A Beagle...

[DeliaOliver]

Has anyone got one? Can you be honest with me?

We are hoping to get one in the summer. I have 3 DC, 6yo,3yo and 1yo. I'm a SAHM.

Am I barking? (pun intended!)

[WestWinger]

Leaving him on his own - built him up gradually (but over a relatively short period of time) - pretended to have left the house for a few mins at first, then left the house and waited outside, then 15 mins, then 30 mins. Now he is happy on his own for quite long periods of time - normally don't like to leave him longer than 4 hours, but he has been left for up to 5 when I got stuck in snow and ended up delayed. He was fine though. Still in his bed, snoring. He gets left on his own for at least an hour every day now. Often for 2-3 hours if we go out at the weekend. I'm a SAHM but am always popping in and out and that doesn't seem to bother him.

[WestWinger]

Watfordmummy - lol at the stick - yep!

[Stopsittingonyoursister]

We had a beagle when I was growing up. She was very friendly and loving, and a good dog to have around young children.

However, three issues that I remember being problems:

1. We got ours from a breeder who kept the puppies in outside accommodation. The dog needed walking for miles and miles and miles, and never got tired. Ever.
   

1. She could eat for England, and probably a few other countries as well. Because they are pack animals, their instinct is to eat as much as they can, when they are given the opportunity. She once got into the garage and ate hundreds of dog biscuits. And she once ate an entire casserole. Didn't seem to do her any harm though, although the poos were interesting.
   

1. Once she got a scent, she was uncontrollable. We had to keep her on the lead when walking in the hills because she would run off after a rabbit or a hare and go through fields of breeding sheep which is obviously not a good thing. I remember coming home from walks on more than few occasions with no dog because she had got a scent and just gone. She would always come home though, fortunately without a rabbit.
   

I don't remember her being particularly noisy, although she did used to bark at birds in the garden, but no more than any other dog in our area. I also remember she used to "yip" when she did get a scent.

For all the above, if I were to get another dog, I would get a beagle. They are lovely, friendly, happy dogs, very affectionate and a real part of the family.

[Jaynerae]

I have a 2year old Beagle, and I can honestly say if I knew then what I know now I would never of had a Beagle.

I am an experienced Dog owner, did loads of research before I had her, but the research does not prepare you for the reality of owning a Beagle. Thay are so different to any other breed. She barks a hell of a lot. She requires hour and half walking per day. She gets stir crazy if she doesn't go out, can't miss A day no matter what.

She chews everything and anything. I have to keep her crated when I leave her, even 2 minutes to go to the loo, she will steal and destroy in that 2 minutes. I have to watch her like a hawk when she is not in crate, will steal anything, is totally obsessed with food. Steals off worktops, bins, your plate when it is in front of you!

She has stolen from people's picnic in park. jacket potato and tuna went down well, that she stole of couple eating lunch in park. She is a nightmare.

Digs up lawn, has to be chained in the garden as she escapes.

I have been taking her to dog training since she was eight weeks old, we still go every week for fun, she is very good at training, brilliant recall, fantastic off lead, Unless she's smells food. Have silver award in obedience. And the reason she is brilliant at training is because I use treats.

Honestly she is really really hard work.

I have a cavalier King Charles as well and I can't tell you how easy he is.

I have children, and I work from home most of the time. Beagle goes in day care when I am in office which is once in 3 weeks 9.30 to 3.00, but I can't leave her that long as I have to crate her.

Seriously think about the commitment a beagle will mean. Plenty of other posts on beagles if you search dog house, some from me and other owners saying the same.

[AllergicToNutters]

are you going ahead with a Beagle OP? It does sound like you have your heart set on one. If it were me I would be heading for the local greyhound rescue! Good luck

[DeliaOliver]

It's interesting to here the different accounts of what it's like to own a beagle. I'm taking the accounts of "my sister's neighbours mum had a beagle and..." with a pinch of salt as it's difficult to make judgement when you don't know the background etc.

I guess my feelings are that, as with any dog, sometimes you get a good 'un, sometimes not. Suppose it's a risk you take with any dog, regardless of breed.

Obviously it's good to be armed with the facts so that I'm able to start tackling immediately (recall being the most obvious).

[DeliaOliver]

Jaynerae- where did you get your beagle?

[DeliaOliver]

Allergic- we have three children aged 6, 3 and 1. The lowest age a rescue round here will rehome to is 6.

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

Your theory is true, but you also have to factor in the breed character. What did the breeder who's list you are on have to say on the subject? If she is any good she won't let you have one if it isn't suitable.

[DeliaOliver]

I told her my circumstances and she is happy to let me have a puppy from her. She is very well renowned.

[WestWinger]

Just been out on the common and bumped into a lady who has a 16 month old lab. She is having a nightmare training it - it is going through the adolescent phase. All pups are hard work, especially the teething/biting stage and then the adolescent phase, but you get that regardless of the breed.

There were a few moments when I did wonder what I had done, but I would have thought that of any dog. As with children, most of it is a phase that they will get through. Establishing yourself as pack leader is the key to success really.

I know several Beales round here and, with the exception of one, they are all lovely, well adjusted dogs not displaying any negative traits. The exception is a Beagle cross (rescue) and she is dreadful on the recall and quite aggressive to other dogs.

I meet up with the rest of my dog's litter occasionally and all the owners are happy with their dogs. Some are better trained than others (naturally) but no one regrets getting their hound.

Could you ask the breeder if she could put you in touch with some owners of her previous litters and speak to them - they will have a good grasp of their dogs' temperaments and may be able to help you make your decision one way or the other.

God luck whatever you decide and a pic please when you do get your pup, whatever the breed!