Do you ever wish that Beagles came with a remote control to mute them? I certainly do. Since technology hasn't got there yet, the next best thing is to know what questions to ask yourself as a Beagle owner to control their barking.

The bad news is owners have limited scope in trying to stop barking Beagles have a loud say in the home. Dogs find it very difficult to give up the barking habit. It is quite natural for them to do so. All breeds fall prey to the habit when excited or if they need to express themselves urgently. Recorded statistics show only the Basenji breed does not resort to barking under provocation. People have been trying for over a hundred years to stop dogs from doing so unnecessarily.

The good news is it is possible for you to control some part of the habit. In other words, you first understand why dogs bark and then try to effectively stop certain forms.

Why Beagles Bark

Beagles bark for various reasons. They may do so when they are excited or angry. They will not hesitate to bark in fear as well. Here are some circumstances you must take into consideration in order to stop barking Beagles.

Protective Barking When Ill or Injured

Barking As a Way of Greeting

Barking As Part of Compulsive Behavior

Barking to Seek Attention

Barking in Frustration

Barking in Alarm

Barking to Claim Territory

It is quite obvious that barking is a part of a dog's inherent nature. You will find it very difficult to stop dogs from giving up the behavioral trait completely. Expressing themselves through barking is natural, irrespective of what is done to change it.

Stopping the Barking Habit - 3 Questions to Ask Yourself As a Beagle Owner

Whenever the Beagle refuses to stop barking, it is important to determine if circumstances forced the behavior. However, the habit is mostly impulsive and must be controlled. Once you decide spells are excessive, find answers to the following questions to exercise control.

• Are there are definite triggers to initiate barking spells?
• Are there specific times triggering the behavior?
• Does something in particular make the dog bark?

Trying to exercise territorial dominance comes naturally to all dogs. Their inherent nature will trigger aggression, if territorial domination is threatened. Beagles do not understand why you are asking them to stop and react by biting or demonstrating other forms of aggression including barking. Forcibly trying to stop your dog from doing so may work initially, but it actually makes them feel threatened about their space.

The ideal way to tackle the situation is to create circumstances wherein the dog does not resent confinement to limited space. You first have to assert yourself as the Alpha leader. Showing the Beagle you are in charge at every stage gives it the feeling you will protect its space as well. You then distract it with positive intent so the threat of losing territory diminishes. For example, draw the blinds whenever you have visitors. The dog cannot visually see the threat coming from afar and does not resort to barking. Stop barking Beagles from having a clear view through open windows throughout.

Help your Beagle Relax More Often

Anxiety often results in barking spells and may be a warning sign of more aggressive behavior at a later stage. Dogs are possessive in nature. They will bark incessantly until you come back home. It is their way of saying they miss you. Feeling sorry for the dog by giving it a bagful of treats whenever you leave the house may trigger such behavior. They misunderstood your action and bark in excitement when you return. Your Beagle is just trying to give you attention for your earlier action. The ideal way to tackle the problem is to ignore the dog for around 15 minutes whenever you have to leave the house. They get used to your absence.

BONUS TIP - Teach your Beagle to express themselves differently without barking. Barking then becomes an emergency behavioral trait, which could be safely used to alert the owner when an intruder enters the house or if the owner is threatened with violence.

Trying to stop barking Beagles need not be a difficult exercise initiated only if the entire community finds it a nuisance.