Beagles are a popular breed of dog known for their cheerful, friendly demeanor and their keen sense of smell. They make great family pets and are often used as hunting companions. However, owning a beagle also means making certain adjustments to your daily routine. In this article, we will discuss 11 things you can’t do when you own a beagle.
1. Leave Food Out
Beagles are notorious for their love of food. They have a strong appetite and will eat almost anything they can get their paws on. This can lead to some challenges for their owners, especially when it comes to leaving food out.
The Risk of Overeating
Beagles have a tendency to overeat if given the opportunity. This can lead to obesity, which is a common health issue among dogs. According to data from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of all dogs in the United States are overweight or obese.
Leaving food out for your beagle to graze on throughout the day can lead to weight gain and other health problems. It’s important to establish a feeding schedule and stick to it to ensure your beagle is getting the right amount of food.
Table Manners
Beagles are not known for their table manners. They have a habit of begging and will often try to steal food off your plate. This can be frustrating for owners, especially during meal times.
It’s important to train your beagle to stay away from the table while people are eating. This can be done by teaching them the “stay” command and rewarding them when they obey. It’s also helpful to provide them with their own designated spot to eat, away from the dining area.
Solutions for Leaving Food Out
If you have a busy schedule and find it difficult to stick to a strict feeding schedule for your beagle, there are solutions that can help. Automatic feeders are a great option as they dispense food at specific times throughout the day, reducing the risk of overeating.
You can also try using puzzle or interactive toys to keep your beagle mentally stimulated and occupied while you’re away. These toys often involve treats, which can be a great way to control the amount of food your beagle consumes.
2. Keep Trash Uncovered
Beagles have a strong sense of smell and are known to be quite curious creatures. This combination can lead to some trouble, especially when it comes to trash.
The Dangers of Getting Into Trash
Beagles are natural scavengers and will often try to get into trash cans to find food. However, this can be dangerous for them as they can come into contact with toxic substances or sharp objects.
In addition, getting into trash can make your beagle sick. They may consume spoiled food or items that aren’t meant to be eaten, leading to digestive issues and potential obstructions.
Tips for Keeping Trash Covered
To prevent your beagle from getting into the trash, it’s important to keep it covered at all times. This means using a trash can with a secure lid or keeping it in a cabinet or pantry. It’s also helpful to place the trash can in an area that is not easily accessible to your beagle.
Another tip is to train your beagle to stay away from the trash. This can be done by using the “leave it” command and rewarding them when they obey. Consistency is key in training, so be sure to reinforce this behavior regularly.
Alternative Disposal Methods
If your beagle is persistent in getting into the trash, you may need to explore alternative disposal methods. One option is to use a pet-proof trash can with a locking mechanism that prevents your beagle from opening it.
You can also try using compostable or biodegradable bags for your trash. These bags are made from natural materials and will decompose over time, making them safe for your beagle if they do happen to get into the trash.
3. Sleep In Late
Beagles are energetic dogs and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This means they may not be on the same sleep schedule as their owners. If you’re someone who enjoys sleeping in late, owning a beagle may present a challenge.
Early Morning Wake-Up Calls
Beagles are known to be early risers, and they will often let you know when they’re ready to start the day. This can be challenging for owners who prefer to sleep in.
It’s important to establish a routine for your beagle so they understand when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. This can be done by sticking to a consistent feeding and exercise schedule, which we will discuss further in the next section.
The Importance of Exercise
Beagles have a lot of energy, and if they don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioral issues. This is why it’s important to provide them with regular daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Taking your beagle for a walk or playing games like fetch or tug-of-war are great ways to tire them out. This will not only help them sleep better at night, but it can also prevent them from waking up too early in the morning.
Solutions for Sleeping In Late
If you’re someone who enjoys sleeping in late, there are some solutions that can help make this possible while still owning a beagle. One option is to provide them with plenty of exercise before bedtime. This can help them sleep better and potentially allow you to sleep in a bit longer.
