Patience will also be one of your virtues when your Beagle decides to chew or destroy something of value, purely because you have not given him enough stimulation. Boredom and the Beagle are a very bad combination, so keep your little hound interested, busy and happy.
You neednt be a marathon runner, but you will need to be reasonably fit so that you can take your Beagle out on plenty of long walks. But don't be over-enthusiastic while your Beagle is still young, for you should not begin a strenuous running program until your dog is at least a year old. As an apartment dweller, you will simply have to set yourself an exercise schedule with your dog, and you must stick to that as this is a breed that needs not only companionship but physical exercise too. And that goes for all weather conditions, so be prepared to get on your hiking boots in the winter months and your slicker when it rains. Most Beagles don't mind the rain, snow or humidity.
If you are a handy-man around the house, this will be of great help in cutting down on the sort of bills you would otherwise pay for an odd-job man. Your yard will need to be fully fenced and also Beagle-proofed. You've gotten yourself an intelligent little dog and if he realizes he can't climb that fence, he may decide to go under it, or even find a way through it. Yes, your toolbox will come in handy.
So, to put it in a nutshell, you have chosen a dog with a fun-loving personality coupled with a bit of stubbornness, lots of voice and a rather independent nature. You will be great as an owner if you are fun-loving too, provided you are prepared to train your dog firmly but kindly.
Next step: Beagle Overview
Reprinted from Breeder's Best: Beagle © 2005 Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.
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