Every dog breed is different. While some breeds, like German Shepherds, for example, prefer to be independent, other breeds, like Golden Retrievers, always want to be with their owner. But what about beagles? What activities do beagles enjoy?
Barking, howling, whining
In case you didn’t know yet: Beagles are very vocal. They make different sounds to let you know how they feel.
My beagle barks every time he wants attention. He stares at the door handle and makes a whining sound when he wants to go outside. He nags when he wants to eat what we’re eating. He barks sharply when someone rings the doorbell.
It’s as if they have their own language that only beagle owners can understand.
Sniffing things
Beagles are scent hounds. They were bred to track the scent of small animals and chase them for their owners.
Beagle dog sniffing on the green grass.
It’s their natural instinct to sniff. Beagles have one of the most powerful noses with 225 million sensory receptors. To put that in perspective: human noses have only 400 sensory receptors.
Like any other beagle he is obsessed with sniffing things. He would sniff everything he finds outside, even the droppings of other animals.
Eat, eat and eat more
Beagles are gourmets. They love food. Put something within their reach and they will swallow it in seconds.
Girl gives a beagle puppy a huge steel bowl full of dog food. A very hungry dog on a teal background
Their love for food can be dangerous. Not all human foods are safe for beagles. Food items like garlic, onion, sugar, and spices are toxic to them.
Last month our darling climbed onto our dining table and ate leftover brownies. We had to take him to an emergency room and keep him under observation for two days.
So make sure to keep all food, except dog food, out of reach of your beagle.
Chewing on things
I think this is universal. Not only beagles, but all dogs love to chew. It’s something that relaxes them.
Chewing is not bad. It even helps to keep the dog’s jaws healthy and the teeth clean. But it is essential to teach your beagle what is good to chew on and what is not. Otherwise, you’ll find the mascara from your sofa and furniture every time you come home.
You can occasionally offer your dog a bone or a chew treat.
Socializing
Beagles are outgoing dogs. They like to be around people and other dogs. They are not shy. Instead, they will jump on a person to overwhelm them with licking and kisses.
Every time guests came to our home, he greeted them with a wagging tail. Then, for some reason, he always grabs one of his toys and offers it to the guests.
Not only with people, but also with other dogs. You should see them at a dog park. They get super excited to interact with other dogs.
However, their social skills strongly depend on how well a beagle was socialized during puppyhood.
Jumping on Others
Beagles are jumpy dogs. They often start jumping when they are excited. They can even jump to take something from your hand.
This is not something you should encourage. Jumping can be dangerous for both your beagle and yourself. Your dog could break its feet. In the long run, it can increase the risk of joint problems.
So if this is something your dog does, try to control its impulse and teach it not to do so.
Hugging
For my family and me, this is the best trait of beagles. They love to cuddle.
Although some dog breeds prefer to be alone and independent, beagles cannot live without human affection.
Every morning I find Groot curled up in my blanket, with his back against my feet. He also loves to take naps on my girlfriend’s lap when we watch movies.
In most cases, they all love to cuddle.
Sleeping on your bed
Beagles love to sleep next to their loved ones. Or they find our mattress much more comfortable than theirs.
I have tried so much to teach my Groot to sleep on his own bed. But in the middle of the night, while I am asleep, he jumps on the bed and snuggles into my blanket. I am a heavy sleeper, so I enjoy having my little monster cozy in my blanket beside me.
At first, I thought it was just my beagle. But when I asked a Reddit community of beagle owners, many of them told me they face the same thing.
Running in circles
We all know how much beagles love to run. But for some reason, they enjoy running in circles.
I’ve tried to find the reason behind this behavior, but apparently quite a few beagles do it, and no one knows why.
Send me an email if you know the cause.
Playing tug of war
Beagles love to play tug of war. Grab a rope toy, hold one end, give the other end to your beagle, and let them pull.
This brings out their predatory nature. But it’s also a great way to release their energy.
Ninja Tip: Your beagle might even growl while playing tug of war. This is completely normal and healthy.
However, it’s essential to establish some basic rules to ensure your safety. Teach your beagle the LEAVE command before you start playing. Your dog should drop the toy on your command. Start with a long rope to prevent accidents.
Fun beagle activities to do together
Beagles are energetic, curious, and social dogs who love spending time with their owner. Luckily, there are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy together with your beagle! Think of long walks in the forest where they can follow their nose, scent games in the garden where they search for hidden treats, or playful training with agility exercises. A day at the beach or a dog walk with other four-legged friends is often a hit with these cheerful sniffers. The most important thing? Have fun together and strengthen that bond!
Final thoughts
These were some of the most common things that beagles enjoy doing. If you think there is a behavior that should be on this list, feel free to send me an email.
And check out what other Beagle owners have discovered: https://www.woefkesranch.be/reviews-ras/beagle/
