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The doghouse

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Original poster

DP would love to get a beagle - please can you give some advice?

78 replies

Get0rf · 18/12/2011 21:06

We have been thinking about getting a dog for a couple of years now. We both would love one - however we both work full time, and don't think that doggy day care would be fair.

However, my PILs are dog lovers, and in speaking to DP have said that they would look after a dog during the day for us. DP could either drop the dog off on the way to work and pick it up, or they would come over. This would be temporary as DP is aiming to work from home in the near future for about two years, after which the dog would presumably be old enough (and settled) for doggy day care.

DP had a beagle when he was younger and would love one. I am sure that I have read on here that beagles can be a nightmare - has someone any information?

Plus - please can you give feedback on our idea. I have no preference as to puppy or adult dog (I would actually prefer an older dog) but woulkd this be fair do you think to have DP's mum and dad look after the dog during the day? Or woiuld this be unsettling for the dog? They are great walkers so the dog would be out a lot, I am not worried about that, rather thjinking that lots of caregivers may be unsettling to a dog. I have never owned a dog as an adult so have lots to think about before we go ahead.

Thanks.

OP posts:
scrappydoodah · 18/12/2011 21:39

Well, the dogs I've had are loyal to anyone who is kind to them, and not unsettled at all by spending time with other people. I really can't see a problem on that front.

Consistent rules though or you will make problems for yourself e.g. if you don't want your dog on your sofa, he can't be allowed on their sofa!

Original poster
Get0rf · 18/12/2011 21:44

I can see that will be a conflict! Their old dog was always allowed on the sofa and on the beds. Grin

Their old dog had to be put to sleep recently (was ancient and had an inoperable tumour) and they don't want to get a dog, but miss dogs iyswim

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GrimmaTheNome · 18/12/2011 21:49

If you get an adult, either from a rescue or a good breeder, then they should have some idea of the character of the particular dog and be able to assess if it will be likely to be unsettled by this arrangement.

LEttletownofBOFlehem · 18/12/2011 22:00

I'm no expert on beagles, but I see some most times I walk my dogs in the park, and they are always in the fenced-in exercise area. Which I would find restrictive- could they tend not to be good around other dogs, or have poor recall? Have you done any research on the breed characteristics?

LEttletownofBOFlehem · 18/12/2011 22:03

Aha! I've just found this from a site about them which would explain the restricted exercise area: " If they pick up a scent they may wander off and not even hear you calling them back, or not care to listen, as they will be too busy trying to find the critter at the other end. Take care when letting them off leash that you are in a safe area."

Original poster
Get0rf · 18/12/2011 22:07

Yes, I have looked it up on various sites that they have very poor recall, and bugger off and are unlikely to come back (in common with other hounds of their type apparently). I haven't found brilliantly informative sites, though, tbh.

I am not bothered which type of dog we get, in fact would prefer a mongrel really. I would prefer a big dog as opposed to a small one, and have a stupilation that we do not get a dog with border collie in it (had one as a child, it was a farm dog and it was simply unfair to keep it as a pet, it needed to work really and as it was essentially bored it behaved like a mentalist). DP is just soppy about beagles (I must admit they have got such endearing little faces).

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LoveInASnowyClimate · 18/12/2011 22:09

They are lovely but they are terrible smokers Grin.

TracyK · 18/12/2011 22:12

Beagles are lovely and I know only two. But they are both runners! You need to be prepared to spend many hours chasing or waiting for them!
Collie cross are lovely you get the intelligence of the collie but not the hyper ness. If you get one that is at least 1yo you can judge it's size and temperament, though will be harder to re train.

LEttletownofBOFlehem · 18/12/2011 22:13

The other issue with beagles, it seems, is that they are quite pack-focussed. I'd be a bit concerned that they might be highly strung and whiny when they're on their own, and prone to separation anxiety, which is very tough to train dogs out of.

peggyblackett · 18/12/2011 22:15

We have a beagle x springer nightmare dog (definiely more like a beagle than a springer) :o

Plus sides
Soft as anything - he really wouldn't hurt a flea
Likes playing and is wonderful with our small dcs
Fairly compact size, and easy coat to care for
'Sings' when DH sings (he won't sing for me though!)

Down sides
Totally selective hearing, and it's taken a lonngg time to establish recall with him. He scared us horribly two years ago - he ran off with the spaniel next door and found his way onto the A419 (think you live nearish to me GetOrf so you'll know how horrific that could have been). He had disappeared for 2 days, and travelled miles. We were very lucky that a) he hadn't caused an accident and b) we got him back safely. His recall is now much, much better (he's a sedate 4 year old and a little calmer). I was heavily pregnant with ds at the time, and spent most of the night driving country lanes looking for him. Not his, or our, finest hour.
He is exceptionally greedy - he steals into our chicken run to eat their layer pellets - so keeping his weight in check is hard work.

peggyblackett · 18/12/2011 22:16

YY to being pack dogs. He adores our lab, and enjoyed life even more when we had three dogs.

Have you seen the beagles on Many Tears at the moment :)?

Original poster
Get0rf · 18/12/2011 22:21

Jesus wept at the thought of a pair of dogs on the A419 Shock. I am glad that you got him back.

That is quite concerning about the pack element - we certainly would not have more than one dog, and we have several cats, that would be an issue it seems (with any dog, come to think of it).

