How to Train a Scared Beagle to Hunt

Beagles are natural hunters, originally bred to chase down rabbits. Developed in England during the 17th century, beagles nearly became extinct as fox hunting grew in popularity. Farmers raised small packs of beagles in the English countryside, keeping the breed from vanishing. Most beagles still retain the instincts to run after prey, although a frightened dog may be reluctant to hunt. Even novices can train a scared beagle to hunt.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Rabbit skin
  • Rabbit scent
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a collar and leash on the dog before every training session. The collar and leash not only allow you to control the dog, but make him feel safe. A scared beagle will be more willing to learn if he is comforted by your presence.

    • 2

      Add two or three drops of rabbit scent to the skin and introduce it to the dog. Hold the skin in front of her nose to familiarize her with the scent, asking her to "find it." Use that command each time you show her the skin so she learns that finding the rabbit smell is the correct response to the command. Reward the dog with a treat when she sniffs the skin.

    • 3

      Tie the dog to a post and show him the skin, allowing him to bark and howl to show his excitement. Lay a 20-foot scent trail by dragging the skin along the ground, placing it behind a bush at the end of the trail. Untie the dog and tell him to "find it," pointing to the ground and walking him slowly along the trail to allow him to pick up the scent. Scared beagles will wander off course and have trouble staying focused, so praise him repeatedly to help build his confidence.

    • 4

      Extend the trail by 5 feet during each training session, adding turns to the trail and hiding the skin in a variety of locations. Drop the dog's leash and tell her to find the skin, staying close to keep her from becoming scared but allowing her to locate the trail on her own. Take the skin from the dog when she finds it and give her a treat to reward her.

    • 5

      Transport the dog to an open field with a live rabbit population to finish his training. Unclip the leash and give the dog the hunt command, walking behind him as he sniffs the ground looking for rabbits. He will raise his head and bark to indicate he has found a scent. Follow him until he locates a rabbit and reward him for a job well done.