Beagles

50 Questions Beagle Owners Ask

1. How often should I groom my Beagle?
   Beagles have short, dense coats that require brushing once or twice a week to manage shedding and keep their coat in good condition. A diet rich in nutrients, like Poppy’s Picnic raw food, supports healthy skin and coat.

2. Do Beagles shed much?
   Yes, they shed moderately all year. Regular brushing and a raw diet high in omega-3s can reduce shedding and improve coat quality.

3. How much exercise does a Beagle need daily?
   At least one hour of physical exercise, plus some mental stimulation. Beagles are active and curious scent hounds that benefit from variety in their activities.

4. Are Beagles prone to health problems?
   Yes, including:

• Hip dysplasia

• Ear infections

• Epilepsy

• Hypothyroidism 

5. What is the average lifespan of a Beagle?
   12 to 15 years. With proper diet, exercise, and healthcare, many live well into their teens.

6. How often should I bathe my Beagle?
   Every 6-8 weeks or as needed. Beagles can get smelly if they roll in things, so a gentle, dog-specific shampoo is recommended.

7. How do I clean my Beagle’s ears?
   Weekly cleaning with a vet-approved solution is essential, as their floppy ears trap moisture and dirt, making them prone to infections.

8. How do I know if my Beagle is overweight?
   You should be able to feel their ribs but not see them. Use Poppy’s Picnic portion guides and avoid overfeeding treats. Independent trade organisation, UK Pet food, has worked with vets to create a useful sizeometer for dogs so it's easier to track your dog's weight. Download it here 

9. What toys do Beagles like?
   Beagles love toys that stimulate their noses and minds—treat puzzles, sniff mats, and chew toys. Try stuffing a Kong with Poppy’s Picnic meatballs for enrichment.

10. How can I keep my Beagle’s coat shiny and healthy?
    Regular brushing, a raw diet full of essential fatty acids and bathing only when needed will do the trick.

Beagle Behaviour & Temperament: 40 More Common Questions

11. Are Beagles good with children?
    Yes, they’re friendly and affectionate with kids. Early socialisation and supervision are key.

12. Do Beagles get along with other dogs?
    Yes, they’re naturally sociable and often do well in multi-dog households.

13. Are Beagles easy to train?
    They’re intelligent but stubborn and easily distracted by smells. Positive reinforcement and patience are essential.

14. Do Beagles bark a lot?
    Yes, they’re vocal and known for their baying howl. Proper training and mental stimulation help control excessive barking.

15. Can Beagles live in flats?
    Yes, if they get enough outdoor exercise and mental stimulation. Beagles can adapt to different living spaces.

16. Do Beagles like cuddles?
    Most Beagles are affectionate and love to snuggle, especially after exercise.

17. Can Beagles be left alone during the day?
    They can suffer from separation anxiety. Keep them occupied with enrichment toys or freeze Poppy’s Picnic raw meals in puzzle feeders.

18. Are Beagles hypoallergenic?
    No. They shed their fur. 

19. How do I socialise my Beagle puppy?
    Introduce them to new people, dogs, sounds, and environments gradually with lots of rewards.

20. Do Beagles like water?
    Some do, but they’re not natural swimmers. Introduce water play gradually and always supervise.

21. Why does my Beagle follow their nose so much?
    They’re scent hounds bred for tracking. Use it to your advantage in scent games and tracking exercises.

22. Are Beagles good for first-time dog owners?
    Yes, if the owner is patient and committed to training and exercise.

23. Do Beagles get bored easily?
    Yes. Boredom can lead to howling or digging. Keep them busy with scent games and Poppy’s Picnic-based enrichment.

24. Can Beagles participate in agility?
    Yes, many excel in agility and obedience when motivated properly.

25. How do I calm down a hyper Beagle?
    Exercise, structured play, and brain games help. Use frozen treats like Poppy’s Picnic POWER BALLS in a feeder to help them unwind.

26. What are common behavioural problems in Beagles?

• Barking

• Digging

• Escaping

• Stubbornness. Training and enrichment help manage these behaviours.

27. Why does my Beagle stare at me?
    They may be seeking attention, food, or reading your cues. It’s a sign of their intelligence.

28. Do Beagles need a job to be happy?
    Yes, they love having tasks. Use nosework, scent trails, and training to keep them fulfilled.

29. How do I stop destructive chewing?
    Provide plenty of chew toys and rotate them. Keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

30. Why does my Beagle always want food?
    They have strong appetites. Use measured meals and healthy, portion-controlled raw food like Poppy’s Picnic.

31. Are Beagles good for older adults?
    They can be, if matched with someone active and engaged. Their energy needs to be channelled positively.

32. Can Beagles be therapy dogs?
    Yes, with the right temperament and training, they can offer great emotional support.

33. What are signs of stress in Beagles?
    Pacing, whining, barking, or destructive behaviour. Reduce stress with exercise and calm routines.

34. Why does my Beagle dig the garden?
    It’s instinctual and can be boredom-related. Provide alternate digging areas or distractions.

35. Why does my Beagle nip when excited?
    It’s often playful. Redirect to a toy and teach appropriate behaviour calmly.

36. How do I stop my Beagle from jumping up?
    Ignore jumping, reward sitting, and stay consistent. Teach polite greetings.

37. Why does my Beagle pace at night?
    It could be anxiety, boredom, or needing a toilet break. Try structured exercise and a calm bedtime routine.

38. Why does my Beagle bark at everything?
    They’re alert and vocal. Training, exposure, and positive reinforcement help manage it.

39. How do I stop my Beagle pulling on walks?
    Train them to walk nicely with rewards. Use treats like Poppy’s Picnic for focus and practice short, structured walks.

40. How do I keep a Beagle mentally stimulated?
    Use scent games, training sessions, puzzle feeders, and trick training. Enrichment mealtimes using Poppy’s Picnic are perfect.

41. Can Beagles live with cats?
    Yes, if raised together and introduced slowly. Monitor early interactions.

42. How do I deal with separation anxiety in my Beagle?
    Gradual desensitisation and engaging enrichment activities are key. Try frozen Poppy’s Picnic POWER BALLS in puzzle feeders.

43. Do Beagles adapt well to new environments?
    Yes, if routines are maintained and they receive reassurance and structure.

44. How do I introduce a baby to a Beagle?
    Slow introductions and supervised interactions work best. Reward calm, gentle behaviour.

45. Why does my Beagle eat grass?
    It’s usually harmless. Monitor for changes in appetite or digestion and ensure they’re on a complete diet.

46. Can I run with my Beagle?
    Yes, once they’re fully grown. They make excellent jogging partners in cooler weather.

47. Should I crate train my Beagle?
    Yes. Crates offer a safe, secure space when introduced gradually and positively.

48. How do I keep my Beagle entertained indoors?
    Play hide-and-seek, scent games, and offer Poppy’s Picnic treats in puzzle toys.

49. Why does my Beagle howl?
    It’s instinctual. They may be bored, lonely, or responding to sounds. Manage with engagement and routine.

50. What’s an ideal routine for a Beagle?

• Morning walk and breakfast 

• Midday play and training

• Afternoon nap

• Evening walk and wind-down

• Bedtime in a calm, comfy space Beagles thrive on structure, variety, and consistent companionship.