Understanding Your Beagle Puppy

Known for their gentle, sweet, tolerant, and loving temperament, beagles are also social, intelligent, and brave dogs that are great with kids. While their natural habitat is outdoors, they still make excellent indoors pets but must be taken for daily long walks and need proper exercise. If your home has other non-canine pets, your beagle puppy will need to be socialized right away since beagles were bred, traditionally, for the purpose of hunting.

Positive reinforcement is key and beagles respond well to them, especially since they can be stubborn. To prevent behavioral issues from developing and to integrate the pup into your lifestyle, you’ll need to practice calm, assertive leadership. Beagles need a strong pack leader.

Beagle Puppy’s Health

Beagles are generally easy to groom because they have short hair and are average shedders. Brush your pup with a firm bristle brush frequently, as well as bathing him/her with a mild, non-irritant shampoo when you think the pup needs it. The nails of your beagle puppy, like most dogs, should be trimmed approximately every two weeks. Ensure you check your pup’s ears for signs of infection – the longer ears can often be prone to infections.

Common health issues related to beagles include hypothyroidism, cherry eye, allergies, and epilepsy. These can call be managed and treated by a local vet. Obesity can also sometimes be a problem with this breed, so ensure your puppy gets the exercise it needs. Taking all of these precautions in mind, you expect your beagle to live between 12 and 15 years.

Allowing Your Puppy to be a Beagle

Because beagles love staying mentally stimulated, you have to do more than go for hikes, runs, and walks or play fetch. With superior tracking instincts and a keen sense of smell, beagles can be great hunting companions, but they can also benefit from activities that are scent-related. Try playing tracking games to engage their sense of smell, and purchase animal scents to make it more fun. Turn mealtime into a treasure hunt by having their food bowl placed in different spots or hide treats and let your beagle puppy sniff it out. The puppy will love the stimulation it gives him/her.