Beagles helpful hints on choosing the right beagle for you and your family

Beagles
by Kim Campbell Thornton

A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.



Beagles
by Kim Campbell Thornton

A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.


To Darcy, who taught me all about puppies.

ALPHA BOOKS
Published by the Penguin Group
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Copyright © 2003 by Kim Campbell Thornton
All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written
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ISBN: 1-4362-9387-1
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Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the
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Publisher: Marie Butler-Knight
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Indexer: Tonya Heard
Layout/Proofreading: Brad Lenser, Vicki Keller

Contents at a Glance
Part 1:

Is a Beagle for You?

1

1

How the Beagle Came to Be
The history of the Beagle and what he’s like today.

3

2

What Should a Beagle Look Like?
The breed standard and what to consider when
choosing a show dog, hunting dog, or pet.

13

3

Beagle Mania
An insight into some of the idiosyncrasies of the
Beagle personality.

29

A Beagle in the House

37

4

Decisions, Decisions
How to choose the right Beagle for you and your family.

39

5

The Search
Where to look for your perfect Beagle.

51

6

Home Sweet Home
Buying Beagle gear and introducing your new dog to
the family, including other pets.

71

The Civilized Beagle

87

7

The Danger Zone
Beagle-proof your home and yard.

89

8

Housetraining 101
Teaching your Beagle the number-one and number-two
home rule: where to go potty.

103

9

School Time, Rule Time
The benefits of training, finding a trainer, basic
commands, and ways to reward your Beagle.

115

10

Who’s in Charge Here?
Establishing leadership, dealing with dominance,
and handing out effective corrections.

133

Part 2:

Part 3:


11

Part 4:

The Juvenile Beaglinquent
Tough behavior problems and how to solve them.

A Healthy Beagle Is a Happy Beagle

143

157

12

Your Friendly Neighborhood Veterinarian
Finding a veterinarian, important vaccinations,
giving medication, and emergency health care.

159

13

Routine Health Care

Preventing parasites, keeping teeth clean, and
grooming tips.

181

14

Chow Time!
How to feed your Beagle during all stages of life.

195

Fun With Beagles!

209

15

A Beagling We Shall Go
Running with the pack: the joys of Beagling, field
trials, and the Triple Challenge.

211

16

Games Beagles Play
Sports and activities your Beagle will love.

223

17

Fun for Kids and Beagles
Junior showmanship, 4-H, and teaching tricks.

239

Part 5:

Part 6:

Special Needs

253

18

Genetic Disorders
Identifying and dealing with potential inherited
health problems.

255

19

This Old Beagle
Tips on living with and loving an oldster.

263

Appendixes
A

Glossary

275

B

Beagle Resources

279

Index

287


Contents
Part 1: Is a Beagle for You?
1 How the Beagle Came to Be
Beagle Beginnings
The Home Country: England
Beagles of the American Revolution
The American Kennel Club
The National Beagle Club
Breed Split: Different Types for Different Jobs
The Twenty-First Century Beagle
What Makes the Beagle So Popular?

The Nose Knows
Inside the Beagle Brain

2 What Should a Beagle Look Like?
What Is a Breed Standard?
Field Dog, Show Dog, or Pet?
The Big Picture
The Beagle Standard
General Appearance
Height and Weight
Head
Neck and Throat
Shoulders and Chest
Back, Loin, and Ribs
Forelegs and Feet
Hips, Thighs, and Hind Legs
Movement
Tail
Coat
What Color Can My Beagle Be?
The Classic Model
Two-Tone
Tricolor Varieties

3
3
4
5
6
7

8
9
10
11
12

13
13
15
16
17
17
17
19
19
20
20
20
20
21
21
21
21
22
22
23


vi

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles
Pied Pipers
Ticked Off
Mottled Crew
Markings
The Great Debate: Show Quality vs. Pet Quality
Less Than Perfect
Standard Defects
Temperament Faults

3 Beagle Mania
Beagle Personality Quirks
Follow That Scent!
The Beagle Brigade
The Termitinator
Howl-o-rama
Is It Food?
Selective Hearing
Problem-Solving Ability

Part 2: A Beagle in the House
4 Decisions, Decisions
Club Beagle or Escape from Alcatraz?
The Urban Beagle
Beagle Pros and Cons
The Versatile Beagle
That Dog Won’t Hunt
Family Friend
Youth or Wisdom?
Puppy Pleasures

