Beagles are a popular breed of dog known for their loving and affectionate nature. However, many pet owners may wonder why beagles are the worst dogs.
But, are they?
In this article, we will explore the various quirks and personality traits that make beagles a handful to own.
From their vocal and high-energy nature to their stubbornness and strong tracking instincts, we will delve into the reasons why beagles may not be the best fit for every household.
By understanding the challenges of owning a beagle, potential pet owners can make an informed decision before bringing one home.
Why Beagles Are the Worst Dogs
Beagles have their own personality traits. Some which may make people believe they are bad dogs, when in reality they aren’t.
Let’s take a look at some common traits of Beagles.
Beagles Bark…A Lot
One of the most notable personality traits of beagles is their tendency to be vocal and bark a lot. Beagles are known for their distinctive howl or bay, and they can be quite persistent when they want something.
This trait can be both good and bad. On one hand, it can be useful for alerting you to potential danger. Or letting you know when someone is at the door.
On the other hand, it can be quite annoying if your dog is constantly barking for no reason.
If you’re considering a beagle, be prepared for some noisy nights. One way to prevent excessive barking is to provide your beagle with enough exercise and mental stimulation. This will help to tire them out and reduce their tendency to bark.
Positive reinforcement-based training can also help to teach your beagle when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not.
Beagles Are VERY High Energy
Beagles are known for being high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise. This is due to their strong hunting instincts, as beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs.
They are also known for being friendly, outgoing, and affectionate dogs that enjoy being around people. Beagles make great family pets. But, they need to be given plenty of attention and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
A beagle may not the right breed for you if you live in an apartment or do not have a lot of space for a dog. You can find out more by reading our article Are Beagles Good Apartment Dogs?
Exercise Helps
Exercise for beagles can come in many forms. Such as going for long walks, runs, or hikes, playing fetch or agility games, and even participating in scent work or tracking activities.
It is important to note that beagles require at least an hour of exercise every day. So, make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to run and play.
A lack of exercise can lead to behavioral issues such as destructive behavior and barking.
Additionally, providing your beagle with a job or task such as helping with household chores or participating in obedience or agility competitions can also help to satisfy their need for mental stimulation.
Beagles Are Stubborn and Mischievous
Beagles are known for being stubborn and mischievous dogs, which can make them challenging to train. This is due to their strong hunting instincts and determination to follow their nose.
Beagles have a great sense of smell and will often become fixated on a scent. This makes them difficult to redirect or control in certain situations. This trait can be both good and bad.
On one hand, it can be an asset if you’re training them for tracking or hunting hounds. On the other hand, it can be a problem if you’re trying to keep your beagle contained or teach them basic obedience commands.
Consistent training is needed for this high-energy breed to ensure your beagle does not become an overly naughty dog.
Positive reinforcement-based training methods work best with beagles as they are highly food motivated. Using their love of food as a reward for good behavior can help to keep them focused during training sessions.
Clicker training can also be effective in getting the beagle’s attention and keeping them engaged.
They Have Strong Tracking Instincts
Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs. Their strong tracking instincts often lead them to wander off if they catch a scent. This can be a problem if you’re trying to keep your beage contained, as they may run off and get lost.
Also, their strong tracking instincts can also lead them to ignore basic obedience commands if they become fixated on a scent.
To curb this behavior, it is important to keep your beagle on a leash or in a securely fenced area when they are not being supervised.
Training them to come to a whistle or other specific sound can also be helpful in case they wander off.
By using scent work or tracking activities, this can also help to satisfy their need for this type of stimulation and reduce the likelihood of them becoming fixated on a scent and running off.
Challenges of Owning a Beagle
If you feel that you are up for the challenge of owning a beagle, here are some things that you may encounter.
Beagles Have Separation Anxiety and Destructive Behavior
Beagles are social animals and do not do well when left alone for long periods. This can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
A bored beagle may start barking excessively, digging holes in the yard, or chewing on furniture. This can be a problem for pet owners who are away from home for long periods of time or have busy schedules.
To prevent separation anxiety and destructive behavior, it is important to provide your beagle with enough exercise and mental stimulation before leaving them alone.
At least an hour of exercise every day is recommended to tire them out and reduce their tendency to become bored. Additionally, providing them with a food-dispensing toy or puzzle can also help to keep them mentally stimulated while they are alone.
It’s also important to note that leaving a TV or radio on can help to reduce separation anxiety as the sounds will provide them with some company.
Gradual acclimation to being alone by starting with shorter periods of time and slowly increasing the duration of time can also help them to adjust to being alone.
They Have Escape Artist Tendencies
Beagles are notorious for their escape artist abilities. If they see something they want on the other side of a fence, they will find a way to get to it. This can be a problem if you’re not careful, as they may run off and get lost.
Beagles also like to dig, so you’ll need to ensure your fence is buried deep enough to deter them. This can also be a challenge if you’re trying to keep your beagle contained in a specific area, such as a backyard.
To prevent your beagle from escaping, it is important to secure all potential escape routes, such as gaps under fences or gates that are not properly secured.
Regularly checking and maintaining the fence is also important.
Beagles Are Obsessed With Food
Beagles are known for being food obsessed. This means that they’re always on the lookout for their next meal and will do whatever it takes to get it.
They’ll beg, steal, and even eat food off other people’s plates if given the chance. This can be a problem if you’re not careful, leading to obesity and other health problems.
Beagles are also known for being very vocal when they’re hungry. So be prepared to hear a lot of barking if you don’t keep their tummies full.
To prevent your beagle from becoming food obsessed, it is important to feed them a healthy and well-balanced diet. Meals should be given at regular times and should not be left out for them to graze on.
Treats should be given in moderation and should not make up a large portion of their diet.
Training them to do tricks or participating in obedience or agility competitions can also be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated and reduce their focus on food.
Beagles Face Health Issues
Beagles, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues. These can range from minor issues such as ear infections to more serious conditions such as hip dysplasia.
Beagles are known to have a tendency to become overweight. This can lead to other health issues such as joint problems and diabetes. They can also be prone to certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma.
To ensure the best possible health for your beagle, it is important to provide them with regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations.
Keeping them at a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is also important.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the signs of any potential health issues and to address them promptly if they arise.
Proper grooming and regular dental check-ups can also help prevent and detect potential health issues early.
Conclusion
This article has discussed the various quirks and personality traits that make people wonder why beagles are the worst dogs.
From their vocal and high-energy nature, to their stubbornness and strong tracking instincts, the reasons why beagles may not be the best fit for every household have been explored.
By understanding the challenges of owning a beagle, potential pet owners can make an informed decision before bringing one home.
Beagles are loving and affectionate dogs, but they also have unique personality traits that require a specific type of owner.
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