While they can be lovely pets, Beagles require a lot of exercise and grooming. This type of dog is a descendant of working dogs that used to be used for hunting. This means that Beagles have a strong instinct for running, sniffing objects around them, and generally being active throughout the day. Before you adopt or raise a Beagle puppy, make sure you can handle its high energy levels. To properly care for a Beagle puppy, you need to commit to providing him with the exercise, attention, and mental stimulation he needs in addition to the basic care every puppy needs.
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Part 1 of 7: Getting Prepared Before Bringing the Puppy Home
Step 1. Know what you can generally expect from a Beagle
Keep in mind that this dog belongs to the type of hunting dog. When you can understand his mindset, you can make sure that everything is in place so that his needs (both physically and mentally) can be met. In this way, he can grow into an adult dog that is well adapted and satisfied.
For example, his hunting instinct makes his curiosity very big. Plus, even a Beagle is likely to sniff out any object, even if it wasn't given to him (or isn't an object he's allowed to approach)
Step 2. Make sure your home environment is safe for the puppy to be raised
Before bringing it home, you should always make sure that your home is safe. Pick up litter on the floor, personal items, food (which is not given to puppies or adult dogs), and other items the puppy might swallow (and risk choking). Basically, safety is an important thing to do because any object that is not tidied and kept out of reach of a puppy is likely to be bitten or eaten by it.
Step 3. Introduce yourself to the puppy you want to pet
If you can't bring your puppy home right away, make frequent visits to the pet store or breeder that sells them so they can get used to and feel comfortable around you. Many breeders allow frequent visitors because this makes it easier for the puppy to get used to visitors who want to buy it.
Adoption regulations (in this case, permission to bring home) are very dependent on the place and the seller of the puppy. If you want to adopt a puppy from a rescue center or pet shelter, for example, you can usually take him home right away. However, if you want to buy it from a reputable breeder, you will usually need to allow the puppy to live with its mother for the length of time the breeder recommends
Step 4. Purchase the necessary equipment
Before bringing a puppy home, you will need to prepare a lot of equipment. There are a few things you need to prepare:
- Food and water bowls: It is recommended that you use stainless steel or ceramic bowls as they can be washed in the dishwasher. In addition, the surface is quite easy to clean so that the bowl remains hygienic.
- Dog bed: The bed used should be soft and fluffy for the puppy to feel safe and comfortable. Choose a bed with washable sheets. Also, try buying two beds so that if one of them gets washed, there's still a spare bed to use.
- Puppy pad: Puppy pads are disposable pads that absorb fluids and are useful when your puppy accidentally defecates during a potty training.
- Disinfectant products and rubber gloves: Both can be used when you need to clean the dirt or urine that is on the floor or furniture. Opt for enzymatic cleaning products, and avoid products that contain bleach or ammonia, as these can amplify the smell of urine and entice the puppy to return to the same spot.
- Cage: Choose a cage that allows the dog to stand and lie down with his legs outstretched. If a kennel for an adult dog feels too big for a puppy, try using a divider to divide the space in the crate so that the size of the space is just right. If the crate is too large, your puppy can use a certain corner or point as a place to pee.
- Necklaces and markers: Purchase nylon necklaces and metal markers. These markings can be used as identification if your puppy ever goes missing. Start putting on the collar when your puppy is at least six months old. Also, don't forget to adjust the size or diameter of the collar as your puppy grows.
- Leash and leash: It's a good idea to get your puppy familiar with both items from the start. The harness and chain help you control it when it's carried out into the yard. This way, he can't run or run away when you try to give him a bowel exercise.
- Toys: Beagle puppies love to nibble on things so make sure all the toys you prepare are safe for dogs (it would be better if the packaging contained safety certification information). Check the toys regularly to see if they have been damaged, and throw away toys that are no longer usable. Keep in mind that stuffed toys (e.g. stuffed animals), dolls' eyes or noses, or even squeakers inside toys have the potential to cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Therefore, don't take the risk by buying unsafe toys.
- Snacks for dogs. Make sure you buy some snacks, both soft and crunchy. Crunchy snacks help remove tartar, while soft snacks are perfect for training sessions.
- Dog food: If possible, make sure you buy food that was previously given to him when he was being cared for at the pet store or breeder.
- Basic grooming kits: Purchase a bristle brush, comb, rubber gloves, pet nail clippers, dog shampoo, dog conditioner, dog toothpaste, toothbrush and towel.
Part 2 of 7: Bringing Puppies Home
Step 1. Take the puppy to a designated area as soon as you get home
The area is a place that is used as a litter area for puppies. Lower the puppy in the area and see if he will crouch immediately. If so, give him lots of compliments and treats to get him started associating the area with a good place to pee.
