How to Train a Beagle Puppy to Not Bark

Hello, is Lucky in a crate at night for sleep? When he barks and howls, is it in the middle of the night? Chances are he needs a potty break. Dogs this young cannot hold it all night. Take him out for a pee, no talking, no playing - just a pee and back to bed. Is he located far from you? He's pretty young and may be anxious. You can try a few things. Have room darkening curtains and white noise (like a fan pointed away from him) as a way to help him sleep. Tire him out before bed with lots of play time and fresh air. Even if he's tired, keep him up just a little bit longer! During the day, provide him with mentally stimulating toys that will give his brain a workout so that he sleeps better at night. Interactive toys are best, and a feeder toy can be fun. Feed him half of his meal in his bowl and the other half in the feeder. Just make sure that the feeder toy is not frustrating for him as he learns to use it. Help him along at first if needed. Make sure you take him out right before bed time. If Lucky still howls, you can crate him in your room. Once he gets a little older and sleeps more soundly, you can start to inch his crate out the door a little bit each night. Just an inch or two, until the crate is back where you want it to be. I hope these tips help and good luck!

Hello Brookelyn, Check out the video linked below and follow the "Quiet" method and the desensitization method. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Also, check out the videos linked below to see an example of desensitizing (which means making them less sensitive to something) a dog to guests and noises. Guest and the door desensitization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpzvqN9JNUA&t=16s General noise desensitization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp_l9C1yT1g Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Carmela, Check out the Surprise method from the article linked below. Practice this only during the day when you are home. Ignore the barking at night and between the quiet spells during the day that you reward. https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate A lot of barking is normal during the first two weeks. If the barking continues despite practicing the Surprise method during the day, and past 2 weeks, then you will need to use corrections. Again, if its been less than two weeks, persistence is key. If pup barks past two weeks into crate training, continue practicing the Surprise method linked above, but also teach pup the Quiet command. Quiet method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Once pup knows the Quiet method, go outside or in another room - where you can still hear pup but they can't see you. If pup gets Quiet - return and sprinkle the treats through the crate then leave again. If pup continues barking, command Quiet and wait a couple of seconds - if pup gets Quiet and stays quiet - great! Reward. If pup continues barking or stops but starts right back - return to pup and spray a small puff of air from a Pet Convincer toward pup's side through the crate wires (do NOT spray in the face). This small puff of air should surprise pup and stop the barking for a few seconds. Leave again after the correction and see if pup stays quiet for a couple of minutes - if he does, return and reward. If he starts barking again, repeat quiet, then correct with the pet convincer if he keeps barking. Repeat the treats during times of quiet and the corrections whenever he keeps barking. Don't use citronella for this - its far too harsh and lingers for a long time - making it confusing for training. Only use unscented air. If the Pet Convincer comes with citronella, you should be able to purchase unscented normal air canisters to use with it instead. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello, is there anyone that can come home mid-day to let Wayon out? That is a long time for him to go without peeing. If not, I suggest starting him on a grass pad (see the Exercise Pen Method here: https://wagwalking.com/training/litter-box-train-a-chihuahua-puppy) and this is an excellent article on setting up the pen area: https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-set-up-puppy-long-term-confinement-area. It is a much better idea than leaving him in a crate all day. He'll feel better about being alone. You can transition him to peeing outside when he is older and has a bladder that can last. Make sure he has interactive toys and even a feeder toy to keep him occupied. Some people will leave the radio on for sound, too. Once you get home, yes, take him for a nice long walk and give him plenty of play time. As soon as Waylon is old enough (your vet can give you the okay as far as vaccines go) take him to puppy training and beyond. Beagles love to learn and need to be mentally active, too. Have fun and all the best!

Hello! Here is information on nipping/biting. Nipping: Puppies may nip for a number of reasons. Nipping can be a means of energy release, getting attention, interacting and exploring their environment or it could be a habit that helps with teething. Whatever the cause, nipping can still be painful for the receiver, and it’s an action that pet parents want to curb. Some ways to stop biting before it becomes a real problem include: Using teething toys. Distracting with and redirecting your dog’s biting to safe and durable chew toys is one way to keep them from focusing their mouthy energies to an approved location and teach them what biting habits are acceptable. Making sure your dog is getting the proper amount of exercise. Exercise is huge. Different dogs have different exercise needs based on their breed and size, so check with your veterinarian to make sure that yours is getting the exercise they need. Dogs—and especially puppies—use their playtime to get out extra energy. With too much pent-up energy, your pup may resort to play biting. Having them expel their energy in positive ways - including both physical and mental exercise - will help mitigate extra nips. Being consistent. Training your dog takes patience, practice and consistency. With the right training techniques and commitment, your dog will learn what is preferred behavior. While sometimes it may be easier to let a little nipping activity go, be sure to remain consistent in your cues and redirection. That way, boundaries are clear to your dog. Using positive reinforcement. To establish preferred behaviors, use positive reinforcement when your dog exhibits the correct behavior. For instance, praise and treat your puppy when they listen to your cue to stop unwanted biting as well as when they choose an appropriate teething toy on their own. Saying “Ouch!” The next time your puppy becomes too exuberant and nips you, say “OUCH!” in a very shocked tone and immediately stop playing with them. Your puppy should learn - just as they did with their littermates - that their form of play has become unwanted. When they stop, ensure that you follow up with positive reinforcement by offering praise, treat and/or resuming play. Letting every interaction with your puppy be a learning opportunity. While there are moments of dedicated training time, every interaction with your dog can be used as a potential teaching moment.