The American Beagler Forum

I am a new Beagle owner and wanted to possibly train my new hound, Apollo, for hunting. It seems that I may need more than one Beagle to hunt effectively ... is this true?

Also, Apollo loves to run like crazy, sometimes without regard to where I am ... Has anyone lost a dog while hunting?

Thanks

I would guess that everyone has lost a dog while hunting. Even if only temoparily. One dog (that hunts) will work fine. More dogs make better music. As to, "what is the perfect number of beagles to run??" Just one more.lol

all you need is one . when snow is deep i like to run two or three . dogs compete and will push harder, i bet this works the same in bad briars other places. ive also noticed that when conditions are real tough say below zero or crusty snow. or maybe its hot and dry where you are less dogs or maybe one dog will do a better job. you definately only need one dog to run a rabbit. when scentings good the more the merrier . if you or your dog is just starting out i think one is plenty. pete

Ryan, welcome to the world of the little hound that can. When he runs off like that jide on him. he will come looking for you. if you go after him wich is what our natural insticnt is to do he will think it is a game and want to play. this is for a young dog that is just starting to learn about the world. you didn't say how old he was? Also when he finds you make a big fuss over him. as to the number of dogs pete is right on the money the only thing I will add is one good dog is worth ten half A@$$# dogs any day of the week. Good luck

thanks guys .... Apollo is 10 months old...

I am working on his discipline and the "come" command specifically. When he was smaller, he came right away ... now, he has other things in mind.

I have to agree with all above, one beagle can run a rabbit. I think you need to run him with another hound from time to time to keep him from being too independent. My friend has a dog that always ran by himself and now he will not honor or go to the pack when they are running a hot track. He finds his own rabbit and runs it. I personally like to run 4 or 5 hounds, nothing like a pack in full tongue on a hot track!

Ryan, all our hounds go thruogh a little "attlecent" time. Around 10-14months of age they quit listening,but one day it will just "click"agin and they'll listen agin.

One is good ,two are better and so on, and so on