[redskies]

I recently moved in with my boyfriend who owns a 6 year old beagle named Luna. I am not very experienced with dogs, and not the biggest fan of them either, but I have grown to care about her. Luna my boyfriend's ex wives' dog, but she was unable to take him. Luna in my opinion was not given any discipline. My boyfriend gives in to Luna's every need. When we eat Luna has been allowed to sit in front of us and grunt...I find myself speed eating because her staring and grunting while we eat is annoying. I cannot go into the kitchen without Luna getting anxious about food..at times she literally is spazzing about food being taken out. Each time we eat she does the same thing..scratches at the door, so she can be let out to pee so she can get a cookie. My boyfriend will jump up and let her out no matter how many times Luna scratches (even in the middle of the night). Luna is allowed to sleep in the bed and at her comfort level not ours. Luna is always on the couch between us or on top of my boyfriend..usually trying to lick. Luna excessively licks...not just a friendly lick on the face but nonstop slurping and licking, and my boyfriend is allowing it. I later found out that his ex would encourage this behavior. I feel like Luna is in constant need of attention and is getting on my nerves. I understand that I must learn to tolerate some things, but something tells me Luna has been running the show for far too long. I would like some input and also tips on how to teach an old dog new tricks ;-)

 

[wishbone]

That really sounds a very spoiled beagle, she sounds so sweet too. I noticed the main problem is when you are eating and she's trying to sneak out and that is not acceptable. You need to talk to your boyfriend regarding this manner for at certain level, your dog should treat you as a master and not on the same level as you or even she's the alpha of the group. Many people are trying hard to make their dog behave and become sweet as possible and you are lucky to have one, just not on all situation. Maybe you and your boyfriend should talk to a professional trainer or behaviorist together for him to see which are not should be tolerated for Luna.

 

[redskies]

Thank you for your input wishbone ;-) That is a good idea. My guess is consitancy is important. Is it possible to teach an adult dog? My boyfriend said its a beagle's nature to be food driven because of their breed. I have several friends with dogs, although not beagles do not act like this when food is around.

 

[Mom2Beagles]

She definitely needs discipline. The begging would drive me nuts too, that isn't allowed in my house. They only get food in their bowls, no human food especially from our meals. The key would be to get your BF on board with some discipline because it will be hard if its only you trying to do it. Yes, they 100% can be trained at any age. I rescue my dogs from shelters and they tend to be around 2 years old.

Have you walked Luna? That is a good way to bond with her and also to show her you are boss.

As for letting her out all the time, that is really not good either. It should be pretty much on a schedule except for the occasional urgent trip if she needs to go to the bathroom.

 

[redskies]

Yes I do walk Luna (although lately my desire to do so has been squelched because she is on my nerves), and feed her at the scheduled times. We both can tell she has grown attached to me. My boyfriend seems concerned if we do not jump up and let her out every time she scratches that she will go on the floor. She has done this, but that usually happens at night less than a handful of times. Luna was also use to getting a cookie if she went pee outside at 2-3AM!!! We recently agreed that this must stop. She still gets up at 3am but there is no treat for doing so.

How should I begin to work on the begging portion?

 

[Mom2Beagles]

The begging can be tough but it takes will power on your part and your BF's too. That means NO food from your plate while you are eating dinner or having a snack. Tell Luna to go lay down and do your best to ignore her. If you have a bit of food you do want to give her, wait until your meal or snack is done, and put the treat in her dish. Beagles are very good at begging and staring, you just have to ignore them and stick to your guns. When we eat at the table, the dogs have to be in their beds in the kitchen, not sitting there staring at us. You can reward Luna with a dog treat after the dinner is done, but make her earn it by sitting, laying down, giving you her paw etc.

If your BF is worried that she really has to pee, keep her gated in the room with you and watch her. Beags that have to pee will usually pace, circle or wiggle their tails.

 

[redskies]

Thank you SO much for that advice. I plan on implementing some of your ideas. I agree being fed while we eat is not a good idea. I guess its much like being a parent...consitancy and patience!

 

[Mom2Beagles]

Yep, lots of patience! The training really pays off though because you get an awesome dog with no aggravation. In fact, I have a beagle staring at me right now because she knows I am going to get a snack soon.

 

[KCMike]

Never met a dog that was not food motivated.