Beagle Hunting

Beagle hunting or beagling was a popular pastime in the Middle Ages. It was a matter of prestige to own a pack of Beagles and organize long hunts. The advantage of the Beagle over other hounds is that these small dogs can be followed both on horseback and on foot. While hunting rabbits and hares, the nobility and royalty could talk to each other and enjoy the landscape. Pocket and Glove Beagles were admired by ladies.

Nowadays, Beagle hunting is banned in England and Wales. In most parts of the USA beagling is still legal, but hunters need a license. Prior to hunting with Beagles, the hunter should learn the rules and regulations of the state. Most Beagles don’t need special training to become good hunting dogs. Their instincts are very strong. Even a Beagle that has never seen a rabbit will catch its smell and follow it. These dogs easily understand the tactics of the hunter and work the game back to the hunter. Beagles are determined, enthusiastic, and keen hunters. In a hunting drive, they are able to run for many hours.

There are many people who are not interested in Beagle hunting. They buy Beagles as family companions and pets for children. In this case, the dog should get much exercise and mental stimulation to stay in a good form. Beagles like to investigate everything new. Living in a small apartment with nothing to smell is detrimental for the Beagle’s disposition and health. These dogs should have an opportunity to play in a large well-secured yard and communicate with the family as often as it wants to. It’s impossible to breed hunting instincts out of the Beagle, it’s quite possible to train the dog obedience and avoid troubles.

Some families don’t care about training a puppy at all, and when a disobedient adult dog becomes difficult to control, they surrender it to the rescue. Since the first year is the crucial for the further development of the dog, untrained Beagles are unlikely to become well-behaved pets in future. Beagles enrich the lives of their owners only if the owners know how to deal with them. Beagle hunting is not the only way of interaction with these wonderful creatures.