Many people may wonder if beagles are easy to train. After all, they are known for being friendly and docile dogs. But some beagle owners say that their dogs can be quite difficult to train. So, what is the truth? Are beagles easy to train or not? Let’s find out!
Are Beagles Easy to Train?
No, beagles are not easy to train. While they may be friendly and docile, beagles can also be quite stubborn. They are prone to getting into mischief and can be difficult to obedience train. However, with patience and consistent training, beagles can obey basic commands.
If you are looking for a dog that is easy to train, you may consider a different breed. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, training a beagle breed can be a rewarding experience.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of tips for training beagles. But first, let’s take a closer look at some of the common problems beagle owners experience.
What Makes Beagles Difficult to Train?
Several factors make beagles difficult to train. Some of the most common include:
They are Bred as Hunting Dogs
Beagles were bred as hunting dogs, and they have retained many of their hunting instincts. Beagle hunting instincts can include chasing small animals and birds, digging, and barking. This can make training beagles a challenge, as you need to consistently redirect their energy and behaviour.
They are Stubborn
Beagles are known for being quite stubborn, which can make training them a challenge. They may not want to listen to you or do what you ask them to do.
They are Mischievous
Beagles are also known as “merry pranksters” for a reason! They are prone to getting into mischief and can be difficult to keep out of trouble.
They Like to Get into Trouble
Beagles are also notorious for being the dogs that get into the most trouble! They are often very active and love to explore, leading them into trouble.
They are Energetic Dogs
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), beagles are “popular energetic hound dogs that need a lot of exercise.” This means that they require a lot of time and effort to train. If you are not prepared to put in the work, it can be difficult to train a beagle.
They Have a Sharp Sense of Smell
Beagles have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, which can sometimes get in the way during training. They may become distracted by their surroundings and not listen to you.
They are Curious Dogs
Curiosity in Beagles stems from their incredible sense of smell. They are always investigating their surroundings, which can lead to distractions during training. This can be frustrating for owners who are trying to train their beagles.
How Long Does it Take to Train a Beagle?
Training a beagle usually takes between 4 and 6 months. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the dog’s temperament and how much effort you are prepared to put in.
The timeframe will also vary depending on the age of the beagle when you start training it. Beagles younger than six months old tend to be easier to train than those that are older.
The table below shows estimates of how long it may take to train different behaviours in beagles:
| Training | Time |
| Basic Commands | 4-6 weeks |
| Leash Training | 1-2 weeks |
| Crate Training | 1-2 weeks |
| Potty Training | 2-4 weeks |
Beagles typically take longer to train than other breeds. This is due to their hunting instincts and stubbornness. However, with patience and perseverance, you can successfully train a beagle.
Once a beagle has been successfully trained, they typically do not require any additional effort to maintain the training. However, it is important to remember that beagles are active dogs, and they may get into mischief if they are not sufficiently exercised.
Many people believe that female beagles are easier to train than male beagles. This is because males are independent and can be more difficult to dominate. However, this is not always the case, and each beagle should be evaluated individually.
Tips for Training a Beagle
If you are looking to train a beagle, here are some tips to help you get started:
Be Patient and Persistent
It is important to be patient when training a beagle. They may not always listen or want to do what you ask them to do. You need to be persistent to train a beagle successfully. When they do something wrong, do not punish them, simply correct them and ask them to do it again.
Be Consistent With Your Commands
It is also important to be consistent with your commands when training a beagle. If you tell them to do something one day and then tell them not to do the same thing the next day, they may become confused and not want to listen to you.
Train Them in Short Sessions
It is also a good idea to train beagles in short sessions. This will help keep their attention focused and make it easier for you to correct them when they make a mistake.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Beagles respond best to positive reinforcement. When they obey your commands, reward them with dog treats or positive reinforcement. This will encourage them to continue obeying your commands.
Provide Plenty of Exercises
Beagles need plenty of exercise to stay out of trouble. If they are not given enough exercise, they may get into mischief. They need at least an hour of exercise per day. This can include a combination of walking, playing fetch, and going to the dog park.
Make Fun Training Sessions
Beagles are active hound dogs, and they will enjoy training sessions if you make them fun. Try to keep sessions short and upbeat, and make sure you always reward your beagle with a treat when they obey your commands.
Training sessions should be enjoyable for both you and your beagle. This will help keep them motivated and eager to learn. With patience and perseverance, you can successfully train a beagle hound dog.
Never Use Harsh Obedience Techniques
Punishing a beagle for not obeying your commands will only make them scared of you and less likely to listen to you. Always use positive reinforcement and gentle obedience training techniques when training a beagle. This will help ensure that your training sessions are successful and enjoyable for both you and your beagle.
Start Training Early
It is best to start training a beagle early. They will learn commands more quickly and be easier to train if you start when they are young. Younger beagles are also more submissive than older beagles, making them easier to train.
Start With Easy Tasks
When you are first training a beagle, start with simple tasks. Once they have mastered these tasks, move on to more difficult commands. This will help them build confidence and learn how to obey your commands.
Establish Yourself as the Leader
You need to establish yourself as the leader when training a beagle. They need to know that you are in charge and that they need to listen to your commands. This can be done through obedience training and by establishing rules and limits.
To establish yourself as the leader, here are some tips:
- Eat first before your beagle: When eating, make sure your beagle does not eat until you have finished. This will show them that you are the dominant one in the relationship.
- Do not let your beagle into your bedroom: This will send a message that you are not comfortable with them being in your personal space.
- Make them sit before giving them a treat: This will show them that you control the treats and that they need to listen to your commands to get them.
Use Clicker Training
Clicker training is a popular method of training beagles. It involves using a clicker to mark correct behaviour. When the beagle performs the desired behaviour, click the clicker and give them a treat. This helps them associate the clicking noise with good behaviour, which will make them more likely to obey your commands.
Hire a Professional Trainer
If you are having trouble training your beagle, it may be helpful to hire a professional trainer. They will help you correct any mistakes you are making and help your beagle learn how to obey your commands.
The Bottom Line
Beagles are a bit harder to train than some other breeds, but you can successfully train them with patience and perseverance. They respond best to positive reinforcement, so make sure you use plenty of treats and make training sessions fun.
Start training early and start with easy tasks to build your beagle’s confidence. And most importantly, establish yourself as the leader and be consistent with your commands. With a little bit of effort, you will have a well-trained beagle hound dog in no time.
