[srelizabeth]

I have had my beagle for 4 years and we bought him purely as a companion, not to hunt with. I really have no knowledge of how beagles hunt but figure I ought to know. We recently moved to an area with a high volume of rabbits and squirrels. His natural instincts are in high drive like I've never seen before (why do beagles need trained to hunt if it's their instinct?)

I have seen my beagle countless times now slowly stalk a rabbit, then give chase, while screech-barking (hilarious). He gets so much excitement out of it. Unfortunately I have to keep him leashed or he probably wouldn't come back. So he never gets to really chase. I wish I could let him fulfill his natural desire to chase, really curious whether or not he would catch one.

How do hunters ensure their beagles will not get lost and come back? Is there something I can do for fun to explore this side of my beagle?

 

[srelizabeth]

He may very well be able to catch one. On a hike a few weeks back, my Cocker mix caught a freaking turkey. He's super high drive too.

I've never trained hunting dogs before but I do think a large part of the training is impulse control/recall. Most you don't just aim them at the creature and have them go wild; typically you want them to work WITH you. I think Beagles are more helpful with tracking anyway than actual killing themselves...just like I think Cockers are supposed to just flush the birds out and not actually try to make a meal out of any of them. But try telling that to Chisum

You could probably read some books on it, but if you have barn hunt in your area that might be a fun thing for both of you to do. It would engage his sense of smell and prey drive.

If you're more serious about hunting, maybe there's a hunt club somewhere nearby?

Way to go, Chisum!

I will research barn hunts and see what it's all about. I, myself, don't really care about hunting, I just love to see my pup exhibiting such raw instinct. It's a new side of him.

I think some hunters also use GPS tracking and shock collar systems, but that is very expensive and not something I'd want to get into. I could always buy a real-fur lure-type toy and have him chase and catch it I suppose. but I'd love to be able to get a rabbit in a fenced in yard and let my dog chase it without worrying about him getting loose and losing him. My bf thinks I'm so cruel that I would do that to a rabbit. Not sure if I'm a monster or not but rabbits are so plentiful.

During our morning walks we usually pass at least 3 rabbits in random yards. I'll sometimes try to run towards one WITH my beagle just for fun, but that almost had me ending up in a giant bush with my dog :rofl:

Brody could be in a deep sleep and if I say the words "bunny" "squirrel" or "cat" he jumps up with so much wild enthusiasm, and runs to the window, lol. I should get a video of that sometime

 

[srelizabeth]

I'm not really going to trap a rabbit in a yard, it was just a thought but to be fair if he did ever catch one, I'd learn how to skin and cook it for him.

I could deal with losing my dog to some disease or old age but if I ever lost him because he ran off I would never be able to accept that, so I'm not really sure what pointers they could give me...he won't be able to catch anything if kept on a leash. I appreciate the tip though!

 

[srelizabeth]

I've had a Beagle companion for almost 20 years (Joe, my first one passed on after 14 years of delightful behavior). One thing about Beagles is certain: they are full of surprises. Knowing they were bred for hunting, two things are clear: The breeders wanted a dog with a very loud bark so they could locate them during the hunt. A secondary requirement was a white tipped tail so they could be spotted visually. Both my Beagles had an ear shattering bark that produced an echo when inside the house and was not necessarily favored by neighbors when outside. And of course the constant wagging of the white tipped tail is a joy. The Beagle is a wonderful animal and I am so thankful for the blessing of having one at my side.

This comment brought a big smile to my face couldn't have said it better myself. I feel like those that don't own a beagle just simply don't understand the magic of their big personalities. The beagle baying is annoying to most people's ears yet I think it's so adorable and can't help but laugh at the way their mouth/lips curl to make the sound.