Puppy Pains
Adult Advantages
Adult Dog Difficulties
A Compromise
Double the Fun

23
24
24
24
25
25
25
27

29
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

37
39
39
40
41

43
43
44
45
46
46
47
48
48
48


Contents
5 The Search
Finding Your Beagle
A Tale of Two Breeders
Why Do Breeders Charge So Much?
Breeder Pros and Cons
Adopting a Beagle
Breed Rescue Groups
Animal Shelters
Beagles on the Net
Breed Rescue and Shelter Pros and Cons
Pet Stores
Cost
Finding a Breeder
Top 10 Signs of a Good Breeder
Buying From a Breeder
More Questions
Meet the Parents

Health Issues
Love at First Sight
Look and Learn
Handling 101
Temperament Assessment
Aim for the Center
Boy or Girl?
When Can We Take Him Home?
No Gift Puppies, Please
Paper Chase
Health Hints
Return Policy

6 Home Sweet Home
What You’ll Need
Collar and Leash
Identification
Kennel
Food
Food and Water Dishes

vii

51
52
52
53
53
54
54

55
56
57
57
58
58
59
60
60
60
62
63
64
64
64
65
66
66
67
67
68
69

71
71
72
73
74
75
75

viii

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles
Toys
Grooming Tools
Cleanup in Room Two
Puppy’s First Day
At Home
Bedtime
The Child-Beagle Relationship
Beagles and Younger Children
Making Introductions
Home Rules
A New Baby in the Home
Animal Pals
Proper Introductions
Other Dogs
Feline Friend or Foe?
Play Dates
Living on BQT (Beagle Quality Time)

76
76
77
77
78
78
79

80
80
81
81
82
82
82
83
84
84

Part 3: The Civilized Beagle

87

7 The Danger Zone

89

Beagle-Proof Your Home
In-Home Security Evaluation
Livican Flyball Association (NAFA)
1400 W. Devon Avenue #512
Chicago, IL 60660
www.flyball.org
(Contact for information about clubs in your area. Send $10 for
rules.)
Therapy Dogs Incorporated
PO Box 5868
Cheyenne, WY 82003

877-843-7364
www.therapydogs.com
Therapy Dogs International
88 Bartley Road
Flanders, NJ 07836
973-252-9800
www.tdi-dog.org

285


286

Appendix B

United Kennel Club
100 E. Kilgore Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49002-5584
616-343-9020
www.ukcdogs.com
United States Dog Agility Association
PO Box 850955
Richardson, TX 75085-0955
972-487-2200
www.usdaa.com
Veterinary Pet Insurance
PO Box 2344
Brea, CA 92822-2344
714-996-2311 or 1-800-USA-PETS
www.petinsurance.com

Index
A
Academy of Veterinary
Homeopathy, 161
activities. See also exercises
for children
4-H programs, 242-243
Junior Showmanship programs, 239-242
hiking, 234-235
running programs, 234
sporting events. See sporting
events
swimming, 235-236
therapy work, 237
trick training. See trick training
adenovirus, 164
administering medications. See
medications
adopting Beagles, 54-57
adult Beagles
housetraining, 110-111
versus puppies, 45-48
advanced housetraining, 109
Advantage, 184
aggression
behavior expectations, 152
biting, 155-156
dominance aggression, 152

fear aggression, 152
guarding behaviors, 151-152
maternal, 154
pain related, 154-155
play aggression, 152
predatory, 154
temperament faults, 27-28
territorial, 153-154
agility sports, 224-226

aging Beagles
comfort measures, 270-271
euthanasia, 271-272
golden-age checkups, 270
health concerns, 264-270
airline crates, 98
AKC (American Kennel Club), 6-7
allergies, 167-169
American Academy of Veterinary
Acupuncture, 161
American Animal Hospital
Association, 161
American Holistic Veterinary
Medical Association, 161
American Kennel Club. See AKC
American Revolution, history of
Beagles, 5-6
American Veterinary Chiropractic
Association, 161
animal shelters, adopting Beagles,

55-57
anxiety (separation anxiety),
149-151
apartment living and Beagles,
40-41
arthritis, 264-265
attention, Beagle’s need for, 84-85

