How to Teach a Beagle to Come when Called

There are breeds of dogs that are eager to please and immediately obey your command after being shown what the command means only two or three times. And then there are beagles. Bred to hunt far ahead of a walking or horseback-riding owner, beagles are an independent breed. Once a beagle is sniffing out a scent, she is deaf to an owner's pleas to "come here."



You can teach your beagle to come when called, but don't expect her to learn how overnight.

Things You'll Need

  • Beagle
  • Long lead
  • Rope (optional)
  • Leash clasp (optional)
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make yourself interesting. Beagles are hunting dogs, so they have a strong prey drive you can use to help teach yours how to come when called. Clip the lead to his collar and allow him to wander several feet away from you. When he is not looking at you, call his name, say "Come!" in a bright, happy voice, and start backing away from him. Use playful body language. If he does not move towards you, tug gently on the lead. The second your beagle takes one step in your direction, praise him. Continue to praise him until he has come all the way to you. Once he is at your side, be enthusiastic, and let him know how happy you are.

    • 2

      Pay your beagle. Food is a powerful training motivator for beagles. Have tiny treats available for your training session that your beagle does not get at any other time--dry cat food, tiny cubes of cheese or thin slices of hot dog all work well. When you call your beagle and she comes, even if she only comes three or four feet, "pay" her with a treat. You will then have your dog's undivided attention.

    • 3

      Make it a game. Get another person to help you, and try this exercise off leash but in a fenced area like a backyard. Arm your helper with treats. Stand about ten feet from your helper, and hold your beagle. Have your helper call your dog. When she goes to the other person, she is treated. Call your beagle to you, and treat her. Repeat. Gradually increase the distance between you and your helper.

    • 4

      Train where it matters. Practice these techniques in real-life situations, like a dog park or on a hike in the woods, with your beagle on his long lead. Once you've gotten to the point where he comes every time and you don't need to tug on the lead to remind him, start the training program again--this time without the long lead.