My Beagle

Question
I have a two year old male beagle that I rescued from the pound yesterday. A beautiful little (14 lbs.) guy and just a love. He will be getting neutered Sat., but I don't think he was an inside dog before, although he loves to sleep in the chair by the fire & is not at all nervous about being inside.  He has lifted his leg 3 times since yesterday to pee.  My husband thinks it might be impossible to housebreak a 2 year old. I'm hoping the neutering will help.  Is it hopeless?

Answer
Hi Carol,

Congratulations on your new addition. I LOVE beagles: terrific little dogs. And you are probably right: most beagles are outside dogs.

Good for you for neutering him but it may  not help the inside marking. You CAN house train him however IF you treat him like a puppy and manage, train and reward as if he were 2 MONTHS old rather than 2 YEARS old.

I don't think it is hopeless at all. Remember to give him wonderful treats for going outside. Beagles LOVE food.

Jaz