ACC
K9 Servant
Feb 4, 2010, 5:09 AM
Views: 13356
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Re: [ACC] THE JOYS OF BEAGLING
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COMMON PROBLEMS ON BEAGLE
Let's look at a few of the more common problems Beagle owners may face and at least some of the ways to deal with them.
Chewing... Most dog chewing is normal, although inconvenient. dogs chew because they are dogs. They don't do it to spite you but may resort to it if they are bored or lonely. For you, it's a problem, but for your Beagle, it's a sensible way to release energy and comfort himself/herself. Solution... If you are nervous about your dog chewing your belongings while you are gone, don't let it have access to them. Instead, provide him/her with plenty of acceptable things to chew on. Stuff hard, hollow toys with treats or give a big, tough rawhide. Stay away from dried or sterilized bones. Many of these are harder than tooth enamel and in fact are common cause of tooth breakage in dogs. The same is true for cow hooves. If you and your dog are outside, try burying the toys in a special digging pit you've made just for it. If your Beagle doesn't seem to enjoy toys, you may have to teach him/her to use them by playing with at the same time.
Stool Eating (Copraphagia)... The Beagle's tastes extend far beyond what many consider food. sometimes they eat feces-either their own or that of another dog or cat. Contrary to common belief, stool eating doesn't mean a dog has worms or is not eating a nutritionally balanced diet. Solution... To curb this habit, simply keep the yard or enclosure picked up. It my also help to feed your Beagle more frequently (but not a greater amount) to help reduce its appetite. A high fiber diet, which will make the dog feel fuller, may also help. Keep your Beagle busy, too. Bored dogs are more likely to take up this repulsive habit. And if all else fails, you can buy certain product to put in your dog's food that make his own feces unpalatable to them.
Digging... Beagles have good reasons for turning your yard into a minefield, even though the reason may not be apparent to you: 1. It could be hot (digging dow into the soft, cool soil is both entertaining and refreshing.) 2. It could be bored (he/she feel the need to do something to while away the empty hours, also beagles don't like to be left alone.) 3. It may be giving way to predatory instinct (there are a lot of moles and other underground prey scampering just below the earth's surface.) 4. It may be trying to escape (this can be combination of wanderlust, boredom, loneliness and predatory instinct-all the good game is outside the fence.) 5. She may be pregnant (you're looking at normal nesting behavior.) 6.It may be having fun (lots of dogs enjoy digging, especially in soft earth just for the fun of it, the way kids will play in a sandbox.) Solution... The answer to digging partly depends on the cause. If your Beagle is hot, bring him/her inside where it's cool. If your Beagle is bored or lonely, entertain, exercise and give them more of your company. Most people seriously under exercise their dogs. If it's trying to escape, make sure they can't. In some cases, this will require installing some cement below the fence line. If it's following predatory instincts, you'll have to either keep close eye, by simply take them in the house, caged or chain them up. If she is pregnant, find her a suitable whelping area or box. And if is digging for pure pleasure of it, install a sandbox full of fresh, soft earth in an appropriate place in your yard, and encourage it to dig there by loading it up with hidden bits of food and special toys. play there yourself until he/she gets the idea, and spray forbidden areas with dog repellent. There are plenty of them on the market. by the way, if you are fertilizing your lawn with bone or blood meal, the scent could be fooling your dog into believing there's something really good buried in your yard.
Jumping Up... many dogs jump up because we have taught them that is what we want. If you Beagle never received encouragement for doing this as a puppy, he/she wouldn't be doing it now. However, it's never too late to make a change, though it does require an unwavering consistency in the part of you and your guests to make it work. Solution... The best way to get your dog to stop jumping up is to not reward that behavior-not with a look or sound. When your dog jumps up, fold your arms and look away. Do not respond. If he continues, just walk away. Don't look at it. In fact, ignore completely. When it ceases jumping up, immediately get down to its level and reward with praise and attention. After a week or so, he/she will get the idea. The key is to make sure everyone understands that this is the treatment. Only then, with consistent effort, will it work. (to be con't)
Next... Common Problems On Beagle (Barking, Phobias, Shyness, Dominance & Aggression and Separation Anxiety.)
(This post was edited by ACC on Feb 4, 2010, 5:36 AM)
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