You can also try using sound machines or white noise to block out any noises that may wake your beagle up early in the morning. It’s important to note that these solutions may not work for every beagle, as each dog has their own unique personality and preferences.
4. Enjoy a Quiet House
Beagles are known for their loud, distinctive bark. While this may be endearing to some, it can also be disruptive and bothersome for others. If you prefer a quiet house, owning a beagle may present a challenge.
Reasons for Barking
Beagles are known to bark for various reasons, including boredom, alerting their owners of something, or seeking attention. It’s important to understand why your beagle is barking in order to address the behavior effectively.
One common reason for barking is separation anxiety. Beagles are social animals and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to excessive barking as they try to communicate their distress.
Tips for Reducing Barking
Training is key when it comes to reducing excessive barking in beagles. Teaching them the “quiet” command and rewarding them when they obey can be helpful in managing this behavior.
It’s also important to provide your beagle with plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. This will help prevent boredom and reduce the need for them to bark for attention.
Managing Barking Behavior
If your beagle’s barking has become a problem, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. In some cases, seeking the help of a professional dog trainer may be necessary.
It’s also important to remain consistent in addressing the behavior. Ignoring it or giving in can reinforce the behavior and make it more difficult to manage in the future.
5. Leave Small Items Around
Beagles are curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings. This means they may be tempted to chew on or play with small items left around the house. As a beagle owner, it’s important to keep this in mind and take precautions to protect both your belongings and your beagle.
Potential Dangers of Chewing
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it helps keep their teeth clean and their jaws strong. However, when it comes to small items, this behavior can be dangerous. Your beagle may accidentally ingest something that can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
In addition, chewing on small items can also lead to dental issues such as broken teeth or mouth injuries. It’s important to take steps to prevent your beagle from accessing small items to avoid these potential dangers.
Keeping Small Items Out of Reach
The best way to prevent your beagle from chewing on small items is to keep them out of reach. This means picking up small objects and placing them in cabinets or drawers where your beagle can’t access them.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your beagle and discourage them from chewing on anything other than their designated toys. This can be done by redirecting their attention to appropriate toys and rewarding them for chewing on those instead.
Providing Appropriate Toys for Chewing
To keep your beagle from getting bored and seeking out small items to chew on, it’s important to provide them with a variety of appropriate toys. These can include chew toys, puzzle toys, and interactive toys that will keep them mentally stimulated and fulfill their natural desire to chew.
It’s also helpful to rotate their toys regularly to prevent boredom and keep them engaged with their toys. This can also help prevent them from becoming too attached to one specific toy, making it easier for them to give up items they shouldn’t be chewing on.
6. Maintain a Pristine Garden
Beagles are known for their love of digging and exploring. While this makes them great hunting companions, it can also pose a challenge for their owners when it comes to maintaining a pristine garden.
Reasons for Digging
Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, and beagles in particular have a strong instinct to do so. They may dig to find buried treasure, relieve boredom, or cool off in hot weather.
It’s important to understand the reason behind your beagle’s digging in order to address the behavior effectively. Punishing them for this natural behavior will only confuse and stress them out.
Creating a Designated Digging Spot
One way to manage your beagle’s digging behavior is to provide them with a designated spot where they can dig to their heart’s content. This can be an area of your yard filled with soft dirt or sand.
Make sure to bury some treats or toys in this area to encourage your beagle to dig there. With time and consistency, they should learn that this is the only acceptable spot for digging.
Managing Digging Behavior
If your beagle continues to dig in areas they shouldn’t, it’s important to address the behavior. This can be done by redirecting their attention to their designated digging spot or providing them with a toy or game to keep them occupied.
It’s also helpful to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation for your beagle to prevent boredom, which can often lead to destructive behavior such as digging.
Conclusion
Owning a beagle comes with its own set of challenges, but with proper training and management techniques, these challenges can be overcome. It’s important to understand your beagle’s natural instincts and behaviors in order to provide them with a fulfilling and happy life.
By following these tips and making adjustments to your daily routine, you can enjoy all the wonderful qualities that make beagles such great companions while also maintaining a peaceful and harmonious household.
