How to Train a Beagle: 7 Tips for Training a Beagle

Beagles are among the most difficult canines to train because they are hunting dogs with high energy levels. Beagles belong to a dog breed known as scent hounds—they hunt by their sense of smell, not sight. That ability aids beagles in tracking down game in the wild, but it also makes them more likely to rely on their instincts rather than listen to basic commands from their dog owner. As many dog trainers note, these traits make training sessions with beagles a challenge.

However, beagles are also friendly and intelligent dogs that respond well to mental stimulation and positive reinforcement with training treats. Beagle owners find their pups succeed with obedience training with time, patience, and plenty of exercise.

Beagles can be challenging to train because they have:

1. 1. An independent streak: Beagles lead the way when hunting, relying on the scent rather than their owner to guide them. They have an independent streak that makes them less interested in seeking out praise or affection from you. Food rewards and playtime are more effective tools for beagle training than verbal praise.
2. 2. High energy levels: As hunting dogs, beagles needed lots of energy and stamina to track down game over long distances. That energy often makes basic obedience training, such as housebreaking, a labor-intensive effort.
3. 3. Short attention spans: While their keen sense of smell makes beagles ideal hunting dogs, it also leaves them with short attention spans. They’re easily distracted by new and interesting scents and may follow one over a considerable distance without heeding their owners, which occasionally makes long walks for their required exercise a frustrating exercise.

Try these dog training methods and techniques with your beagle:

1. 1. Be sure to start early. A beagle puppy is easier to train than an adult dog, so begin potty training when they are still young. An eight-week-old beagle puppy is ready to venture outside as part of house training. Start as soon as you bring your beagle puppy home, and it has all its vaccinations.
2. 2. Establish a schedule. Consistency is the key to effective dog training, and beagles are no exception. Take your puppy out for potty breaks at the same time every day, and follow the same training processes with each session to ensure the lessons become part of their regular behavior.
3. 3. Explore crate training. One of the most effective types of training for beagle puppies is crate training. Containing your pup in a comfortable and inviting crate or kennel prevents destruction and messes and gives them a sense of security in their new home. Beagles love cozy dens, so fill your dog’s crate with their favorite toys, water and food, and puppy pads (though beagle pups rarely soil their dens).
4. 4. Keep commands simple. Use simple cue words to teach your beagle puppy commands. One- and two-word cues, like “sit,” “stay,” or “down,” are effective tools. Always reward them for good behavior; if they assume the sitting position immediately after the sit command, give them a tasty treat and plenty of praise.
5. 5. Reduce barking through redirection. A dog barks for many reasons, including excitement, separation anxiety, and boredom. Exercise alleviates many of those concerns, and rewards for good behavior help drive home the point. If all that fails, relocate the dog to a more calm environment inside or outside your home.
6. 6. Stay positive. A negative response to your dog’s behavior, such as yelling, scolding, or physical punishment, is never an effective form of puppy training. Positive reinforcement and treats help your dog think of training as a pleasant bonding experience with you.
7. 7. Socialize your pet. To help your puppy adjust to its new environment and family members, including any other family pets, begin socializing your beagle puppy when they are eight weeks old. Socialization efforts should continue as they get older through regular walks, visits to dog parks, and puppy playdates. Introducing your pet to new people, animals, and places helps your dog feel confident and learn acceptable behavior.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.