How To Stop Beagle Barking

Beagles were bred for hunting. Part of the reason was their ability to bark or "bay" when they had the scent of whatever they were after. If you have ever heard a Beagle "baying", you would agree that they are loud and unforgettable. Learning how to stop your Beagle from barking would a good thing.

Many owners of dogs feel that a quiet dog is the best dog. And that can be true to a point. Some people take it to extremes and actually cut a dogs vocal cords. But a bark is a dog's natural way of communicating.

So why does my Beagle bark? For some dogs,barking is a way to relieve stress and boredom. Sort of like people that sing while they are working. Often, dogs bark just because they like to hear themselves talk just like some people do.

Beagles will also bark to get your attention. It may be close to the time to eat, someone or something is coming or he may just need to go outside and potty. The point here is that your Beagle only has one good way to alert you to something and that is to bark. They just happen to be better at it than most other dogs.

When Barking Is No Good

Sometimes knowing how to stop your Beagle from barking is a matter of necessity. Those times when he is repeatedly barking and baying for attention when there doesn't seem to be any reason for it. This is usually at a bad time or place like in the middle of the night when you and the neighbors are trying to sleep.

Barking isn't always a bad thing either. Actually it is a good sign that your Beagle wants to communicate with you. But,often barking is used as a way to manipulate you into doing what he wants when he wants it. He wants food, he barks. He wants out, he barks. He wants some love, he barks. I think you get the idea.

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 Once you have caved in to his barking demands, he knows that he has you right where he wants you! Any attention or affection needs to be given out on your terms. You are the one in charge not him.

Your Beagle's Barking And How To Deal With It

If you wanted a silent dog, I am sorry to say that a Beagle was not the best choice. Sometimes they just like to bark. But there are ways to help you deal with and to stop your Beagle from barking constantly for your attention.

All dogs need exercise and activity to keep them happy. Since they are pack animals, they like to have others around for company. That company can either be other dogs or you. It is not a good idea to ever leave a dog alone for long periods of time. This can be especially true of Beagles.

You can help keep your Beagle pup occupied with toys and doggie games. When he is distracted by those things, he is less likely to be barking!

When your Beagle is being quiet or does not bark at every little thing, make sure that you praise him. This will reinforce in his mind that quiet is good and that good means a treat.

If your Beagle decides to try manipulating you into giving him attention with his barking and baying, it is time to turn a deaf ear on him. Seriously. Just ignore him when he tries this as any attention you give him even if it is to say "NO" gets him just what he wants-your attention.

 If you have or have been around small kids I think you can relate. How many times have you heard kids repeat over and over "Mom" or "Dad" until you just can't stand it any longer. Well your Beagle is doing basically the same thing only he is barking. As soon as you respond, even if to stop your Beagle from barking, he has already won and now knows your hot button.

Once he does quiet down, give him a treat and praise him for being good. This will reinforce the message to be quiet. When barks uncontrollably again, continue ignoring him until he quiets down again.

Barking On Command

You can try using your Beagles natural desire to bark against him. Teaching him to bark on command is fairly easy. You will need treats and the right situation for this though.

Observe your Beagle and figure out what consistently sets off his barking. That might be a doorbell, the mailman, a car going by or even when you give him a toy to play with.

As soon as he begins to bark, praise him and give him a command such as "Speak" or "Bark". Continue doing this each time the situation occurs remembering to praise your Beagle each time that you do.

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Once he has the "Bark" command down pat, it is time to move on to "Quiet". Give him the "Bark" command, but this time let him only get out a few barks before you tell him "Quiet". As you do that place your hand on his muzzle and try saying "Quiet " in a steady but stern tone of voice. It doesn't need to be loud.

Once he has quieted down, reward him with his treat and remind him that he is a good dog. If he ignores the quiet command, try turning your back on him and wait until he quiets down again. It may take time, but he will get the message.

From this point on, allow him a small bit of time to get his barking out of the way, use the quiet command and give him his treat once he stops. Training your Beagle like this can work in just about any setting where he feels the need to voice his opinion. Let him say his piece, tell him to be Quiet and reward him when he does.

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