IS YOUR BEAGLE HAVING BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS?

 Beagle Maryland is not qualified to give you guidance in this field. We do encourage you, however, to keep a number of factors in mind. These include:

• Health problems – sudden changes in behavior may result from an underlying physical problem.  People get crabby, withdrawn or simply unpleasant when they feel sick.  The same holds for dogs, so talk to your vet;
• The dog’s age – for example, there exist normal puppy-specific behaviors (and beagles have long puppyhoods);
• The dog’s previous history – if this is a stray, a rescue dog or one given up by a friend or neighbor, he or she may exhibit certain behavioral “quirks” that, with time and patience, can be corrected;
• Your actions and the actions of your family members – keep in mind that this is a living breathing animal that has a right to respect. If he’s eating – let him eat; if she’s sleeping – let her sleep.  There is a time for play and a time for rest. If you have children – teach them this and do not allow them to bother the dog whenever they fancy.  This is not a good idea;
• Changes in the dog’s life – yes, dogs do respond to changes occurring around them.  Did you recently move?  Has your family situation changed?  Did you get another pet?  Dogs don’t stand around with a cup of coffee discussing their life situation, but they are very much in tune with it and may react strongly to changes in routine.

Once you’ve established your check-list and the problem persists in spite of your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. And this does not mean calling us and trying to give up the dog or asking us for advice. First and foremost, you should talk with your vet who will certainly give you good tips and a list of animal trainers or behaviorists. If you prefer to do some of your own research, you may want to consult the Pet Lovers’ Companion listing of animal trainers/behaviorists at: http://www.petloverscompanion.com/ListingList.aspx?cat=16&subcat=0.

You may also want to consider the following:

• San Francisco SPCA free animal behavior advice line: 415-901-6646;
• Tree House Animal Foundation of Chicago behavioral hotline: 773-784-5488 ext. 228;
• University of Pennsylvania, Ryan Veterinary Hospital: 215-898-3347; they provide free answers to brief questions; full consultations for more serious problems cost $300.

These are wonderful resources – so please use them to help yourself and your dog!