Why Are Beagles So Stubborn?


why are beagles so stubborn?

Beagles are a beloved and popular breed of dog known for their energetic and curious nature. Their adorable appearance and playful personalities have made them a favorite among many pet owners.

However, many people have also described them as stubborn, which can make training and interacting with them a challenge.

This stubbornness can lead to frustration and misunderstandings between owners and their beagles. 

The purpose of this article is to explore the reasons behind beagle stubbornness and provide tips for effectively training and interacting with them.

By understanding the breed’s specific needs and personality, pet owners can better communicate with their beagles and develop a stronger bond. 

We’ll also provide practical tips for beagle owners to help them build a stronger relationship with their dog, and to help them train their beagle more effectively. .

Why Are Beagles Stubborn?

Beagles have a strong sense of smell and love to explore, which can make them quite independent and strong-willed.

Beagles are typically friendly, sociable, and playful, making them great companions for families and children. 

They are also known for their love of adventure and their desire to explore the world around them.

This can make them a great companion for people who enjoy hiking or other outdoor activities.

However, their love of exploration and independent nature can also contribute to their stubbornness.

Beagles may be more focused on following their nose or exploring their environment than listening to their owner’s commands.

This can make it difficult for owners to get their attention during training or other interactions. 

Additionally, Beagles have a strong prey drive, which means they have the tendency to chase small animals and birds, this can make them difficult to control while on walks or outdoor activities.

beagles vs pugs

Furthermore, Beagles have a strong sense of smell which makes them very good at tracking scents.

This can be a huge distraction when outside on walks, which can make them hard to redirect or command, as their focus is on the scent rather than the owner’s command.

This trait is a double-edged sword as it’s what makes them great hunters and working dogs, but it also makes them difficult to train as a companion.

History of Beagles and Stubbornness

Beagles have a long history as hunting dogs, specifically for tracking small game such as hares, rabbits, and foxes.

They were first developed in the United Kingdom in the 16th century and were used by hunters to track and flush out small game.

Their small size, strong sense of smell, and stamina made them well suited for this type of hunting.

Beagles were first brought to America in the 1800s and quickly became popular as hunting dogs and family pets.

They were used for hunting small game such as raccoons and squirrels. As hunting became less popular, Beagles were bred to be smaller and more compact, making them a popular companion breed.

The breeding and history of Beagles as hunting dogs has contributed to their stubbornness.

They have been selectively bred for their ability to independently follow scents and track small game, rather than their willingness to obey commands. 

This strong sense of smell and independent nature can make them difficult to train and control, as they may be more focused on following a scent than listening to their owner’s commands. 

Additionally, Beagles were bred to work in packs, this means that they have a pack mentality and would prefer to work with others rather than being alone, this can make them hard to train as a solo pet.

Signs of Stubbornness in Beagles 

  • Ignoring commands or directions from their owners

One of the most common signs of stubbornness in beagles is ignoring commands or directions from their owners.

The beagle’s strong sense of smell and love of exploration can make them very independent and they may not see the need to obey commands if they are enjoying exercising that independence. 

Additionally, Beagles tend to have a pack mentality, which means that they want to be part of the action, and may not see the need to obey commands if they are not part of the action or if they are not included in the task at hand. 

  • Difficulty in being alone and prefer to be in company of other dogs or people

Another sign of stubbornness in beagles is their difficulty in being alone and preference for being in the company of other dogs or people.

Beagles were originally bred to work in packs as hunting dogs, so they have a natural inclination to be part of a group. 

They thrive on social interaction and may become anxious or stressed when left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to destructive behavior, such as digging or chewing, as well as excessive barking or whining.

A beagle that is left alone for long periods of time may become bored and may not see the need to obey commands or follow rules.

This can make training and interacting with them a challenge, as they may not see the point in listening to their owners if they are not part of the group. 

Additionally, Beagles are very affectionate and love to be with their owners and family, they may become anxious or stressed when separated, and this can make them hard to train or control.

To avoid these issues, it’s important for beagle owners to provide their pet with plenty of social interaction and companionship.

This can be achieved by taking them for walks with other dogs, enrolling them in training classes, or inviting friends over to visit. 

Additionally, it’s important to provide your beagle with plenty of mental and physical stimulation when they are alone, such as interactive toys or puzzle games, to keep them occupied and prevent boredom.

  • Strong prey drive and tendency to chase small animals or birds

Beagles have a strong prey drive and a tendency to chase small animals or birds. This is a natural instinct that comes from their history as hunting dogs.

They have a keen sense of smell and are naturally inclined to follow scents and track small game, which can make it difficult to control them when they are out on walks or in outdoor environments.

The strong prey drive can make it difficult to train a beagle to come back when called, or to keep them on a leash while outside.