We have a very secure garden (something which is essential I have gathered, as they are escapologists).

'Sings' when DH sings (he won't sing for me though!) that really made me laugh

I am NOT looking at rescue centres, I nearly had a nervous breakdown at the pictures of old grey-whiskered dogs when I looked on the Oldies site. I think I will try and persuade DP that we should get an old boy, rather than a young dog or puppy.

I have spent ages looking at beagle sites, they are the most beautiful faced dogs

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LEttletownofBOFlehem · 18/12/2011 22:24

The thing with an older one is that you will need to make sure he has been socialised with cats then- very important, as Beagles do chase small furries, being hunting dogs.

Original poster
Get0rf · 18/12/2011 22:28

Yes, am starting to think that beagles + cats would be a disaster. I discounted greyhounds for this reason.

Bugger.

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EverSoLagom · 18/12/2011 22:40

We've had beagles for years. Second waht has been said about them loving company - we kept two of the eight pups in the litter, the other six stayed in the extended family and they are always happier together! They take a good deal of running and are prone to put on weight if they arent seriously exercised - they are also fantastic jumpers so you need a secure garden if they'll be left out even for a short time. Very loving, loyal, and extremely alert. Ours are fine with cats and great with kids - naturally know when to be gentle and have the patience of saints with the little ones.

LEttletownofBOFlehem · 18/12/2011 22:46

If you get a dog from a rescue, you should be able to find one that is known to have a good track record with cats. There are still some breeds that you simply can't leave alone with a cat though, even if they seem fine: my googling is throwing up a few stories of jack russells, for example, who even though they've been brought up around cats, have still turned on them and killed while their owner was out. It does seem like the prey drive is an instinct that can suddenly kick in, despite training.

You need to remember too that cats can do serious damage to dogs too, especially to their eyes. A playful puppy might well be put his place by a pissed-off cat. Something to bear in mind.

Original poster
Get0rf · 18/12/2011 22:51

I cannot bear jack Russells BOF (was chased by one as a teenager child).

My cats are pretty young as well, it would worry me that the cat could attack a dog and harm it.

Thank you everso - I would feel very bad in having a beagle if they really would be unhappy as a single dog. Oh but they do sound like lovely dogs.

Hmm.

Thanks everyone for your help Smile

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ClaudiaSchiffer · 18/12/2011 23:04

We have a beagle, he is lovely, and a great family pet.

I dislike all other dogs as they are nasty smelly articles but our beagle is so delightful he has snuck his way into my affections.

Be warned though, we got him as a puppy when I was about 8 months preg (VERY BAD IDEA) he chewed everything - kids shoes, fence posts, book case. Also we spent $7,000 on fencing our garden and he still escapes. He is a bugger for stealing food, he will nab anything within reach. On memorable Christmas he ran off with the ham. A WHOLE HAM. He returned after an hour or so incredibly thirsty. Oh, and as has been said up thread once they have a scent they are deaf to all please to return, nose down, bum up and off they go.

But, he is absolutely lovely with the kids, gentle and sweet, and we all love him.

If in any doubt watch this video on beagles being released from a lab you will rush out and buy one immediately.

ClaudiaSchiffer · 18/12/2011 23:06

Oh ffs I should preview before posting, pleas, not please obv also ignore other typos, tis early here and I'm typing like a numpty.

Original poster
Get0rf · 18/12/2011 23:07

On memorable Christmas he ran off with the ham. A WHOLE HAM. He returned after an hour or so incredibly thirsty

I have seen that video, Claudia, I cried my eyes out, then showed DP and DD who cried also. Bless them.

Oh god though re chewing.

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batsintheroof · 18/12/2011 23:08

No no don't discount a greyhound!! We have an ex-racer greyhound who lives happily with cats (they're outdoor cats as well and she doesn't chase them in the garden). About 25% of greyhounds pass a cat test AFTER being raced- you can even get a grey that didn't even start racing as some just don't have the chase instinct there.

Look at greyhound rescue west of england (GRWE)- They rehome to cat households across the country.

ClaudiaSchiffer · 18/12/2011 23:09

Yep, I have foolishly spent many $$$$s on expensive childrens shoes, which end up as dog chews

Original poster
Get0rf · 18/12/2011 23:10

Really - I have had loads of people say that greyhounds are a no-no, because they can't resist hurtling after cats.

That is good news, I dearly love greyhounds, they are so gentle and sleepy (well, the one I have known Grin)

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batsintheroof · 18/12/2011 23:21

Yep it is fine. We got our doggie earlier this year from lincolnshire greyhound trust. Cat training took a full-on week and about 2 months until we had full confidence in her.

We got a spray water bottle and every time she looked at them for more than a second- usually when they made a sudden movement or jumped- we sprayed her. Greyhounds fixate on something and then decide to chase, so you break that connection until they learn to turn their heads away when they see the cat. It only took a couple of days to work it out. The more they are in contact the more they accept the cats as part of the family- we had her with a box muzzle in the lounge for ages with the cats.

She just ignores them now- they sleep on her bed and nick her food and she just grumbles and looks away. She's good friends with one of the cats now- they greet each other by touching noses.

peggyblackett · 19/12/2011 06:13

at the beagle freedom video.

On the subject of beagles and furries, our Speagle is fine to free range with our chickens. In fact they boss him about! However, I wouldn't be so confident with him around rabbits or GPs. Cats would be OK I think.