How to Keep a Beagle Puppy From Running Deer

The sturdy, happy beagle has become one of the most popular dogs in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club's registration statistics. Hunters favor this small hound because of its energy and tracking ability. However, rabbit hunters frequently find young beagles eager to chase anything, especially the deer that co-exist in rabbit hunting grounds. With early intervention, beagle pups can be broken of the habit of running after deer.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Dog collar
  • Dog pen
  • Deer scent liquid
  • Empty soda can
  • Pebbles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Expose the beagle puppy to lots of rabbits when it reaches the age to begin running, around 4 to 6 months. This helps acclimate the pup to the scent of rabbits early on, which can sometimes prevent it desiring to chase other game altogether.

    • 2

      Catch the beagle or get in front of it and administer a stern scolding if the dog runs after deer while on a hunt. Tell the dog what it did wrong in a strong, firm voice. A negative scolding can greatly impact a friendly breed like the beagle, which thrives on pleasing its owner.

    • 3

      Take the beagle for a walk on its leash in the area where it chased the deer scent trail if scolding fails to work. When the dog begins to run after the scent, interrupt the dog by controlling its leash and dropping an empty soda can filled with a few pebbles by the dog's feet. Immediately give the command ̶0;Leave it!̶1; in a firm voice and use the leash to redirect the dog away from the scent. Don̵7;t throw the soda can at the dog; just drop it beside the dog to create a startling, unpleasant sound that the dog will associate with the deer̵7;s fragrance. Continue walking and repeat the entire process a few times for reinforcement.

    • 4

      Place the beagle pup in a dog pen or other fenced area and apply some of the deer scent liquid to its collar or part of the pen. Because beagles prefer to track new and exciting smells, repeated exposure to deer scent liquid can kill the dog̵7;s interest in chasing after deer. Sometimes repeated exposure can cause the beagle to become sickened by the scent and consequently, want to avoid it while hunting.