Beagles love to bay, bark and howl. After all, that’s been bred into their genes. A beagle’s bark can range anywhere from 80 to 100 decibels, meaning it can cause physical and mental distress over time.
If you’re tired of your beagle barking excessively, you’re not alone. Get the top 12 tips on how to stop your beagle from barking endlessly. All of our tips rely on getting to the root cause of the barking, rather than responding to symptoms.
And if you’re wondering why beagles love hearing their own voices so much, check out our article on ‘Why Beagles Bark So Much’.
One Thing to Avoid: Negative Reinforcement
If you’re tempted to use negative reinforcement techniques to curb your beagle barking, resist the urge. Although frustration can make these methods seem appealing, they won’t help your dog in the long run.
Negative reinforcement often includes actions like physical punishment, yelling, shock collars, squirt bottles, and leash corrections.
While some of these techniques may not cause physical pain, they still create a negative training environment. Dogs subjected to such methods can become highly stressed, anxious, and fearful.
There are much better, safer, and more humane alternatives that we’ll get to below. These do not expose your dog to chronic stress, negative associations, or an increased likelihood of aggression.
Never resort to hitting or kicking your dog, as this will only elevate their stress levels and reduce their trust in you. It’s almost certain to damage the bond between you.
Punishment-based training is particularly ineffective for puppies, adolescent dogs, and dogs that are already anxious or fearful. Instead of helping, these methods often increase stress, making it harder for your dog to learn and adapt.
12 Tips to Stop Your Beagles from Barking
Tip #1: Stop Your Beagle Barking Through Positive Reinforcement
Imagine a beagle about to receive a treat for good behaviour, learning to curb its barking through positive reinforcement.
Source: Daily Dog Tag
Positive reinforcement rewards desired behaviour to encourage its repetition. To manage your beagle barking, offer treats or praise when your dog stays calm and quiet in situations where barking is common. This teaches your beagle that silence is the desired response.
Avoid common mistakes like rewarding barking with attention or treats. Also, ensure you give positive reinforcement when the dog quiets down. Being mindful of these pitfalls helps reduce your beagle’s excessive barking effectively.
Tip #2: Teaching the “Quiet” Command
The “quiet” command can effectively control your beagle’s excessive barking. Here’s how to train your dog:
- Start by introducing the command while your beagle is barking.
- Say “quiet” in a calm and clear voice.
- Reward your dog with treats and praise when they stop barking.
If your beagle doesn’t respond to the first command, remain patient and avoid yelling. Instead, wait a few seconds before repeating the command in a calm tone.
Gradually, your beagle will learn to associate the command with the desired behaviour.
Tip #3: Teaching the “Speak” Command to Stop Your Beagle Barking Randomly
Teaching your beagle the “speak” command can help them understand when barking is appropriate. Follow these steps to train your dog:
- Prompt your beagle to bark.
- Say “speak” in a cheerful, enthusiastic voice.
- Reward them with a treat for barking on command.
This way, your beagle learns to bark at appropriate times rather than barking randomly. Again, like the “quiet” command, only reward your beagle if they follow your “speak” command.
Tip #4: Bring Calm Through Desensitization
Desensitization is a process that involves gradually exposing your beagle to their triggers at a comfortable distance.
Reward your dog for calm behaviour, then slowly decrease the distance between your dog and the trigger. This helps your beagle become less reactive over time, thus reducing their barking.
By slowly desensitizing your dog to the stimuli that cause them to bark, you can help them remain calm in situations that would normally trigger barking.
Tip #5: Redirect Your Beagle’s Focus to Break Fixation on Triggers
Source: MissBehavior
Redirection is a technique that involves shifting your beagle’s attention away from the trigger causing them to bark. Some dog parents have found redirection can reduce reactivity by as much as 90%.
By offering a distraction, like a toy or activity, you can prevent reactive barking and promote more appropriate behaviour. This method works well when combined with positive reinforcement and desensitization.
