Have you been noticing changes in the behavior of your Beagle? Do you see it dealing with behavioral issues? You must be wondering what the reasons could be. It is normal for Beagles to display a certain change in behavior while they grow.
Apart from that, there can be a few reasons that add to your Beagle’s behavioral issues. To find out more about it, let’s delve deeper into the article.
Beagle Behavior By Age
Beagle Behavior When They Are Still Puppies
You must be aware of how enthusiastic and playful Beagle puppies are. They are curious and excited about new things. Beagles tend to be hyperactive while they are young. Let’s find out more about the Beagle puppy’s behavior at different ages.
Beagle Behavior At 0 To 2 Months
In the beginning, you should not expect much from your Beagle puppy. You will mostly find them sleeping all the time. In the first few weeks, they cannot see or hear much and mostly keep their eyes closed. Also, it would be best to keep the puppy away from intense light and noises.
However, by the third week, they will have a clearer vision and mostly be found around their mother. Over the second month, the Beagle puppy will improve its hearing, seeing, and other senses. It is quite a crucial stage, as this is when they learn to socialize. It is suitable for the puppy to be around its family and learn from them.
Beagle Behavior At 2 To 3 Months
It is the phase when a Beagle puppy is ready to be brought to its new home. During this period, they will try to adjust to their new surroundings and people. You might find them exploring different parts of their new setting and also smelling things.
They will still be a little shy and take some time to get used to the new environment. Basic learning with understanding a few commands will happen during this time. Their sleeping hours will be about 18 hours each day.
Beagle Behavior At 3 To 4 Months
This is the time when you will notice great curiosity and energy in your Beagle puppy. Take them for walks to parks and other places. Let them meet other dogs and new people. It is an important part of their socialization.
You should also start training them at this point. Beagles can be a little aggressive and stubborn at this point. They might also try to be the dominating ones. You need to keep that in check by training them well.
Beagle Behavior At 4 To 6 Months
You will see your puppy becoming somewhat hyper during this stage. But at the same time, they are willing to learn and please. You must take this opportunity and teach them ways that would be in coordination with your lifestyle.
Beagles are quite adaptable in nature. They’ll learn what you teach them.
Beagle Behavior At 6 To 12 Months
You will find your Beagle to be more obedient. The trick to achieving this is consistent training in a positive and healthy way. Stick to the rules you have made for your Beagle in order to keep it disciplined and within control.
They can still be imperative and need to explore and smell things. They might also be found chewing on things. Make sure to spend time playing with them daily. Let them release their energy every day.
Beagle Behavior At 1-2 Years
Your Beagle is a big dog now. This phase marks the beginning of your Beagle’s adulthood. You will witness a decline in its hyperactivity. Beagles usually calm down once they are a year old or so.
Along with being mature, they will still be somewhat hyperactive. Make sure that you make your Beagle exercise daily. Take it for walks every day. You Beagle requires daily exercising to remain fit and fine. Hopefully, good and consistent socialization and training will keep any behavioral issues in your Beagle at bay. And this must start from the beginning.
Apart from their physical fitness, take care of their mental needs as well. It is essential to channel your Beagle’s mind. This will prevent any bad behavior or frustration and assure that your dog is well mannered. Playing and having a good time with your dog can be a wonderful idea. You can give them toys as well.
Behavioral Problems That You May Witness In Your Beagle
You will notice the following kind of unwanted behavior in your Beagle. There are ways and tips to deal with such behavioral issues. Read on!
1. Increased Howling And Barking
At times, you will notice your Beagle barking incessantly. There could be many reasons for this. It can either be due to excitement or anxiety. Dogs usually bark to warn about some stranger, but barking can also be a sign of boredom and attention-seeking antics.
In order to stop them from barking, you need to learn a few antics too. Teach them when to keep quiet and make sure they know to follow your command. You can also give your Beagle a toy of its choice when they start to bark. This will deviate their attention.
2. Digging
Beagles sometimes like to escape. This could be their little adventure, or it could be because of boredom, anxieties, or fears.
One thing that you could do to prevent your dog from escaping and digging is to keep it busy in exercising and playful activities. This will keep them stimulated, and they won’t feel the need to “escape” for adventure.
You can also use some physical barriers to prevent your Beagle from digging.
3. Destroying Stuff
Dogs can go on chewing on your stuff, hence destroying it. They can do it to your furniture, your toys, your clothes, and other things. They might tend to resort to chewing because of boredom.
The trick again is to keep your Beagle involved in mentally stimulating activities and keep them entertained. Along with physical activities, mental activities are important too.
Also, try to keep your essential item away from the reach of your Beagle. This is the simplest thing you can do to save your stuff from being destroyed. Alternately, you can give your beagle pet toys to chew on instead. Your Beagle will have fun chewing on the toy, and your stuff will be safe too.
4. Behaving Aggressively
Beagles are pretty affectionate and friendly dogs. It is normal for Beagle puppies to display a little aggression and stubbornness. But if you feel the aggression persists, you could try taking the help of a professional dog trainer.
Factors That May Contribute To Behavioral Issues In Beagles
There are many factors that can contribute to increasing behavioral issues in your Beagle. It could be poor socialization, lack of playtime or energy expenditure, fear, and anxiety issues. Let’s look at a few more in detail.
No Rules Or Restrictions:
You will have to set a few rules for your Beagle that it must abide by. Not doing so might make your Beagle feel like the dominant one. Setting rules will keep your Beagle under control.
Boredom:
While Beagles are low-maintenance dogs, they have their needs too. It is your duty as an owner to make sure you address those needs. Being energetic dogs, Beagles have daily exercise needs. They need to have their playtime and activities regularly for enrichment. If you feel your dog is feeling low, take them for a walk, play with them.
Conclusion:
It is okay and natural for your Beagle to have a changing behavior with age. Dealing with your Beagle puppy will be more of a task for you than dealing with an adult one. With proper training, you can keep the behavior of your Beagle in check.
We also hope that you are able to address the behavioral issues in your Beagle, if any, with the help of tips we have given in the article. Other than that, we hope you have a happy and fun time parenting your Beagle.
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.