Caring for Your Beagle Puppy

Have you ever looked into the beseeching eyes of a Beagle puppy? With those eyes full of expression and ears that never seem to stop, it is hard to resist a litter of these adorable creatures. But if you want to be the responsible owner of a Beagle puppy, you will need to do your homework before you ever bring one of these furry critters home to meet the rest of your clan. While there are plenty of good reasons to make a Beagle puppy your next family pet, there are a few challenges that you should be prepared for as well.

Like any new pet, Beagle puppies will bring their share of fun to the mix; there is work involved with raising any young animal. While Beagle puppies tend to be friendly and intelligent, the breed can also be stubborn and energetic - a potentially dangerous combination in a 15-30 pound dog. You will need to be ready to invest time and energy into training as well as caring for your new pet. But when that time is taken, the result can be a family pet that everyone will enjoy.
Beagle puppies are bright and inquisitive creatures, which one would assume would make them a delight to train, right? Not so much, actually. Beagles are actually quite stubborn and their curiosity can get them into trouble on a regular basis. Because of this, your Beagle puppy will need to begin training about the same second that you set him down in your home for the first time. Establish the house rules early, because if you give a Beagle an inch, he will most certainly head for that mile.

In many cases, you can begin the process even earlier by learning how to choose the right Beagle puppy for you. If you are getting your Beagle from a breeder (and those looking for a Beagle puppy should!), you will probably be facing a litter of pups from which you must pick one. There are some guidelines to follow to ensure that you do not end up with the most aggressive or the shyest dog of the bunch. By selecting a dog with a moderate temperament, you will find that your training process will go a bit smoother.
The best place to find a healthy, happy Beagle for your family is from a reputable breeder. However, finding yourself face to face with an adorable litter of Beagle puppies may make the selection process seem close to impossible. Some helpful folks might suggest allowing your puppy to select you, but that process usually results in bringing home the boldest of the bunch. Those types of dogs are not always the easiest to train.

Shy dogs are also not a good choice for most, since fear can cause some of these pups to have a snapping issue. Stay away from those Beagle puppies that run from you or approach with their tails between their legs, no matter how tempted you are to take one home to "bring him out of his shell". There is a good chance that you would not succeed. Some breeders can help you with the process of selecting your dog as well, if you let him know what type of pet you are looking for. By selecting the best dog for your family, you have made the first step in a successful relationship with your new pet.


After growing up with Beagles, Michelle Adams has continued the tradition with plenty of these dogs of her own. She loves the breed for a variety of reasons, and can't imagine owning any other kind of dog. Helping others to learn more about the breed so that they are better equipped to raise Beagle puppies is a passion of this author. By reading articles about the proper care, training and how to choose the right Beagle puppy, prospective owners will be better prepared to incorporated these dogs into their families.