by Diane Garrod

Created on: November 04, 2011

Comments heard from beagle owners, "when he's on a scent, he won't come when I call him," or "he's always escaping," or "he's an escape artist," or "how do I get my beagle to stop barking and howling so much?" These comments indicate what happens if the happy-go-lucky nature of the beagle is not met with clear rules, boundaries and guidelines, as well as lots of physical exercise and mentally stimulating activities.

The AKC's (American Kennel Club) description of the temperament and personality of the beagle is:

Beagles are happy-go-lucky and friendly, making them a wonderful family pet. Since they lived in packs for hundreds of years, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses–which can lead to some mischief if they are not provided with daily activity.

Owning a beagle means seeing the world through the "beagle's nose". A beagle's sense of smell is 1,000 times that of a human being. If activities and jobs aren't provided to use the beagle's hunting prowess and intense desire to sniff, then they will make up their own games most of which will not be compatible to a human's expectations.

A beagle is bred to hunt, to scent and their temperament also includes a strong desire or willfulness to perform to that end. They make great airport bomb sniffing dogs, trackers, nosework dogs, but also excel in agility, as therapy dogs and in obedience. They are food motivated and people pleasers and these two facts are the key to keeping a beagle happy, friendly, healthy and companionable. Meet their needs and a lifelong bond and relationship will be the end result.

Beagles are from the hound group and come in three varying sizes. The beagle's voice helps hunting pack members know when they've found prey and is equally important as humans give chase. However, a beagle's howling and incessant barking can also be annoying, loud and disturbing to neighbors, if they are bored or left unsupervised with little exercise, or mental stimulation.

Beagles are bred to have stamina and so will seem as if they never tire out. They need more exercise than the average dog and should be paired with people who will make a commitment to jog and/or hike with them daily. Beagles have a tendency to gain weight and become obese if not properly exercised, which is why you see so many fat Beagles with health problems. Beagles require a fenced yard where they can run off-leash. The fence should be very secure to

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