training my beagle to come when called

Question
I have a wonderful red and white 9 month old beagle, Kipper.  What is the best way to train him to come when called, especially when we're outside?  We have a fenced yard but he has gotten loose a few times by digging and it was horrible trying get him. I used his favorite treats, toys, crying and begging, to no avail.  It took the help of neighbors with their dogs to get him close enough to catch him. He was almost hit by cars a few times. Kipper is an indoor dog but he gets plenty of supervised play outside.  It's just that I'm so nervous of him getting loose that it's not really the fun that it should be.  I had to use a heavy duty chain at times to tie him up{he's a chewer and has chewed up many a leash and line] when I can't be outside with him.  Any suggestions?

Answer
You should start his training inside. Make him sit and stay until you give him the command to "come". If he comes before you call him put him back in that spot and did it again. It will take some time to do this. As he learns you can move farther and farther away. Have a treat in hand to give him when he comes on command. Then, praise him when he comes but, only give him a treat every other time and then every 3 or 4 times. Pretty soon you will be able to go into another room and he will stay until you call him. After he has mastered the come command in the house you can take him outside and work on the come command there. Dogs have ADD so do not try and train him for hours. Train him for 15 to 30 minutes per day and then play with him after training. He will learn to love his training.
Beagles are digger. One thing that I did and I think it would work for you is to put cement between your fence post. I dug a swallow trench between each post and put down a small amount of cement. Then, I covered the cement with dirt. Grass will grow back and no one will know that there is a thin layer of cement between the post. BUT, when Kipper digs to get out he will hit cement. He will learn that he can't dig out. Little will he know that by digging a little deeper he can dig under the cement strip. It will not cost a lot for the cement and is that much work.
Have you taught Kipper the down command? If he runs away and is playing chase with you give him the down command. Then, walk to him instead of making him come to you. If he starts to get up before you get to him give him the down command again.
If he comes to you or stays in the down position DO NOT scold him when he comes or when you get to him. Get him and take him to your yard then praise him.
If you need to teach him the basic commands you can get a book at the library to help.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Fellow Beagle Lover,

Ken