How to House Break a Beagle

Among the many attractive traits most beagles possess, a tendency to become housebroken fast and easy is not one of them. In fact, beagles are notorious for their potty training difficulties. Housebreaking a beagle is not an impossible conquest, but it is one that will require much patience, persistency and a good sense of humor.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Treat
  • Enzymatic cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contain your beagle in a crate when you cannot watch it. Many beagles can benefit from the security a crate provides because they are mischievous and will get into things they shouldn't when left alone. In addition, crating your beagle will prevent it from eliminating in the home, as it will have to lie in its waste as a consequence. The Your Purebred Puppy website states that most beagles require four to six months of crate training until they are completely housebroken.

    • 2

      Implement consistency when housetraining. Beagles can be quite stubborn and resist training if they do not want to learn. However, you can counteract that stubborn quality by never giving in and being consistent in your approach. For instance, always take the beagle to the same spot in your yard each time you want it to eliminate. Take your beagle outside at the same times everyday to instill that sense of routine and consistency in the dog. Although your beagle may continue to protest every now and then, it will eventually give in to your ways and choose to eliminate outdoors.

    • 3

      Give your beagle lots of tasty treats when eliminates in the appropriate area. Beagles are know for their affinity of delicious food. If you reward your beagle with treats that are especially scrumptious, your beagle will learn that when it goes potty where you want it to, it earns a special treat.

    • 4

      Clean any accidents with products that are formulated for the removal of dog waste odor, or your beagle may return to the scene again. Beagles have a very strong sense of smell and can detect odors that humans---and most other dogs---cannot. If you use a typical household cleaner on an accident spot, chances are, your beagle will be able to sniff out where it went and may go again. If you use an enzymatic cleaner, however, your beagle will likely not smell its waste and may not be enticed to repeat the act again.