B
babies and Beagles, 81-82
baby gates, confinement options,
98
backs (breed standards), 20
backyard breeders, 52-53
badger-pied Beagles, 24
balanced diets, 196-197
balancing a treat trick, 250-251


288

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles

barking
behavior problems, 144
determining reasons for, 145
personality characteristics, 33
“Quiet” command, 248
“Speak” command, 247-248
territorial, 153

training techniques, 144-145
bathing, 190-191
bathrooms, Beagle-proofing, 92
Beagle Brigade, 31
Beagle-proofing your homes, 89
confinement options, 96-100
garages, 92-93
home offices and bedrooms,
91-92
kitchens and bathrooms, 92
living rooms and dens, 91-92
security evaluations, 90-91
yards, 39-40
fences, 93
plant safety, 94-95
toxic plants, 95-96
Beagling
field trials, 215-220
pack hunts, 211-215
Triple Challenge competitions,
220-222
bedrooms, Beagle-proofing, 91-92
behavior expectations. See also personality characteristics
aggression, 27-28, 151-155
barking, 144-145
chewing, 146-147
digging, 148
runaways, 148-149
separation anxiety, 149-151
temperament faults, 27-28

bench shows, 8
bicolored Beagles (breed standards), 22
biting
aggressive behaviors, 155-156
prevention and training tips,
155-156

bleeding
disorders
Factor VII, 256
Hemophilia A, 256
emergency care basics, 175
bordetella vaccinations, 164
boundaries, setting, 134
brace dogs (breed standards), 15
brace trials, 8, 219-220
brain problems, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, 266
breed standards, 13-28
backs, 20
brace dogs, 15
coats, 21
colors, 21-24
flaws
physical defects, 25
temperament faults, 27-28
forelegs and feet, 20
general appearances, 17
gun dogs, 15
head standards, 19
height and weights, 17-18

hind legs, 20
hips and thighs, 20
large-pack dogs, 15
loins, 20
movements, 21
neck and throat, 19
pet Beagles, 15
ribs, 20
shoulders and chest, 20
show dogs, 15
show quality versus pet quality,
25
tails, 21
breeders
backyard breeders, 52-53
buying from
choosing a puppy, 58, 63-66
health concerns, 62
meeting the parents, 60-61
questions to ask, 60
fees, 53


Index
finding, 58-59
hobby breeders, 52
pros and cons, 53-54
breeding
complications, 169
inbreedings, 260

line breedings, 260
outcrosses, 260
breeds, breed splits (history of
Beagles), 8-9
broken limbs, emergency care
basics, 175
brushing, 190
burns, emergency care basics, 176
buying a Beagle
adults versus puppies, 45-48
choosing a Beagle
field dogs, 43-44
pet-friendly, 44-45
pros and cons of Beagles,
41-42
costs, 58
from breeders, 60-66
from pet stores, 57
supplies. See supplies
welcoming your new Beagle
first day suggestions, 77-79
introductions, 80-84
socialization, 79-84

C
cancer, 265
Canine Good Citizen, 232-233
canned foods, 202
casting hounds, 214
cataracts, 269

cats, introduction to, 83-84
chain of commands, 134-135
cherry eye, 62, 256-257
chests (breed standards), 20
chewing behaviors, 146-147

289

children
4-H programs, 242-243
child-Beagle relationships,
79-82
Junior Showmanship programs,
239-242
trick training. See trick training
Chinese Beagle syndrome, 63, 257
choking, emergency care basics,
176-177
chondrodysplasia. See dwarfism
choosing a Beagle, 63
adults versus puppies, 45-48
costs, 58
field dogs, 43-44
house versus apartment living,
40-41
male versus females, 66
one versus two Beagles, 48-50
pet-friendly, 44-45
pros and cons of Beagles, 41-42
reaction to handlings, 64

shy versus assertive personalities, 65-66
temperament assessments, 64-65
watching behaviors, 64
yard concerns, 39-40
“Circle me” command, 248-249
classes. See training classes
clean-up tips
housetraining, 112
stain and odor removers, 77
clicker training, 137
coats (breed standards), 21
cognitive dysfunction syndrome,
266
collars, 72-73
colors (breed standards), 21-24
“Come” command, 123-124
comfort measures for aging
Beagles, 270-271
commands
balancing a treat trick, 250-251
“Circle me” command, 248-249
“Come” command, 123-124


