Tracking Games for Beagles

Beagles may look adorable and generally make good pets, thanks to their sunny temperament, but they are also scent hounds that are frequently used to hunt small game such as rabbits and squirrels. Beagles resemble miniature foxhounds and first surfaced in the 1500s as English hunting dogs. Teach your beagle how to track through a variety of tracking games, the majority of which can be played either outdoors or inside the home.

  1. Meal Games

    • Teach your beagle how to track through games with her meals. Do this for every meal you feed your pooch or for one meal per day, depending on preference. Hide the meal in an area of your home, such as in your basement, by your front door or under the dining room table. It doesn't matter where you place the meal, as long as it is far away from the area where you usually feed your dog. Use kibble to create a long trail leading to the food. Don't make the trail too easy; space the kibble out.

    Treat Games

    • Use treats as tracking games. Hide a few treats in your backyard, if applicable, and allow your dog to find them on her own. Use your judgment as to how many treats you would like to use, since treats that are too rich can result in an upset stomach. You can also use this game indoors. Make the game more complicated each day, if you so choose, by finding new and more difficult places to hide the treats.

    Walking Games

    • Walking games are another way to teach your beagle how to track. Place the beagle on a long leash or rope and instruct her to stay, or have a friend or family member hold her. Show her a toy and walk backward for about 20 yards. Drag your feet as you walk to leave a distinct scent trail and walk back to your beagle using the same path. Tell her to "track" and encourage her to sniff your trail to find the toy. Once she understands how to play this game, change direction as you walk to create more complex trails.

    "Find the Person" Games

    • Have a friend or family member help with this game. Show the beagle that the person is clearly holding her favorite toy and allow her to watch as the person walks away to another area of the house or yard, out of the beagle's sight. Instruct the beagle to find the person by saying "Find (person's name)." Once she has located the person, give her the toy, as well as a treat. You may have to go with her to find the person until she catches on to what she is supposed to do.