How to Housebreak a Beagle

Beagles are sweet, lively little dogs with a reputation for being impossible to housebreak. In truth, any dog can be housebroken, even a beagle. Even if your beagle already is an adult, you can finally teach him to use the potty outside instead of inside, but it will take perseverance on your part. People often are not as consistent as they think and give up without properly applying the training program.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Tiny treats
  • Enzyme cleaner
  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1
      Create a strict schedule.

      Create a housebreaking schedule and stick to it carefully. A dog that is not housetrained yet needs to go out about every two hours initially. For an adult, this will increase fairly quickly. In addition to every two hours, your dog should go outside after eating or drinking, after sleeping and after playing.

    • 2
      Always go to the same place,

      Take your dog to the same spots when it is time for him to go potty. It's good if you are able to let him choose the spot and then keep using that spot, but if he picks an inappropriate spot just use a paper towel to smudge a little urine and feces and lay the paper towel in the preferred spot. You may have to repeat marking the spot with the paper towel a couple of times, but when your dog does go in the right place, leave a trace behind when you clean up.

    • 3
      This is the moment you give the treat and praise.

      Offer a tiny treat while your dog is going. You want to connect the act with the treat, so give the treat before she finishes, while saying the word you want to her to connect with this act. It should be a tiny, tasty treat that kind of melts in the mouth quickly. Praise helps, but keep it low-key so the dog doesn't get so excited she stops doing her business.

    • 4
      Keep your beagle confined when you cannot supervise him.

      Confine your beagle to his crate whenever you cannot supervise him closely, but do not leave him in his crate beyond his scheduled potty time. Accidents are your fault, not the dog's fault; you are the one in control. If you take him out at the appointed time and he does not do his business, confine him in the crate again for about 15 minutes and then take him out and try again. Once he goes potty he can be free to play in the house with supervision. Supervision is crucial: when you go to answer the phone, the dog will slip off and find a good spot in your house.

    • 5
      Ask a neighbor or hire a pet sitter.

      Hire a pet sitter to fill in any time you cannot be there for the scheduled outings.

    • 6

      Continue the schedule, increasing the time between potty breaks gradually. Beagles often need a lot of repetition over a longer period of time, so don't give up. If your beagle has developed a strong habit of using the bathroom in the house, it will take months to correct it.

    • 7

      Watch for signs that your dog has to go, such as sniffing and circling or leaving the room. Take him outside immediately if you see these signs.

    • 8
      Clean with an enzyme cleaner.

      Clean all accidents very carefully with an enzyme cleaner. Be sure it says enzyme on the label and not just "pet odors." Follow the directions completely.