Games to Play With Your Beagle

Since the 1950s, the beagle has consistently ranked as one of the most loved breeds in the United States. Among the smallest of the hounds, the beagle was bred for centuries as a hunting dog, and breeders have successfully perpetuated the characteristics needed by a dog with this job. Single-mindedly following a scent, baying loudly to alert hunters to game, and scratching at the earth to get at rabbits are all traits that make the beagle an ideal hunting companion. Yet, these same traits are often considered problem behaviors in the family home. Instead of battling your beagle's natural instincts, however, allow your pet to channel them into games.

  1. Teaching Tricks

    • With the right attitude, you can make a game of teaching your beagle the basic obedience commands. Practice "tricks" such as sit, down, stay and come, remembering to always keep it light and enjoyable. Make the sessions short -- no more than 10 minutes at a time. Ignore any mistakes, and lavish your beagle with praise and treats for every success. These obedience sessions not only help strengthen the bond between you and your dog, fostering trust and communication, but they also build the skills essential to any canine sport you might wish to join.

    Teaching "Speak"

    • Teaching "Speak" to a dog with a propensity to bark may seem like a bad idea, but actually, giving the behavior a name allows both you and your dog to more easily control it. Begin by marking the behavior. First get your dog to bark by holding up a treat. Most dogs will bark if a treat is withheld long enough, though you might also try knocking on the door as a way to provoke a bark. The moment your beagle barks, mark the behavior with a clicker or by saying "Yes!" and rewarding him with treats and praise. Add the command "Speak" only after your dog is giving you the behavior consistently. If you begin giving the command before he fully understands what is expected, he may not associate the command with the behavior. So get the behavior first, then start giving the command while the dog performs the behavior. Once your beagle learns "Speak," it is a small step to teaching him "Quiet."

    Buried Treasure

    • Not all beagles dig, but as a breed, they do have a reputation for enjoying it. You can direct this behavior, though, and make a game of it. This does require some space, so a yard is necessary. Section off an area of the yard just for your beagle to dig into. Better yet, make or buy a sandbox and fill it with a mixture of sand and soil. Command your beagle to sit-stay, and have him watch as you bury several of his favorite toys or treats in the designated area or sandbox. Release him from his sit-stay, and let him dig out the buried treasures. Later, you can increase the challenge by burying his toys and treats when he's not watching.

    Find It

    • The beagle is a scent hound, bred to track game with its nose, so give your dog the chance to use this skill in a game of Find It. First place your dog out of sight, where he cannot see what you are doing, then hide several treats around the room. In the beginning, choose easy hiding places, like behind the legs of furniture or in a corner. Next, bring your dog into the room and let him loose, saying "Find it!" Enthusiastically encourage him to search for the treats, perhaps even pointing them out the first few times you play the game. Eventually your beagle will learn how the game works and you can hide the treats in more challenging places, such as beneath objects and behind pillows. You can also choose to hide your beagle's favorite toy instead of treats. When he finds it, reward him with a joyful game of tug or fetch.

    Hide and Seek

    • The Hide and Seek game is similar to Find It, but instead of searching for treats or a toy, your beagle will be searching for you. Place your dog in a sit-stay position, then find a place to hide. Choose simple hiding places in the beginning so the dog does not become frustrated or bored. Once you are hidden, call your beagle's name and wait for him to find you. When he does, reward him with exuberant praise and play or praise and treats.