get away with excessive pulling This goes for any dogs but doubly for beagles, who are notorious for wanting to run off on their own! If your beagle learns early on that it is okay with you if they pull on their leash, they will continue to do it. As mentioned above, one way to deal with this is to stand perfectly still while your dog pulls. Simply do not give in and do not move. Eventually, your dog will tire of this game and give up and after this happens several times. Your beagle will eventually realize that there is no point in pulling. Another tactic is to turn around and head in the opposite direction. Particularly if you are using a harness, your dog will not be able to continue in the other direction and will be forced to turn and catch up with you. Additional Leash Training Tips Leash training is just one part of the larger picture. Beagles are very intelligent animals and should be learning to be good canine citizens in every way, which will happen in tandem with leash training. The non-leash commands that you teach your dog will also reinforce good walking behavior. For example, a dog who knows the command to "leave it" will be much easier to walk, as you can re-direct them when they meander or stop to look at that interesting and germ-ridden piece of trash on the ground. Whatever you are teaching your beagle, it's important to remember that positive reinforcement is the key to success. Punishing a dog for leash pulling or other undesirable behaviors is a recipe for disaster. Your beagle is an intelligent animal companion who wants to please you and you can use that to your advantage. Punishing your dog or giving negative reinforcement will only create anxiety and confusion and does not teach the desired behaviors. Best Types of Leashes for Beagle Training The type of leash that you choose will be dependent upon a number of variables, such as the size of the dog, his or her stage of training and desire to pull, as well as your own personal preference and comfort. A few of the more popular options for beagles include: A standard (or flat) leash This is a simple leash with a loop handle and comes in a variety of weights, materials, strengths and lengths. If your dog is older or pulls a lot, you may prefer a heavier weight. You will want to keep the length of the leash relatively short to keep your beagle near you. Double handle leash A double handle leash is a good choice for heavy pullers who are still learning to walk. This type of leash has two different gripping points, meaning that you can give your dog room to roam with one point, but you are able to quickly gain total control by grabbing the grip point closer to his collar. No-pull harness A harness and leash can be a terrific option for leash training beagles. A no-pull harness fits comfortably around your dog's body, allowing you to easily stop him or control his speed. It is a much more comfortable option than a collar-attached leash for dogs who pull. It's important, for both safety and comfort, that you measure your dog carefully to choose the correct size. Lighted collar and leash If you walk at night, visibility becomes a matter of importance. A reflective collar and leash not only make you more visible to other pedestrians and cars, it will also make your beagle easier to find in the unlikely event that he or she slips away. Choosing a type of leash is largely a personal choice. However, most trainers agree that a retractable or stretchable leash is not a good choice for training. Retractable leashes teach a dog that how far he or she goes is up to him. It also makes them think that if they pull, they can continue to walk away from you - at least to a certain point. Final Thoughts Leash training is an essential part of your beagle's "basic training." Being able to walk properly on a leash will allow you and your beagle to enjoy adventures and travel together and will make even the less-fun trips a lot less stressful. Ideally, training is a pleasant experience for both you and your dog and serves to strengthen your relationship. Dogs love going for walks! It's a time for your beagle to bask in your undivided attention while enjoying the great outdoors. Walking is beneficial for dogs and humans alike and you'll find that you and your beagle both look forward to your walks. Getting started on leash training as early as possible will get you and your new beagle's relationship off to a great start.

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