290

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles

“Dance” command, 249
“Down” command, 122

“Find it” trick, 250
“Leave it” command, 125-126
“No” command, 130
playing dead trick, 251
“Quiet” command, 248
shake trick, 252
“Sit” command, 121
“Speak” command, 247-248
“Stay” command, 122-123
touch it trick, 251
training class expectations,
118-119
“Wave” command, 249-250
“Weave” command, 248
competitions. See also sporting
events
brace trials, 8
field events
field trials, 8, 215-220
pack hunts, 211-215
for children
4-H programs, 242-243
Junior Showmanship programs, 239-242
pack trials, 8
shows, bench shows, 8
three-hour stakes, 8
Triple Challenge competition,
220-222
Triple Challenge Trial, 8
confinement options, 96-100

conformation, 226-228
conformation shows, 8
congenital conditions, 63
contact allergies, 167
contact information (food labels),
199
coprophagy, 34
coronavirus, 164
corrections, timing, 141-142

costs
breeders, 53
buying a Beagle, 58
veterinarians, 163
crates
airline crates, 98
as a housetraining tool, 104-108
confinement options, 97-98
sizes, 98
supply necessities, 74-75
using for training purposes,
139-140

D
dam, 61
“Dance” command, 249
DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy),
259
deafness, 268-269
defects. See flaws

dens, Beagle-proofing, 91-92
dental care, 189-190
desensitization, 154
detector dog programs
Beagle Brigade, 31
termite-detection dogs, 32-33
diabetes, 267
diets. See also feedings, foods
assessing dietary needs, 207
balanced diets, 196-197
energy requirements, 200-201
overweight Beagles
weight loss observations, 207
reduced calorie diets,
205-206
digging behaviors, 148
dilated cardiomyopathy, 259
dishes, food and water dishes, 75
distemper, 164
diversionary tactics (training)
ignoring behaviors, 130
“No” command, 130
shake cans, 130


Index
squirt bottles, 131
truth or consequences, 129
dog doors, 100
dog runs, 99-100

dominance aggression, 152
“Down” command, 122
dry foods, 202
dwarfism, 62-63, 257
dysplasia, 62

E
ears
administering ear drops, 174
care of, 191-193
hearing loss, 268-269
infections, 192-193
eating habits. See diets, feedings,
foods
emergency care basics, 174-179
emotional support during training
classes, 117-118
energy requirements, feeding recommendations, 200-201
England, history of Beagles, 4-5
epilepsy, 62, 258
euthanasia, 271-272
exercises. See also activities
field events. See field events
hiking, 234-235
overweight Beagles, 206
running programs, 234
sporting events. See sporting
events
swimming, 235-236
eyes

administering eye drops, 174
care of, 194
cataracts, 269
cherry eye, 256-257
glaucoma, 258
injuries, 177
loss of vision, 269

291

F
Factor VII bleeding disorders, 256
faults. See flaws
fear
aggression, 152
separation anxiety, 150
feedings. See also diets, foods
assessing dietary needs, 207
balanced diets, 196-197
canned foods, 202
dry foods, 202
energy requirements, 200-201
overweight Beagles, 204-207
reduced calorie diets,
205-206
veterinary supervision, 207
weight loss observations, 207
puppies, 202-203
selecting correct foods, 197
semimoist foods, 202

training tips, 126-127
understanding food labels,
198-200
fees. See costs
feet (breed standards), 20
females
choosing a puppy, 66
housetraining, 110
spaying
benefits of, 169-170
time guidelines, 170
fences, Beagle-proofing, 93
field dogs, choosing a Beagle,
43-44
field events
field trials, 8, 215-220
pack hunts, 211-215
event expectations, 213-215
quarry, 212-213
size concerns, 213
Triple Challenge competitions,
220-222
“Find it” trick, 250


