Hunting beagle question

[clarkpba]

I have a question for you guys that have experiance in the training and up keep of a hunting beagles. I have the chance to get a beagle pup that comes from a pretty solid set of parents. I have hunted with the parents on several ocasions and they hunt pretty hard. My only problem is I would have to make the dog a house dog. I live in an apartment and cant keep him outside. I'm just curious how hard is it to make him a good solid hunting dog with him being a house pet as well. I've heard that is a bad combo. Just seeing if anyone has any experiance with this set up and if i'm dreaming of him being a good hunter.

[bluedog]

Ok, I probably should defer to more experienced beaglers, but I picked up a middle aged beagle at the dog pound not quite 2 years ago.

Here is what we do in the winter:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc133/bluedog_photos/rabbit%20hunting%202009/20090103_IMG_0149.jpg





And here is what she is doing right now behind me while I am on the computer:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc133/bluedog_photos/various%20pictures/IMG_0021.jpg


I don't buy the house dog doesn't make a good working dog thing. I have more than a dozen police dogs and their handlers as clients. The best dogs that I see are actually the ones that live with the family and kids inside the house. Those dogs have a great on/off switch that impresses me every time.

[CritterGitter]

I think it is total hogwash as well. I have a 5 year old beagle that has always been an indoor dog. She is not the best tracker in the world, but she does pretty well. I think if I had more than 1 dog she would be a champ.

["J"]

Bluedog hit the nail on the head, you'll be better off with the dog being accustomed to being in the house with all the rules and boundries that come with it. It will bring out a better handling dog in the field most of the time. Nothing is more important then having a dog that listens while in the house and also in the field while it is working. It will make life much better. Good luck with the new beagle and post pictures :D

[clarkpba]

Thanks for the replys. We are still deciding if we are gonna going to get him. This thread helps my case with talking the wife into it. Plus our daughter has been asking for a dog for along time. I'll try and get some pics of him soon. All i have is a small video from a cell phone. but he is a beautifull pup.

[CritterGitter]

My advice is to get him fixed as soon as you can. Most male adult dogs get easily distracted in the field, especially if you're hunting in areas that other dogs have been in. It can be quite frustrating watching your dog piss on every other bush. lol Good luck convincing the wife. Oh, and generally beagles are awesome with kids!

["J"]

That's why I only have female beagles lol. The testosterone is high enough with us humans around why add to the mix lol.

[The_Duck_Hunter]

I agree with the others as well. I live in a one bedroom apartment with my Belle dog. Believe me if the dog has hunt in its bloodline keeping it inside isnt gonna make the hunt go away.