Beagle growling and biting

Question
QUESTION: We have a 10 month old beagle that we have had since he was 8 weeks old.  He has recently begun biting (an angel one moment and possessed the next) as well as growling when he does not get his way (especially when being put into the kennel).  What should we do?

ANSWER: HI thanks for writing... your boy is confused as to who the Alpha is in the family, He is showing dominance when he growls and you are trying to get him to do something. This is not as Cesar Milan would say a balanced dog. I would encourage you to take him to obedience classes first of all, he is at the prime age. As well some things to establish your being the Alpha are;
1) never let him go through a doorway first, only the Alpha does this

2) he must sit before getting fed and then be told it is ok to get up and eat. Do this over and over again until he gets it. There must be a "no free lunch" policy forever.

3) Do not allow him to jump on furniture, beds etc unless you have invited him to do so first and AFTER he has sat first.

4)When you feed him keep your hand in the bowl and or in and out of the bowl so he knows that you are in control of his food and can take it away from him whenever you want. If he growls take the food away completely and make him sit and stay. Do not feed him again until the next meal. (trust me he wont die of starvation) He has to learn that you are in charge.

5) No toys, treats etc without first sitting

6) NO HUMAN FOOD!

try these faithfully and see how it goes and then check back with me


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response.  We have created a monster - he does things like jumping on furniture, we have left his food out - but will begin picking it up and trying your advice.  I know we have a high road to climb - what is your advice for reteaching him about jumping on furniture.  Often when we try to correct him - it becomes a game of chase.



ANSWER: Hi , yeah leaving food down is a mistake for any dog, one it encourages eating whenever they feel like it, and for beagles who tend to be obese this isnt good and it removes the opportunity for you to be the giver of the almighty food, the Alpha's job. He should be eating twice a day given by you and if not eaten in 5 minutes picked up until the next meal.

As far as the furniture, you may have created the monstor. You will have to start with not allowing him on AT ALL, if he jumps up remove him and make him sit. Keep doing it untill he gets the picture. Of course there is nothing that says he wont do it when you arent there or looking so when you come back if you see it remove him immediately again and again. Putting him in a sit every single time and then praising him. I wouldnt allow him on beds or furniture for a long time (months) until he has learned who is in charge. Mine are allowed free range of the bed or couch BUT if I tell them to get down will do so immediately because they were trained to know it is my choice if they are there. They will get up or out of anything I tell them to as this was the understanding from day 1.

How is it going with him going into the crate?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Firstly:  Update:  I have asked all members of the family to do as you suggested in the first email - already things are going a little better.  (sitting before toys given; and before meal; thanks for the update we just started leaving food fo 30 min but will begin doing 5 min)  We have started insisting that he get off the couch - sometimes coaxed by a toy but must sit to play with it.

He does fine in the crate - once he is in - sometimes it is a challenge to get him in- often he gets walked and then led to the kennel - he will sit and when leash is removed he eventually goes in = if he does so when asked and quickly we give him a treat.  

Any other suggestions for training to get in the kennel when we are leaving will be helpful.  He usually does not bark or yelp in kennel = even if we are home.  He is pretty good = we have also been leaving the room he is in if he starts the biting and come back 2 min later - make him sit and try again.  This seems to be working.  Do you agree with this?

Your assistance has been better than any dog trainer we have used - thanks we appeciate it -

Answer
Well thank you for the complement! It isnt oftent hat I get people who ever follow through with what I tell them so it is a joint effort! :)

I like the leaving the room for the biting behavior, good one, this tells him that if he bites he loses your attention.... keep it up.

As far as the crate try throwing pieces of a treat in there to encourage him to go in...... but make sure to praise him lavishly for doing it so he doesnt think going in the crate for a treat is a trick you are pulling on him.

Assume that the "sit" is the basic command command to keep control of your dog any time, any place. This should be the "job" he has to always sit before he gets to do anything, no matter what it is. This type of training will last a lifetime if you keep it up. Remember that our dogs are only as good as we teach them. Your dog can only be as good and behaved as the time and effort YOU as the leader have put into teaching him! If you spend little time, expect a misbehaved dog, if you spend a medium amount of time, expect a dog who does some things right and others not. If you want a dog that is well behaved, a pleasure to be with and take anywhere, YOU are the only key to that formula.