292

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles

finding Beagles

adoptions, 55-57
breeders, 52-54
pet stores, 57
finding breeders, 58-59
flaws, 25-28
physical defects, 25
temperament faults
aggression, 27-28
shyness, 27
flea-allergy dermatitis, 167
fleas
flea-control products, 183-184
locating, 182
natural remedies, 185
treatments, 184
flyball, 229-230
foods. See also diets, feedings
allergies, 167
canned foods, 202
dishes, 75
dry foods, 202
rewards, 136
selecting correct foods, 197
semimoist foods, 202
supply necessities, 75
understanding labels
contact information, 199
feeding directions, 200
ingredient lists, 199
nutritional adequacy statements, 200

product names, 198
forelegs (breed standards), 20
FrontLine, 184
frostbite, 177

G
gaits, 14
garages, Beagle-proofing, 92-93
gates, confinement options, 98
general appearances (breed standards), 17

genetic problems, 63, 255-261
bleeding disorders
Factor VII, 256
Hemophilia A, 256
cherry eye, 256-257
dwarfism, 257
epilepsy, 258
glaucoma, 258
heart problems, 259
hypothyroidism, 259-260
intervertebral disc disease,
260-261
giardia, 164
glaucoma, 258
golden-age checkups, 270
grooming tips, 190-194
tools, 76-77
guarding behaviors, 151-152
gun dogs (breed standards), 15

H
hare-pied Beagles, 24
hazards
garages, 92-93
toxic plants, 94-96
heads (breed standards), 19
health concerns
administering medications,
172-174
aging Beagles
arthritis, 264-265
cancer, 265
cognitive dysfunction syndrome, 266
diabetes, 267
golden-age checkup, 270
hearing loss, 268-269
hypothyroidism, 267
kidney disease, 268
loss of vision, 269
sense of smell, 270
allergies, 167-169
breeding complications, 169
buying from breeders, 62


Index
dental care, 189-190
ear infections, 192-193
emergency care basics, 174-179

fleas
flea-control products,
183-184
locating, 182
natural remedies, 185
treatments, 184
genetic problems, 255-261
grooming. See grooming tips
heartworm disease, 188-189
intestinal worms, 187-188
neutering, 169-170
pain related aggression, 154-155
signs of illnesses, 170
spaying, 169-170
storing medications, 174
ticks, 185-186
vaccinations. See vaccinations
vital signs, 171-172
hearing
loss, 268-269
selective hearing capabilities,
35-36
heart problems
dilated cardiomyopathy, 259
pulmonic stenosis, 259
ventricular septal defects, 259
heartworm disease
development of, 188
prevention, 188-189
heatstroke, 177-178

heights (breed standards), 17-18
Hemophilia A, 256
herders, 14
hereditary conditions. See genetic
conditions
hiking, 234-235
hind legs (breed standards), 20
hip dysplasia, 44
hips (breed standards), 20

293

history of Beagles
American Revolution, 5-6
breed splits, 8-9
England, 4-5
NBC (National Beagle Club),
7-8
hobby breeders, 52
home offices, Beagle-proofing,
91-92
home training practices, 120-126
“Come” command, 123-124
“Down” command, 122
“Leave it” command, 125-126
“Sit” command, 121
“Stay” command, 122-123
walking, 124-125
homes
Beagle-proofing, 89-100

confinement options, 96-100
garages, 92-93
home offices and bedrooms,
91-92
kitchens and bathrooms, 92
living rooms and dens, 91-92
security evaluations, 90-91
yards, 93-96
versus apartment living, 40-41
housetraining
accidents and punishments,
108-109
adult Beagles, 110-111
advanced training, 109
clean-up tips, 112
consistency of practices, 113
crate usages, 104-108
males versus females, 110
pads, 107
pet-store puppies, 111
schedules, 105-106
signs of elimination, 109-110
tips, 106-107
howling, 33
hunting (pack hunts), 211-213
hypothyroidism, 259-260, 267


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The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles

I
identification, 73-74
immunizations. See vaccinations
importance of training, 131
inbreedings, 260
ingredient lists (food labels), 199
inhalant allergies, 167
insect stings, 178
intelligence levels, 12
International Veterinary
Acupuncture Society, 161
Internet sources for adopting
Beagles, 56-57
intervertebral disc disease, 260-261
interviewing veterinarians
communication skills, 162
fee analysis, 163
intestinal worms, 187-188
introductions
child-Beagle relationships, 80
to other animals, 82-84
welcoming your new Beagle, 80
IVDD (intervertebral disc disease),
260-261

J–K
judging field trials, 217-218
jumping over objects (trick training), 247

Junior Showmanship programs,
239-242
kennels, supply necessities, 74-75
kidney disease, 268
kindergarten classes, 116
kitchens, Beagle-proofing, 92

