Wondering about how to train a Beagle to hunt rabbits?
If you are planning on taking your pooch with you during hunting sessions, then it is time to get your dog ready for it.
Beagles are excellent hunting companions because of their great sense of smell. They can easily detect their prey, especially when they are well-trained to do so.
This is why it is time to begin training your four-legged pal sooner than later. And these 5 steps are all you need to succeed in having a fantastic hunter partner. So let’s get started!
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5 Ways on How to Train a Beagle to Hunt Rabbits
Training a Beagle to hunt rabbits is actually pretty simple.
After all, this dog breed is innate hunters, which means they can easily learn when given the right conditions.
Here are the things you can to on how to train a Beagle to hunt rabbits and get successful results from doing so:
1. Know the Perfect Timing
The best age for Beagles to undergo training is once they have reached between 5 and 8 months old.
In fact, some expert trainers begin the series of training as early as the time the Beagle has been weaned.
However, if you train your pup when still under 5 months of age, it mostly involves teaching him smell recognition. I will explain more about it in the next section. The actual training comes when your pooch is a little older.
2. Teach your dog some obedience skills.
There are many ways on how to train a Beagle to hunt rabbits.
For the most part, it all begins with obedience training. This is usually how it starts prior to hunting any game.
You need to make sure that your pup is controllable when out in the field. This is the easiest thing to ensure that you can also relax while hunting.
And when it comes to teaching obedience skills, there are a few ways to go about it. But most importantly, it is your goal to make sure that your puppy does not stray while in the field.
Thus, many trainers use a training collar to implement obedience skills in their dogs. There are different types of training collars but the one commonly used is an e-collar. This allows the dog to follow their trainer instead of running miles and miles instead of following your commands.
There are also collars that come with GPS. What’s good about this is you can easily locate your dog when you are hunting as a safe and easy way to find his location. But you should only use the training collar when your pooch is disciplined and capable of following your commands.
3. Conduct a short repetitive training session.
To teach your Beagle how to hunt for rabbits, you can try the short repetitive training.
What this means is that you teach them to hunt for rabbits for a few consecutive days instead of doing it in a long day’s process.
When hunting for rabbits, the best time is the late afternoon. This is the time of the day when rabbits are very much active. This is why you should take this chance to go out and conduct your training.
4. Introduce the scent recognition method.
Dogs can easily get distracted by any smell they detect.
Since their noses are notorious for tracking a scent down, they can get into a very high level of energy to chase their prey. This is why they are outstanding hunting companions, as long as they are well-trained to do so.
To teach your dog to track the right scent, you can put him in a grassy area that is free from distractions. Teach him to follow the smell of a specific object and give the command “find it”. Then, you should allow your dog to follow the scent. Once he successfully does so, you should give a reward such as treats.
As this skill is strengthened, you can proceed to the next step involving introducing a specific animal and chasing it.
Read More: Where To Hunt Rabbits In Arizona – Top Places to Go to for Small Game Hunting!
5. Teach how to chase the prey.
This is to be taught when your dog is already a master at tracking a rabbit’s smell.
Begin by placing your dog in an enclosed area with a rabbit. Then, let your pooch smell the prey and have a good sniff.
Once your Beagle is able to track the smell, you can let him loose and chase the animal.
Release the target and let your pooch chase it. But make it a point to always give a reward or offer praises when your dog chases the rabbit. This way, you can strengthen the positive reaction you are expecting from your pet.
You may also want to check out this video on how to train your pooch to hunt rabbits. This should provide helpful tips that can guide you best in achieving successful results from the training sessions.
Bottom Line
Teaching how to train a Beagle to hunt rabbits can be a tricky experience.
This is often the case with individuals who have little to no experience in performing this process.
However, the earlier to start and the sooner you practice techniques recommended by experts, the more you can expect positive results from your efforts.
Always remember that your pet is bred to hunt. They have the innate ability to track down the scent, which makes them perfect as hunting partners. This is why you should not have a very tough experience when implementing these tips I have just shared.
So, go ahead and consider applying these 5 steps to teach your pet to hunt for a small game today. Then, you should be able to get the results you want while at the same time strengthening the bond between the two of you!
Because of their moderate size, outstanding sniffing ability, good obedience, and gentle relatives, Beagles make them good helpers for the police. They will be seen at the airport or customs as drug detection dogs or patrol dogs. Because of their excellent performance，people will stamp them on police challenge coins to commemorate them.