Take him for a walk in the yard and neighborhood before you bring him in. This way, he will get used to the area and make the area his new territory
Step 2. Bring your puppy in, but make sure you don't play or do too much with him right away
Don't get too excited and just pour out your love for him. You need to give him time to get used to his new place of residence. Ask the children to sit quietly and allow the puppy to approach them alone so he doesn't feel overwhelmed. Remember to watch it closely. When he looks like he wants to pee, immediately take him out of the house and put him down in the toilet. After that, give him a reward if he manages to defecate in its place.
Step 3. Put a leash on the puppy and lead him around the house
After you bring him home, show him your house. This way, he will feel safer after knowing the placement of items and the location of the room. However, this doesn't mean you have to carry it into every room; show him only the rooms he can enter.
Part 3 of 7: Feeding Puppies
Step 1. Ask the breeder to give puppies the usual food for 4 to 5 days
This way, your puppy can eat familiar foods that are usually digested easily. Gradually change his diet to the type of food of your choice after he stays for a day or two and gets used to his new environment.
When changing the type of food, add a little new food (say serving) and reduce the portion of the previous type of food (up to serving only). In two to three days, increase the amount of the new type of food while you reduce the portion of the old type of food. This is done so that the bacteria in the dog's stomach can gradually change so that your dog will not experience diarrhea due to a sudden change in the type of food
Step 2. Choose a puppy-friendly food (usually labeled “Growth” or “Puppy”)
This way, your puppy can get a balanced intake of calcium and protein that is useful for its development. Check the packaging label and make sure the type of meat such as chicken, beef, or beef is listed in the composition information. This means, the product has the main composition of the meat and shows good food quality. As much as possible avoid feeding your dog food made from cereals or other non-meat animal products (eg intestines or liver) because these types of food are usually less nutritious.
Once he reaches one year of age, give him adult dog food
Step 3. Feed on a consistent schedule
For puppies under 12 weeks of age, provide the recommended amount of food (follow the feeding instructions on the package) and divide feeding into four feeding hours per day. For puppies that are three to six months old, divide the feeding into three feeding hours each day. For puppies aged six months or older, set their feeding schedule to just two meals per day.
After he reaches one year of age, you can only feed him once a day
Step 4. Don't give too many snacks or extra food
Keep in mind that Beagles are very greedy and often don't understand that they are full. This means, don't feel sorry for the pitiful expression on his face and give him extra food. Also, make sure you keep all food out of reach (or put it in a closed container) because puppies love to find ways to get to food.
The upside, however, is that Beagles are highly motivated by food, so food can be a great motivational object when you give them exercise
Step 5. Take your puppy for a walk outside after eating
It should be noted that after he eats, about 10-20 minutes later he usually wants to pee. So take your puppy outside after he's finished eating and sit still with him so you can praise him when he's successfully pooped in the right place.
Step 6. Wash the food bowl every day with warm water and a little dish soap
Or, you can wash it in the dishwasher (dishwasher). By washing the food bowl, you can prevent disease, bacteria growth, and make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Part 4 of 7: Exercise and Activities With Puppies
Step 1. Give your pup plenty of opportunities for light exercise
Beagles are energetic dogs that need lots of exercise. However, you need to be aware of the development of the bone joints. Joints that are still in development are more prone to injury. To avoid injury, get him to warm up first (as athletes do) by taking a five-minute walk before playing a game (eg chase or catch). (
Step 2. Don't let him move or exercise until he's exhausted
As a guide that can be followed, remember to never allow him to exercise or work until he is exhausted; if he already seems to be limping, immediately stop the sport or activity being carried out. When the muscles are too tired, the joints are unbearable. At times like this, the possibility of joint injury will be greater. If he can still walk while jumping up and down a bit, you can still get him to exercise.
Remember not to let him exercise or exercise excessively until he reaches the age of an adult dog (about 12-18 months)
Step 3. Take your puppy for a short walk (for about five minutes) every day
If it was done any longer, he would be too exhausted. In addition, the joints can be injured. In addition, you can invite him to exercise by playing games such as throw and catch or toy tug.
Spend as much time as you can with him. Of course, your puppy won't be a puppy forever so take the opportunity to play and exercise with him on a regular basis
Step 4. Don't leave your puppy alone outdoors
Unlike when you are involved in activities or sports, he will not do well alone. In addition, Beagles are known to enjoy wandering around and exploring their surroundings alone. This means, if he is left alone in the yard unattended, there is a good chance he will find a way to get out of the yard and go explore his surroundings on his own. Beagles are excellent diggers and climbers, so never assume that your fence is secure.