L
labels (food labels), 199-200
large pack field trials, 218

large-pack dogs (breed standards),
15
leashes, 72-73
“Leave it” command, 125-126
lemon-pied Beagles, 24
leptospirosis, 164
limits, setting, 134
line breedings, 260
liquid medications, administering,
173
living rooms, Beagle-proofing,
91-92
loins (breed standards), 20
Lyme disease, 164

M
males
choosing a puppy, 66
housetraining, 110

neutering
benefits of, 169-170
time guidelines, 170
stud dogs, 44
markings (breeding standards), 24
maternal aggression, 154
medications
administering, 172-174
storing, 174
microchip identification, 74
mottled coloring (breeding standards), 24
movements (breed standards), 21

N
nail care, 193
National Beagle Club. See NBC
natural remedies, fleas, 185
NBC (National Beagle Club), history of, 7-8
necks (breed standards), 19
negative reinforcement, 130
neutering, 169-170


Index
“No” command, 130
nonfood rewards, 136-137
nutritional adequacy statements
(food labels), 200
nutritional needs. See diets, feedings, foods

O
obedience trials, 230-231
obesity. See overweight Beagles
odor removers, 77
ointments, administering, 174
one versus two Beagles, 48-50
outcross breedings, 260
outside neccessities, 39-40
overweight Beagles, 204-207

P
pack hunts, 211-215
event expectations, 213-215
quarry, 212-213
size concerns, 213
pack trials, 8
pads (housetraining), 107
pain related aggression, 154-155
pancreatitis, 34
parainfluenza, 164
parvovirus, 164
pedigree, 52
personality characteristics, 10-11,
29-36. See also behavior expectations
barking and howling, 33
eating habits, 34-35
problem-solving abilities, 36
scenting abilities, 30-33
detector dog programs
(Beagle Brigade), 31

termite-detection dogs, 32-33
selective hearing, 35-36

295

pet Beagles
breed standards, 15
show quality versus pet quality,
25
pet-friendly Beagles, 44-45
pet-store puppies
buying Beagles from pet stores,
57
housetraining, 111
physical defects (breed standards),
25
pied Beagles (breed standards),
23-24
pills, administering, 173
plants
Beagle-proofing yards, 94-96
toxic plants, 95-96
play aggression, 152
play dates, 84
playing dead trick, 251
playpens for pups, 99
poisonings
emergency care basics, 178-179
toxic plants, 95-96
positive reinforcement, 120, 128,

135-136
predatory aggression, 154
preventative measures
biting, 155-156
heartworm disease, 188-189
intestinal worms, 187-188
separation anxiety, 151
problem-solving abilities, 12, 36
product names, understanding food
labels, 198
Program, 184
pros and cons of Beagles, 41-42
pullers, 14
pulmonic stenosis, 259
pulse rates, 171-172
punishments, 108-109, 137-142
puppies
buying from breeders, 60-62
buying from pet stores, 57
choosing, 63-66


296

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles
costs, 58
feeding recommendations,
202-203
housetraining, 111
kindergarten classes, 116

play dates, 84
supplies. See supplies
versus adults, 45-48
welcoming your new Beagle
first day suggestions, 77-79
introductions, 80-84
socialization, 79-84

Q–R
quarry (pack hunts), 212-213
questions to ask breeders, 60
“Quiet” command, 248
rabies vaccine, 164
reduced calorie diets, 205-206
rescue groups, adopting Beagles,
54-57
respiratory rates, normal ranges,
172
Revolution, 184
rewards, 127, 136-137
ribs (breed standards), 20
runaways, 148-149
running programs, 234

S
safe rooms, confinement options,
97
safety issues, Beagle-proofing your
homes, 89
confinement options, 96-100

garages, 92-93
home offices and bedrooms,
91-92
kitchens and bathrooms, 92
living rooms and dens, 91-92

security evaluations, 90-91
yards, 39-40, 93-96
scenting abilities, 30-33
aging Beagles, 270
detector dog programs (Beagle
Brigade), 31
termite-detection dogs, 32-33
schedules
housetraining, 105-106
vaccinations, 166-167
security evaluations, 90-91
selection process
trainers, 119
veterinarians, 160
selective hearing capabilities, 35-36
semimoist foods, 202
sensory deprivation
hearing loss, 268-269
loss of vision, 269
sense of smell, 270
separation anxiety, 149-151
easing fears, 150
prevention, 151
shake cans, 130

shake trick, 252
shampoo suggestions, 191
shedding, 191
shelters, adopting Beagles, 55-57
shoulders (breed standards), 20
show dogs
bench shows, 8
breed standards, 15
conformation, 8, 226-228
Junior Showmanship programs,
239-242
show quality versus pet quality,
25
Triple Challenge competition,
220-222
shyness, temperament faults, 27
side effects, vaccinations, 165-166
signs and symptoms
allergies, 167
dental diseases, 190


