I have a 13 month old beagle that I'm nearing my wits end with. Main problem is, she has barking, nipping, jumping fits that last for as long as 15 minutes non stop. If I try to grab her to give her a time out to settle down, she runs away. The only way I can catch her, and I only do this after 15 minutes and my nerves are shot, is to take a broom and herd her into a corner. When I catch her I pet her and give her scratches till she settles down. And more times than not, as soon as I let her go, she'll go right back into her fit. Now, she will do this when she needs to go out, when she wants to eat, and other times for reasons unknown. The associated nipping has gotten worse and often really hurts and leaves bruises and she'll grab my shirt and once even ripped it. I'm so frustrated, I've watched every video on Youtube and tried everything but since she was about 6 months old she's gotten more and more obstinate with time. I take her for 2 twenty minute walks a day and play with her 2 or 3 ten minute sessions. She has dozens of toys that she will play with but when she's having one of her fits, nothing interests her. She will respond to treats and I can lure her into the cage with one to stop the fit but in that case I'm reinforcing her bad behavior, but I will do it when I have to because I don't know of anything else to try. I'm retired so she's only alone when I run to the store for something. As long as I doggie proof the house, I can leave her out of the cage while I'm gone but God forbid if I leave my eyeglasses too close to the edge of the desk or I will come home to a pair of 200 dollar prescription glasses destroyed. And she's still not totally house trained yet. Never poos inside but once or twice a week she will still pee. (And I don't react negatively when she does, just act neutral and clean it up. For one, if she's going to have an accident she's doing it on the tile at least, which is the best place to go if she's going to go. I've had several dogs in my life but never had one this obstinate and hard to train. I'm thinking she might have some type of dog autism or something. She is my 3rd beagle and I know they can be stubborn and hard to train but my other two were nothing like this one. I'm at my wits end. I'll do anything I can to help her but have run out of ideas and am at my wits end. For the first time, and I hate to say this, but I've started considering giving her up. I'm very frustrated and would appreciate any advice.
Robb2009
It sounds a bit like you have a communication problem going on. She's trying to get your attention (and the reason why isn't clear) and the way she is doing it is, understandably, causing you to get more and more frustrated. I suspect you anticipating this behaviour is maybe also making you edgy too.
I think if she were mine, I'd be trying prevention rather than cure. I wonder whether she is getting enough exercise, mental stimulation, and rest.
The walks don't sound like a lot, so I'd be tempted to do more exercise. But also, before she starts having one of these outbursts, I'd probably do something to occupy her mind, like training her to do something new. I'd also add in more rest time because a tired puppy can get like a fractious toddler.
I think if she were mine, I'd be trying prevention rather than cure. I wonder whether she is getting enough exercise, mental stimulation, and rest.
The walks don't sound like a lot, so I'd be tempted to do more exercise. But also, before she starts having one of these outbursts, I'd probably do something to occupy her mind, like training her to do something new. I'd also add in more rest time because a tired puppy can get like a fractious toddler.
Well, there's videos, and videos if you know what i mean. Can you be more specific?
Beagles are definitely one of the harder dogs to train. They are very smart but bred to be independent (I suggest researching the breed history, it will help you understand the dog you have in front of you). Even her counter-surfing is very common for beagles.
I agree that you should try incorporating some more mental and physical enrichment in her day-to-day life. Specifically snuffle mats are good for her breed, as she has very strong instinct to follow her nose, so she'll enjoy that sort of game. Beagles get bored very easily and aren't afraid to make their own entertainment if they aren't getting enough stimulation.
As for the jumping. I would try filling a slow feeder toy of some sort (Kong is a popular brand, but there are many out there) with some treats and tossing it away from yourself when she starts to jump up. Don't throw it far, and make sure it gets her attention. This way she will be redirected away from you. I suggest the slow feeder and not just a treat because it is far too easy for her to snap up a treat and return to jumping on you for more. The slow feeder means she will have to work at it for a while.
Another option is to construct a portable barrier of some sort (like a baby gate) and put it between the two of you when she starts jumping. Then wait her out. As soon as she stops jumping (she will eventually), give her a treat as her reward. This approach will take time, patience and commitment, but it should have a reasonable chance at success.
I agree that you should try incorporating some more mental and physical enrichment in her day-to-day life. Specifically snuffle mats are good for her breed, as she has very strong instinct to follow her nose, so she'll enjoy that sort of game. Beagles get bored very easily and aren't afraid to make their own entertainment if they aren't getting enough stimulation.
As for the jumping. I would try filling a slow feeder toy of some sort (Kong is a popular brand, but there are many out there) with some treats and tossing it away from yourself when she starts to jump up. Don't throw it far, and make sure it gets her attention. This way she will be redirected away from you. I suggest the slow feeder and not just a treat because it is far too easy for her to snap up a treat and return to jumping on you for more. The slow feeder means she will have to work at it for a while.
Another option is to construct a portable barrier of some sort (like a baby gate) and put it between the two of you when she starts jumping. Then wait her out. As soon as she stops jumping (she will eventually), give her a treat as her reward. This approach will take time, patience and commitment, but it should have a reasonable chance at success.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
