What's the best way to train my Beagle Pup on a leash?

Question

I have a 5 month old Beagle. I take her out on the leash everyday, but instead of walking along side me, she stops to smell everything or wants to run ahead of me. I can't seem to get her and I on the same speed. I have one of those retractable leashes, but I keep it on a very short leash so she doesn't get used to wandering off on her own. Any suggestions would be helpful greatly appreaciated.

Answer 1

I had this same problem. Then I took a walking course. It was given like this. First It is better to have a regular long leash when training. Ok now you pick a spot in the distance and start walking to it. If your dog isn't paying attention to you or starts to drag you, make a sharp right or left and keep walking don't hesitate. It should get your dog's attention. Now choose another spot to walk to and repeat. If you make it to your spot without being dragged or stopping to smell the roses, you stop and have your dog sit. If he looks at you when he sits, praise verbally with a petting. If he sits but doesn't look at you don't say anything, just pat him on the head. Keep doing this for awhile some dogs get it right away, others it takes awhile. Sometimes they act like some of us more often than we think. ha ha. Eventually it will think , I need to pay attention to were master is going so I know which direction they go next. I have trained many dogs with this method, and it has each and everyone of them at my side, watching for that direction change. Good luck

Answer 2

Congrats on the puppy. First, never allow your beagle to be off leash in an open environment. He will follow his nose and won't stop. (I have a bloodhound who does the same)

You are correct in your thinking that you and the dog need to be in synch. By the dog walking with you, you are teaching it that you are the leader. When a dog runs ahead, pulls, etc, it's saying "I'm the leader".
Most importantly, never allow your beagle off leash in an open area. He will follow his nose and when they have a scent, they don't listen... all they care about is the scent. I have a bloodhound and he's bolted out the front door (when he was new to our house) and he was many blocks away before I found him.

For a puppy, use a buckle collar.
At the same time you purchases a collar, invest in a narrow, six-foot leather leash (nylon or other fabric can slide through the hands and cause friction burns on tender skin) with a loop at one end and a sturdy clip at the other. Avoid chain leashes, retractable leashes, fancy plastic leashes, and wide leashes until Rover is under control. Both hands should grasp the leash for maximum control, so it should be comfortable to hold.

To teach walking manners to a puppy, clip leash to buckle collar, put toys or treats in your pocket, and coax the pup to remain near your side as you walk. Whistle, clap your hands, pat your leg, and praise as you go. If he loses concentration as a butterfly flits by or the neighbor’s cat entices him to chase, change direction, coax him with a treat, and get his attention back to you. Keep things bright and cheery – you want to teach the little dickens that being by your side is fun.

You can begin by teaching the dog to be aware of your body. Let him wander, then change direction before the leash tightens. Don’t say a word – the idea is for him to figure out he has to watch you, not continue to ignore your voice.

Here's a website with more detailed instructions.
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/walking.html

Answer 3

I practice off leash walking in my back yard, which is fenced. You can do the same thing with your pup on leash, if need be.

I carry a bunch of yummy treats or pieces of hot dog in a training pouch clipped to my waist, and while I walk, and the dog stays next to me, I feed treats. Not saying anything, just giving the treats while the dog stays next to me.

This is how I trained all 3 of my dogs to walk on a loosh leash and not pull.

Beagles are also scent dogs. They "live" to smell. You can use this to your advantage, by using "sniff time" as a reward. If your pup walks by your side, and follows your directions and commands, let him or her have a few minutes of time to sniff around to his or her heart's content to reward for the good behavior.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Every time she pulls away bring her back & make her wait. She will soon get the hang of it I hope, but then again my beagles when they want to just ignore me. I've had mine for 1] 15 & 2] 7 yrs. Dont forget she is a scent hound so all smells are wonderful.
Best of luck, Beagles are wonderful except when they raid the rubbish bin for leftovers my kitchen this morning looked like Armaggedon had been & gone, my fault.

Answer 5

If you live in an area where there are dog shows - there is very likely somebody that will give you tips or perhaps lessons on obediance
classes. Being a puppy is - just that - so let her
sniff and explore her area that you walk in. It will familiarize her with it and soon it will be old hat and not so much sniffing will occur. BUT
to have her walk close to you - all the time - is
really not fair - unless you plan on showing her.
Let her be a dog. But obediance classes will give you the know how to have her respond when you give a command. Remember - she will learn fast - and is still a puppy.............

Answer 6

Training Your Pup
http://www.petskare.com/category/Training-Your-Pup.html