If he really can't escape, keep in mind that the irritation he's feeling can prompt him to bark or howl. The best way to prevent this is to give him lots of exercise and mental stimulation so he's satisfied (even if he's exhausted), and won't feel bored or upset
Part 5 of 7: Training Puppies
Step 1. Begin the training process from the very beginning
Due to the Beagle puppy's stubborn temperament, it is important that you start training early so that he learns to listen to you. Incorporate exercise into daily activities, such as telling him to sit down before you give him food or attaching a chain. When he's very young (under four months), keep your training sessions short – about 5-10 minutes for each training session.
Step 2. Do reward-based exercises
Don't punish your puppy. He will only associate the punishment given with you, not with his actions or mistakes, so he will eventually feel afraid of you. Instead of punishing him, try rewarding him when he does something right. Make sure you also give him lots of love and attention, and gently guide him to show good behavior.
Step 3. Train him to understand basic obedience commands
This way, you will feel more comfortable when you are around him for a long period of time. Start by teaching him to sit. After that, train him to be willing to come when called upon, and to remain silent when asked. You should also start giving him potty training from the first day he is brought home.
Step 4. Take him out in the car so he can get used to traveling with you
Otherwise, every time you get him in the car, he'll think you're taking him to the vet. Usually, he will start whining and, of course, you will be annoyed to hear that.
Step 5. Encourage your puppy to be social from the start
Take him to a discipline and obedience training class once a week. This way, he can learn how to behave properly when around dogs or strangers.
Keep in mind that you shouldn't show your dog to another dog until he's vaccinated
Step 6. Teach your puppy to be happy and calm when placed in the crate
Puppies have a natural instinct to feel safe when they are in their den or outdoor habitation. At home, of course, his cage is a place he will go to so he can rest and feel safe. Begin to make him feel comfortable in his cage by placing a blanket in the cage that has the smell of its mother. Also, try hiding treats in the cage to get him into the cage and begin to see his cage as a good "place".
- Also, try feeding him some food when he's in the cage. For starters, feed him with the cage door open. Once he is willing to enter the cage without having to be ordered to, close the cage door for a few seconds, then open the door again and praise him for his good behavior. Gradually increase the duration of closing the cage door until eventually you can leave him in the cage for extended periods of time (eg up to four hours) and he doesn't feel the pressure of being placed in the cage.
- To make her feel more secure, try turning on the radio when you're not home.
Part 6 of 7: Taking Care of Your Puppy's Health
Step 1. Vaccinate your puppy
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to provide the necessary vaccinations from the time your puppy reaches 6-8 weeks of age. Your veterinarian can provide advice regarding the risk of certain diseases in your city/area, as well as what vaccinations need to be given to fight these diseases.
Also, try discussing with your vet about dog neutralization so you can determine the best option for your dog
Step 2. Schedule a vet check-up-at least-every six months
It is important that you take your puppy to the vet periodically so that any health problems can be caught early on. When caring for a puppy, you also need to provide preventative care for health problems, such as treatment to get rid of heartworms and fleas.
Step 3. Teach your puppy that going to the vet is fun (or, at least, not terrible)
When you visit the vet, bring a treat with you so you can give it to him. If you've been taking your puppy to the vet at a very young age, he'll be more accustomed to going to the vet.
Step 4. Try microchipping your puppy
During the implantation process, tiny microchips are injected into the dog's skin. Each chip has a unique ID number that is registered in your name and is proof of dog ownership. This implantation is possible, especially for the Beagle because if at any time it escapes and explores its surroundings, the party who found it (eg the animal shelter) can scan the installed chip, find its owner and return it to you. Implantation like this has been done in developed countries such as the United States. In Indonesia itself, this kind of implantation has not been (or is very rarely) done so that the process of identifying lost pets tends to be done by disseminating information (especially through social media).
Part 7 of 7: Caring for the Appearance of a Puppy's Fur
Step 1. Comb her hair every day
Use a brush with soft bristles to remove loose hair and make the hair look shiny. In addition, also provide a toothbrush and toothpaste for the dog to get used to brushing his teeth.
Step 2. Bathe your puppy when he is dirty
However, remember to keep the water temperature not too hot, and not to bathe it too often. Bathing it too often can actually make the skin dry.
Use a mild shampoo, such as an oat-based moisturizing shampoo. Never use products made for humans because the pH level of dog skin is different. In addition, shampoo for human hair can also cause the dog's skin to become very dry
Step 3. Clean the eyes and ears
Clean the eyes daily to prevent infection and the development of tear stains. Even dog breeds with coat colors other than white can experience tear stains and inflammation of the skin around the eyes. For the ears, clean the ears twice a week to prevent the appearance of dirt and unpleasant odors.
Warning
- Don't leave anything around your puppy that could put him at risk of choking.
- It's never too late to train your puppy. If it's too late, it can be a big problem! Therefore, start giving practice from the start.
- Do not buy puppies that are under eight weeks old because at that age, puppies are still not allowed to be separated from their mother.