Tip #6: Your Beagle Barking Could be a Fear of Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is another common cause of excessive barking in beagles. To address this, identify signs of anxiety and create a safe, comfortable environment for your dog. Building your beagle’s confidence and independence is key.
Tackling separation anxiety not only reduces anxiety-related barking but also ensures a happier, calmer beagle.
Signs of separation anxiety in beagles can include:
- Barking, howling, and whining
- Destructive behaviour like chewing, digging, and scratching
- Peeing or pooping inside
- Pacing
Recognizing these signs will help you determine if your beagle is barking because they’re experiencing separation anxiety.
Tip #7: Stopping a Beagle Barking by Creating a ‘Safe Zone’
Creating a ‘safe zone’ in your house for your beagle can help reduce anxiety-related barking. This includes:
- A cozy bed
- Comforting toys and enrichment items
- Access to water
- A barrier to minimize distractions or noise
- Calming scents and soothing sounds
The zone will also provide a familiar place for your beagle to be in if you’re away from home and they’re experiencing separation anxiety.
Tip #8: Build Confidence and Independence in Your Beagle
Boosting your beagle’s confidence and independence can alleviate anxiety from separation and unfamiliar stimuli, such as people, sounds, and events.
Try gradually increasing the time your beagle spends alone. Plus, provide interactive toys and puzzles to engage their mind.
Ensuring they receive adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation is particularly important.
Tip #9: Lots of Exercise Will Mean Your Beagle Has Less Energy to Burn Through Barking
Caption: Little things like regular walks can keep your beagle happy; dogster
Proper exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for reducing excessive barking in beagles. Regular physical and mental activities help prevent boredom-induced barking.
Beagles typically need 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise and physical stimulation each day, which can be split into multiple sessions. Exactly how much will depend on the size and age of your beagle friend.
Weather conditions can impact your beagle’s exercise routine, so adjust accordingly. In extreme temperatures, be mindful of health risks and avoid outdoor exercise. During harsh weather, consider indoor activities to ensure your beagle still gets the physical activity they need.
Also, beware of going overboard! Over-exercising can strain your beagle puppy, so build up activity times gradually.
Tip #10: Stop Your Beagle Barking with Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Source: Unsplash
Beagles thrive on entertainment. Interactive toys and puzzles can keep them mentally stimulated, reducing boredom-related barking. These toys challenge your beagle to think and figure out how to access treats or rewards, keeping their minds occupied.
Kings and hide-n-slides are the most popular toys. Electronic ones such as the Talking Button and Furbo are great options, too, especially if you won’t be near to supervise your beagle.
Providing a variety of interactive toys and puzzles ensures your beagle stays engaged and mentally stimulated, contributing to a well-behaved and content dog.
Tip #11: The Mental Stimulation Doesn’t Stop at Toys
Mental stimulation is key for keeping your beagle engaged and reducing excessive barking.
Techniques like brain training exercises, scent games, and food puzzles provide both physical and mental exercise. Again, the key goals are: avoiding boredom and making sure they get adequate physical exercise.
A recent study found a direct correlation between mental stimulation and relaxation in dogs. Even just a few minutes of massaging or grooming your dog every day can improve their relaxation state substantially.
Tip #12: Introducing Your Beagle to Other Dogs and Animals
To reduce reactive barking (such as when your beagle spots another dog or rabbit), introduce them to other animals in a controlled manner.
Start by letting the dogs greet and sniff each other, keeping their leashes loose and carefully monitoring their body language. Take it slow and pay close attention to their reactions.
A calm and controlled introduction helps your beagle develop better social skills, which can significantly reduce excessive barking.
Here’s Some Training for You: Consistency and Patience
Consistency and patience are crucial for successful dog training.
Consistently using the same commands and rewards, and showing patience as your beagle learns, is essential.
Inconsistent training can cause mixed signals and behavioural problems. Establish a routine and provide clear expectations for your beagle to ensure effective training.
