part of our family

Question
We have a 1 and a half year old beagle. He has been a great addition to our family. I am a stay at home mom so he is able to have a lot of one on one time with me. He does very well with his commands. We have also taught him some sign language for fun, never expecting it to really work. My only problem is that he does not listen as well outside, when he gets loose from his leash. With enough training and persistence will a beagle ever be able to hang out in the front yard without running off? Or is it just a hopeful dream. Thank You

Answer
Hi Melissa, I had to smile at your last sentence because I have so felt that way. Unfortunately the answer is probably it is a dream that most likely will never come true.  :(    We have both picked the wrong breed for it...... beagles are as you are probably aware ruled by their noses, this is what they were bred for and it is genetically hard wired in them. As I have told past questioners, maybe if you spent every minute of every day training you could get to 95% reliable but it is doubtful I do not believe it can ever be 100%. And getting to the 95% as I said would be a humongous chore. They are just not wired for it. Sometimes people say beagles are stupid but in my experience they are VERY intelligent, their handicap is that stupid nose so it takes longer to train them becasue it is harder to keep them focused. SOunds like you have done very well with yours and that is awesome. Personally I would keep him on a long line if he is out in the front yard with you and I would never leave him unattended that way because he WILL try to take off and could get hurt.

Good luck with your boy..........

Have4Paws