How to train our new beagle puppy?

Question

We just got an 8 week old beagle. I've read that he should not be left alone for long periods of time, but my husband and I have work at least 8 hours a day. How can I train him to be alone for approx. 8 hours/day? Is that wrong if I do that? I don't know what I can do since we both work! Also, would you recommend a collar or a harness for this little guy? Why?

Answer 1

Pippa, sorry, but that is really bad advice.  

8 hours is a very long time for such a little puppy to be left alone.  Can you hire a dog walker to come in and play with him mid-day until he's a little older?  Make sure he is confined in a puppy-proofed area (but not his crate) while you are gone.  You can use a powder room or exercise pen with some potty pads, water bowl, and open crate inside the area.  You don't want to confine him to the crate because he won't be able to "hold it" for 8+ hours at this stage of the game.  The advantage to using a crate for potty training is that a dog has a natural aversion to soiling where they sleep and confinement to a crate for too long will force him to overcome that.  Give him lots of appropriate things to chew on.  Contact a positive trainer to help you get off to a good start -- he will be old enough to start puppy class in a couple of weeks!

I would recommend a harness for your pup.  It will protect his trachea from injury if either of you pulls when he is walking.  Many people are surprised that a harness does not prevent a dog from pulling; it merely protects the trachea.  In fact, a harness is the piece of equipment that is used when one is attempting to teach a dog *to* pull.  He should also have a collar for his identification.  

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

For a beagle, I'd say a collar.  Leave your puppy in a kennel when you are gone.  Allow only enough room for him to lay/stand in.  He will think of the kennel as his home and will hold his potty for when he leaves the kennel.  Also, don't let him walk out of the kennel, as he will go right there in your house.  Take him out with your hands, hold him and quickly take him outside.

Answer 3

well if the puppy is going to the bathroom is your House you should rub the nose in the pee an spank it don't do this if there is p**p.