House Training for Beagle Puppies

House training your beagle puppy is likely the first behavior training you will perform with it. House training this breed is not much different from other breeds, however, it is important to note that beagles can be stubborn and resistant to learning new behaviors. For this reason it is critical to be patient and repetitious and follow a good house training plan.

  1. Crate Training

    • Before bringing your beagle puppy home, purchase a dog crate that will be large enough for it to stand in once it's full grown. It may take a little while for your puppy to get acclimated, but stick with it because using a crate will greatly expedite the house training process, since dogs instinctively do not want to soil the enclosure in which they sleep. Place your puppy in the crate at night and any other time you cannot closely supervise it. Place a toy and a nylon bone in the crate, and cover the bottom with shredded newspaper to accommodate accidents.

    Schedule

    • Put your puppy on a schedule. For example, consistently take it outside when it wakes up in the morning, 15 to 30 minutes after eating and/or drinking water, as soon as you return home if you've been away, just before bedtime, and every two to three hours in between. Also take your puppy outside if you see visual cues, such as sniffing or walking in a circle. Beagle puppies have tiny bladders with little control when they are young; take it outside frequently to accommodate its need.

    Positive Reinforcement

    • Always use positive reinforcement; punishment is never a good option with beagle puppies. Choose a key phrase, like "Let's go outside." Cheerfully use this phrase as you take your puppy outside, then praise it enthusiastically and offer a treat as soon as it does its business. The puppy will learn to associate the key phrase--go outside--and getting your praise and a treat. Despite their stubborn streak, beagle puppies instinctively want to please their owner, so be patient and keep the house training process upbeat and positive.

    Benefits

    • Expect accidents to happen, and do not raise your voice when they do, as this will only make your puppy anxious and fearful of you. If you catch your puppy soiling your floor, use a firm "No" and stomp your foot to send the message that this is wrong. Take it outside immediately. It's a good idea to keep treats next to the door so you can quickly grab one as you walk out; remember to use your key phrase as you carry your puppy outside. Do not try to correct your puppy if you don't catch it in the act, as this will only confuse it and prolong the house training process.

    Warning

    • Introducing a beagle puppy into a new home can produce anxiety. New food, new people and new surroundings may result in your puppy having a bout of diarrhea. If this happens, make sure your puppy has plenty to water to ensure it does not get dehydrated. You should also take it out more frequently at first, to give it plenty of opportunities to eliminate outside.