They may become easily distracted by the scent of an animal and take off after it without regard for their owner’s commands. This can be a dangerous situation, as they may run into traffic or get lost, and it can be also difficult to get them back.

Furthermore, a beagle’s strong prey drive can also make it difficult to introduce them to other small animals, such as cats, small dogs, or birds, as they may see them as potential prey. This can lead to aggressive behavior or even attacks.

  • Difficulty in adapting to new environments or routines

Beagles can have difficulty adapting to new environments or routines. This can make it difficult for them to focus on training or interacting with their owners in unfamiliar settings.

This difficulty in adapting to new environments or routines can manifest in a number of ways. For example, a beagle may become anxious or stressed in new environments, such as a new home or a different park, and may not respond well to commands or training. 

They may also have trouble adjusting to changes in their daily routines, such as a new walk schedule or a change in their feeding schedule, which can lead to confusion and difficulty in training.

Tips for Training Stubborn Beagles

Training beagles can be a challenge due to their strong-willed and independent nature. However, by using positive reinforcement and consistency, pet owners can effectively train their beagles and build a stronger bond with them.

Here are some tips for effectively training beagles using positive reinforcement and consistency:

  • Use positive reinforcement techniques

Beagles respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and affection. Reward them when they follow commands or perform a desired behavior.

This will help to reinforce the desired behavior and make it more likely that they will repeat it in the future.

  • Keep training sessions short and fun

Beagles have a short attention span and can become easily bored during training sessions. To keep them engaged, keep training sessions short and make them fun and interactive.

Use interactive toys and games to keep their attention and make the training process more enjoyable.

  • Be consistent

Consistency is key when training beagles. Use the same commands and training techniques each time and make sure everyone in the household is using the same methods.

This will help to avoid confusion and make it easier for the beagle to understand what is expected of them.

  • Use a clicker or whistle

A clicker or whistle can be an effective tool for training beagles. The sound of the clicker or whistle can grab their attention and help to focus them on the task at hand. Additionally, it can be used to mark the desired behavior, which can make it easier to reward them in a timely manner.

For more on clicker training, Zak George has a super helpful guide you can watch below:

  • Play to their strengths

Beagles have an incredible sense of smell, using strong-scent high value treats can be a great way to tire them out and feel like they’re making good use of their abilities.

I like to hide treats and make it a game for my beagles to find them, offering up commands along the way. 

  • Socialize your beagle

Socialization is an important part of training beagles. Introduce your beagle to new people, animals, and environments to help them become more confident and well-adjusted. This will make it easier for them to adapt to new situations and make the training process more effective.

  • Be patient

Beagles are a stubborn breed and it may take some time for them to fully understand and follow commands. Be patient and persistent with your training, and keep in mind that progress may be slow. With time, patience and consistency you will be able to effectively train your beagle.

Are Beagles More Stubborn Than Other Breeds?

Beagles are not the only breed of dog that can be perceived as stubborn. In fact, there are several dog breeds that are considered to be as stubborn or more stubborn than beagles. Some of these breeds include:

  • Basset Hound: Like Beagles, Basset Hounds have a strong sense of smell and independent nature, which can make them difficult to train.
  • Afghan Hound: These breeds are known for their independent nature and can be difficult to train. They may be more focused on their own interests and less responsive to commands and training.
  • Shar Pei: These breeds can be quite stubborn and independent, they may be less responsive to commands and training, and may require more patience and consistency.
  • Bulldog: Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn, they may be less responsive to commands and training, and may require more patience and consistency.
  • Siberian Husky: The Siberian Husky is an incredibly stubborn dog, more so than the beagle. Known for their separation anxiety and pack mentality, Siberian Huskies are loud and opinionated, and can be difficult to train without plenty of time and dedication.
  • Corgis: Corgis have big personalities, but also are common offenders on disobeying commands They can be trained to be great herding dogs, but it takes a lot of time and patience
  • Dachshund: Like the beagle, dachshunds were originally bred to be in packs, and have an incredible sense of smell. Doxies love to be their own guide, and they show their stubbornness through digging holes, chewing on socks and shoes, and chasing other pets (or small humans) around the house. 

It’s important to note that each dog is unique and may have its own specific characteristics and needs, so it’s essential to understand the specific needs and personality of the individual dog and adapt the training accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the breed’s specific needs and personality is important when training and interacting with them. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key when training beagles and it is important to keep training sessions short and fun.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that different breeds have been bred for different purposes, and some breeds may appear to be stubborn due to their specific breeding and history.

While this can be annoying, you can use these traits to your advantage by offering the right type of training exercises for your beagle.

Modern Beagle Team

I've been working with beagles and helping train dogs for years. I have a background in online journalism, and have decided to combine these two skills to help teach the world about their beagles!

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