One thing that can certainly be said about Beagles is that they are super friendly. They are also excellent hunting dogs and will eagerly chase down any game from squirrels and rabbits, grouse and pheasants, up to larger game like coyotes and even wild boar. Remember, though, that Beagles prefer to hunt in packs and their purpose is more to flush the game out for the hunter rather than bring it down themselves. Beagles enjoy the companionship of other dogs, but are also great with people and even household pets. Be sure to introduce your cats to your Beagle while he or she is still young. My brother had a Beagle when we were children, and Spot never had a problem getting along with any of our cats.
Beagles are fairly small dogs, with the largest topping out at around 25 to 30 pounds, and they are generally under 15 inches at the shoulder. Beagles can be considered a smaller version of the Foxhound. They originated in England at the time of Elizabeth I, making them an old, established breed of dog. One trait that Beagles all share is that they do like to bay. Our Spot was never shy about letting us know when he wanted to come in. However, the bay is rather melodic.
These days, I’d say that a good number of Beagles are functioning as household companions. However, they are still used for hunting by quite a few people. These Beagles probably look forward to hunting season, regardless of their usual position of companion in the home. When grouse hunting season rolls around, I’ve seen pickup trucks with crates with Beagles eagerly awaiting a chance to get down to business. However, after a hard and enjoyable day in the field, or in the home, any Beagle is going to appreciate a snug bed for rest, recuperation, and sleep. A good way to provide top-of-the-line sleeping would be with a leather bed from Le Dog
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For a sturdy and attractive leather bed, your Beagle will find Le Dog Company a perfect choice. A leather bed or mat from Le Dog will provide a comfortable, orthopedic place for your dog to sleep after a hard day in the field. If you have several Beagles, they can certainly both curl up on this bed without problem
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If you use your Beagle as a gun dog, he or she may get a real workout during hunting season. If you are concerned about your dog’s joints and want to provide a bed that may keep them healthy, the Carolina Pet Company Orthopedic Bed is a good idea. This bed is big enough to allow your Beagle to really stretch out, but will also help them feel snug and snuggled. A removable cover keeps the bed clean.
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Beagles that sleep in, or are transported, by crate will appreciate the Links Crate Mat. This mat will make snoozing in the crate either at home or while on the road much more comfortable. Your Beagle will be ready and raring to go after a comfortable ride.
From my own experience with Beagles, I’d say they are not too fussy about where they sleep, but why shouldn’t we make their beds as comfortable and snug as possible.
Food for Active Dogs
Regardless of whether your Beagle gets their exercise chasing balls or Frisbees, or whether they are used as a gun dog, high quality food is a must. Beagles are scent hounds and locate their prey using their sensitive noses. Once they do locate the prey, the chase is on. The chase often proceeds over rough ground with the dog putting on speed to keep up with a fleet-footed animal like a rabbit. The Beagle will try to herd the animal back towards the hunter for bagging. This is a high energy activity.
Does your companion Beagle need high quality food, too? You bet they do. Every Beagle owner knows how much their dog loves to run and play. And whether your Beagle is plowing through brush or chasing a ball, these activities require good food to power those bodies and provide them with the strength and stamina that they need. You don’t want food with a lot of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, you want a food based on protein.
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Don’t know which fresh food your Beagle would prefer? Then why not try A Pup Above Sampler Pack. The ingredients in this food are all good enough for a human to eat and contain plenty of protein. A Pup Above also makes excellent dried food for a shelf-stable supply.
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Looking for a great variety of options for your Beagle’s diet? Sundays has a food for even the pickiest eater. This company uses only human-grade ingredients so you can be sure that your Beagle is getting the best. Sundays offers a custom plan, designed specifically to your dog’s particular needs.
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yumwoof! is another great provider of premium food for your Beagle. Keep in mind that not only will a better grade dog food help provide your active dog with the energy and stamina he or she needs, but also help with the dog’s general health. Made with real meat and fish, yumwoof! has Perfect Kibble and Perfect Superfood to help your dog stay strong and healthy.
These pet food providers have gone out of their way to provide healthy, nutritious, and delectable food for your Beagle. The health of your dog always begins with their diet. You certainly don’t want to be giving your dog the canine equivalent of fast food, do you? When it’s time to reward your Beagle for a good hunt or hike, Farm Hounds offers some excellent, natural treats.
Beagles Need Training
Beagles are intelligent dogs and they come with an in-born set of instincts that provide them with the background of a hunting dog. However, to put these instincts to the best use, your Beagle will need some training. My husband’s uncle used to take him out when he was training a new Beagle. He had an old female who was an excellent hunter, and she would show the ‘newbie’ the ropes. Her students soon learned how to steer the rabbits toward my husband and his uncle. If you don’t have a great Auntie Beagle to teach your dog, there are some aids that can make the process easier.
Clickers are one way to help train your Beagle. The clicking sound draws the dog’s attention, and then the use of praise and a treat can help to seal the lesson. The Frisco Clicker or the Downtown Clicker, which comes in a set of two, combined with Full Moon Savory Bites, can help with training. Always remember that your Beagle wants to do what you want, it might just take some time, so always be patient and pour on the praise when they do well.
Not strictly a training device, but anyone who has owned a Beagle knows that they just love to roam. This is part of their gun dog instinct, but it can cause anxiety if you have no idea where your dog is. It doesn’t matter if you’re out in the back country on a rabbit hunt, or someone left the garden gate open, you will still want to get your Beagle back as quickly as possible. This is where a tracking system is invaluable. This wireless, tough GPS tracker can help you find your pet as quickly as possible, to the relief of both of you.
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