Beagle for hunting/pet??

[missy83]

Hi guy & gals. I'm looking at purchasing a beagle pup in the next few weeks for rabbit hunting and as a house pet. I had a guy tell me today that it's not a good idea to have a hunting dog as a pet in the house because it will affect it's training for chasing rabbits and give them week skills. Is this true?

Thanks
Dustin

[jlmorgan]

No problem with having beagle for house pet and hunting hound, had 2 beagles over the years and both were house pets, the first one lived until he was 16 and was still running rabbits up until he was 14. The second one was 12 when we had to put him down because of a tumor in his throat, he was running rabbits up until 2 weeks before he died. Both were great pets and hunting companions.

[warpipe]

Don't let anyone tell you that a pet can't be a great hunter. Had beagles for years that slept on the couch and were great deer dogs. Sure some tense moments tho when they don't come back from a chase until after dark. I would hate to have to tell my daughter that I lost her dog hunting!

[Sharon]

" I had a guy tell me today that it's not a good idea to have a hunting dog as a pet in the house because it will affect it's training for chasing rabbits and give them weak skills." quote

LOL That is hilarious. Not true at all for any hunting dog.

[swampsinger]

The amount of training time makes all the difference. Not much difference between in the house, in a kennel, or chained to a pickup truck with no tires. Poor training, poor hound.
Heres the hockey analogy. Imagine teaching a young person to play hockey, and you took them skating 2 or 3 three time a year, as compared to getting them out 2 or 3 times a week.

[Bo D]

If the dog has the hunting instincts and desire to hunt it doesn't matter where you keep it, kennel or house.

[dutchhunter]

I grew up with beagles grandad uncles all had them in the house .some of the best rabbit dogs around. I still have one in the house that hunts. Yes thy are pretty wild for the first year .but having them in the house helps with basic training

[Dythbringer]

Not sure about beagles. Some people look at dogs as just another piece of hunting equipment. I don't share that point of view. I think a dog should be valued as a hunting companion. My dog is sometimes worth more than my hunting buddies because he has never said no to me when I ask if he wants to go out hunting and never brings up the times I miss.

[werner.reiche]

Not true for any hunting dog - but especially so for beagles.
I can promise you that if you get a beagle for both hunting and a pet - you'll never regret it.

[mark_t1012001]

Can't speak for beagle but as to hunting dogs being pets: My britt is the best hunting dog I've ever owned. She's also the most affectionate house dog we've ever had. Of all my dogs, the britt is my favourite and my wife's favourite.