Beagles are a friendly and playful breed, but their strong hunting instincts, sense of smell and high energy levels can lead to destructive behaviour if not properly trained and exercised. To prevent this, owners should provide regular exercise, channel their hunting instincts through training and supervise them when outside. With proper care, beagles make great family pets.
Why are beagles so destructive?
Beagles are a popular breed of dog known for their friendly and playful personalities. However, they can also be quite destructive if not properly trained and exercised.
One of the main reasons why beagles can be destructive is their strong hunting instinct. Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs and have an innate desire to track and chase small animals. If this instinct is not properly channelled, beagles may become destructive as they attempt to hunt around the house. This may involve digging up the garden, chewing furniture, or even chasing and attacking small pets.
Another reason why beagles can be destructive is their strong sense of smell. Beagles have an incredibly keen sense of smell which is often used in hunting. They are able to pick up on scents from great distances and may become fixated on a particular smell. This can lead them to become destructive as they try to track it down.
Beagles also have high energy levels and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. If they don’t get enough exercise, they may become bored and destructive around the house. They may chew on furniture, dig holes in the yard, or bark excessively.
To prevent destructive behaviour in beagles, it is important to provide them with plenty of exercise and to channel their hunting instincts through training and activities such as tracking or agility. It’s also important to supervise them when they are outside so they don’t wander off and use their sense of smell.
Beagles are known for their strong hunting instincts, strong sense of smell and high energy levels, that can lead to destructive behaviour if not properly trained and exercised. Owners should provide them with plenty of exercise, channel their hunting instincts through training, and supervise them when they are outside to prevent destructive behaviour.
At what age do beagles calm down?
Beagles typically reach full maturity around the age of 2-3 years old. As they mature, their energy levels tend to decrease, and they may become more calm and relaxed. However, the age at which a beagle calms down can vary depending on the individual dog, their training and environment. Beagles who receive proper training, exercise and socialisation from a young age may calm down earlier than those who don’t.
It’s important to note that even as they mature, Beagles will still have a strong hunting instincts and energy. They will still need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. However, with proper training and care, Beagles can become more settled and less destructive as they age.
To sum up, Beagles typically reach full maturity around 2-3 years old, at that age they tend to become more calm and relaxed, but the age of calming down can vary depending on the individual dog, their training and environment. Even when they are mature, they will still need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Common destructive behaviours in beagles
Some common destructive behaviours in beagles include chewing, digging and barking
Chewing: Beagles love to chew on things. It’s just what they do! But, when they’re bored or stressed, they might chew on things they shouldn’t – like furniture, shoes, or anything else they can get their paws on. Don’t worry, it’s all part of their natural instincts to keep their teeth healthy and strong.
Digging: Have you noticed your beagle digging in the yard or flower beds? Or maybe even in your house?! Well, that’s just their natural urge to search for small animals or create a cool and comfy place to rest.
Barking: You know how beagles have a loud and strong bark? They may bark excessively when they’re excited, scared, or lonely. It’s just their way of communicating and alerting you to potential threats.
All in all, beagles are high-energy dogs that need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and out of trouble. So, make sure to give them lots of exercise, playtime, and training to prevent any destructive behaviour.
Step by step guide to stopping destructive behaviour in beagles
- Identify the cause: The first step in stopping destructive behaviour is to determine what is causing it. Is your beagle bored, stressed, or not getting enough exercise? Understanding the root cause of the behaviour will help you determine the best course of action.
- Provide adequate exercise: Beagles are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore. A beagle will need at least an hour of exercise per day.
- Offer mental stimulation: Along with physical exercise, beagles also need mental stimulation to keep them entertained and engaged. Try training exercises, interactive toys, and puzzle games to challenge their minds.
- Manage their environment: Make sure your beagle has a safe and secure environment that provides plenty of opportunities for play and exploration. Remove anything that may be dangerous or tempting for them to chew, dig, or bark at.
- Use positive reinforcement: When your beagle does something you like, reward them with treats, praise, or affection. This will reinforce good behaviour and encourage them to repeat it.
- Consistency is key: Be consistent in your training and management techniques, and stick to a routine as much as possible. This will help your beagle understand what is expected of them and reduce their anxiety.
Seek professional help if needed: If your beagle’s destructive behavior is severe or persistent, consider seeking the help of a professional dog behaviorist. They can provide customized training and behavior modification techniques to help your beagle overcome their destructive tendencies.
Remember, every beagle is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to be patient and persistent in your training and management efforts, and to seek professional help if necessary.
Why do beagles destroy their toys?
There are a few different reasons your beagle may be destroying their toys. Some of the most popular reasons are:
Boredom, if a beagle is not getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they may turn to destructive behaviour, such as chewing on toys, as a way to entertain themselves.
Teething, young beagles, like all puppies, go through a teething phase where they chew on everything in sight to relieve the pressure and discomfort in their gums.
Instinct, beagles were originally bred for hunting, and their strong chewing instincts are a remnant of that history. They may chew on toys as a way to satisfy their natural urge to chew.
Anxiety, some beagles may chew on toys when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
Poor quality toys, beagles are known to be tough chewers, and if they are given toys that are easily destroyed, they may continue to chew and destroy them. Some of the best toys for beagles include kongs and knotted ropes.