Index
elimination, 109-110
illnesses, 170
sire, 61
“Sit” command, 121
skeletal dysplasia, 257
Chinese Beagle syndrome, 63
dwarfism, 63

sleeping, first night suggestions,
78-79
small pack field trials, 218-219
smelling abilities. See scenting abilities
socialization
benefits of training classes, 118
child-Beagle relationships, 7982
babies, 81-82
establishing rules, 81
introductions, 80
younger children, 80
introductions, 80-84
cats, 83-84
dogs, 82-83
play dates, 84
sources for Beagles
adoptions, 54-57
breeders, 52-54
spaying, 169-170
“Speak” command, 247-248
sporting events, 223-233. See also
competitions
agility, 224-226
Canine Good Citizen, 232-233
conformation, 226-228
flyball, 229-230
obedience trials, 230-231
tracking, 231-232
squirt bottles, 131
stacking, 228

stain and odor removers, 77
standards. See breed standards
“Stay” command, 122-123
storage of medications, 174
stud dogs, 44

297

supplies, 71-77
swimming, 235-236

T
tags (identification tags), 73-74
tails (breed standards), 21
tattoos, 74
teeth (dental care), 189-190
temperament assessment, 64-66
temperatures, 171
termite-detection dogs, 32-33
territorial aggression, 153-154
therapy dogs, 237
thighs (breed standards), 20
three-hour stakes, 8
throats (breed standards), 19
ticked coloring (breeding standards), 24
ticks, 185-186
time commitments, 84-85
titers, 166
tools, grooming, 76-77
toplines, 20

touch it trick, 251
toxic plants, 95-96
toys, 76
tracking, 231-232
training
benefits of, 116-118
charting porgress, 118
emotional supports, 117-118
setting goals, 117
socialization, 118
staying focused, 117
biting prevention, 155-156
clicker training, 137
commands. See commands
consistency of, 140-141
diversionary tactics, 129-130
establishing a chain of command, 134-135
expectations, 118-119


298

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beagles

housetraining, 104-107
importance of, 131
positive reinforcement, 120,
135-136
practicing at home, 120-126
punishments, 137-139

puppy kindergarten, 116
response to vocal tones, 140
rewards, 136-137
selecting a trainer, 119
setting boundaries and limits,
134
timing corrections, 141-142
tips
accentuate the positives, 128
be patient, 128-129
be prepared, 126
length of sessions, 127
rewards, 127
simplicity, 128
train before feedings,
126-127
tricks, 245-252
using crates, 139-140
treatments
allergies, 167, 169
fleas, 184
intestinal worms, 187-188
ticks, 186
treats, balancing a treat trick,
250-251
tricolored Beagles (breed standards), 22-23
trimming nails, 193
Triple Challenge competitions,
220-222
Triple Challenge Trials, 8

truth or consequences (training
techniques), 129
two versus one Beagle, 48-50

V
vaccinations, 163-167
ventricular septal defects, 259

veterinarians
golden-age checkups, 270
interviewing
communication skills, 162
fee analysis, 163
referral methods
organizational leads, 161
word of mouth, 161
selection process, 160
supervision of overweight
Beagles, 207
vision, loss of, 269
vital signs, 171-172
vocal tones, response to, 140
VSD (ventricular septal defect),
259

W–X–Y-Z
walking, training puppies, 124-125
water dishes, 75
“Wave” command, 249-250
“Weave” command, 248

weight loss, 207
weights (breed standards), 17-18
welcoming your new Beagle
first day suggestions, 77-79
introductions, 80-84
cats, 83-84
dogs, 82-83
socialization, 79-84
whelp, 53
whipper-in, 214
worms
heartworm disease, 188-189
intestinal worms, 187-188
yards
Beagle-proofing, 39-40
fences, 93
plant safety, 94-95
toxic plants, 95-96
younger children and Beagles, 80