Fat Beagles. How To Keep Beagles In Shape

General Information

Why Do Beagles Get Fat and How to Keep Them Fit?

If you are reading this article about fat Beagles, then you probably already have this problem with your dog. Or you would like to avoid it in the future. You can read hundreds of articles about pleading Beagles’ eyes. Or the idea that Beagles live to eat…) and a combination of these two factors leads to overeating and obesity.  …But…let us not agree to the full….:)

Do you know what all trainers say before they start to train your dog?… First the dog owner must learn the basic rules how to communicate with a dog. And only then to practice the obedience traing with his dog… The same with feeding dogs, and especially Beagles.

First the owner should understand the essence of the Beagle, his nature, habits. Second – to acknowledge the fact – he is the master and the one who understands and controls behaviour of his dog, including food.

2-Step-Fat-Fight Program for Beagles:

Step 1 – Let’s Cure the Master

Feature 1: Active Hunting Dog

Please, always keep in mind that Beagles are hunting dogs! Yes, nowadays they do not hunt that much. They are also wonderful family dogs and companions. But! they still need as much excercises as hunting dogs, i.e – minimum two hours daily of active games, running, whatever you can arrange together…This is a key point!

Solution: Active Walks

You can’t just wake up and question yourself “Oh my God, do I have to walk him out every morning and let my dog play and run one hour at least?” . This  is  not a question! This is a fact! You have a Beagle – you actively walk with a Beagle! 🙂

Feature 2: Prone to Run Away

I’ve seen only two types of Beagles’ owners: they both accept the fact that Beagles may follow their nose and run away. The difference is – the first type invest their time and effort in order to teach them to come back….and the second – trying to ajust and get pleasure from the walks with a Beagle on the leash…..:)

Unfortunately the second type prevails…”Oh, my dog can run away, I have no time to seach for him in the park…other dogs may bite him….he can be in danger….I’ll better never let him off the leash…this is more safe for him…” If you find yourself in the position of the second type…see Features 1.

Solution: On and off leash walks. Make your dog engaged.

Wake up! This is convenient and safe only for you! Please understand, you have to use a leash only in the beginning, when you teach your puppy. And in parallel – let him run off-leash in safe places like closed yard, parks, fields etc. Make your dog be engaged in different games with you on-leash and off-leash. Be active together with your dog. 

Feature 3. Prone to Overeat

Unfortunately this is true.  Most of Beagles can’t control themselves and keep asking for food all day long….if they are allowed!! This is important! – If they are allowed! Beagle are intelligent dogs with pleading beautiful eyes:) They use this killer feature to get food! Believe me, they are not as hungry as they look like:) They try you. If you give in to it once, they will understand this as a permission to keep doing this.

Solution: Control what Beagle eats

Be brave and resist the temptation to feed them every time they ask. Beagles, like any other dog, need scheduled  feeding. 4-5 times for puppies, and 1-2 times for adults. If you give dry food – just stick to the prescribed standards. 150 g / per day means 150 g / per day!!  Not per time!

And it does not mean that you buy high quality dry food and keep thinking your Beagle knows better how much he needs. No, the specialists who developed it and did it well fit and balanced for your dog do know! It doesn’t work this way. Just stick to the norms! 

If you prepare the food yourself, the same – stick to norms, feed the dog 4-5 times for puppies, and 1-2 times for adults. And yes, cheese in between also counts! 🙂

Step 2 – Let’s Cure the Beagle

VS

Fetch a Ball Fat Beagle

Goog Shape Beagle

Feel the difference and make changes!

For a Beagle being slim means not only being beautiful, but first and foremost – healthy and long living. Every month of being fat shortens your dog’s life immensely. And there are some things you can do together with your dog to prevent this or cure your dog.

Feature 1: Active Hunting Dog

As you know, enough exercises is a key issue. Let’s see what they are more closely.

Solution: Walks, games and exercises

Probably you like to sleep long in the morning.  But if you want to have a healthy Beagle, get up and you two go together to the yard, park, forest, field…whatever you have nearby. It’s easier if you have a big family and other members of your family can replace you from time to time.  Such activities are great for everybody. Try it and in the end of the day you will see how much joy it can bring to your dog, you and the whole family.

Walk at least one hour in the morning an one hour in the evening. If your pet is already overweight, start with half an hour per time of slow walks, and do it 3-4 times a day. Increase the time and speed gradually. Better if you combine simple running with excersies for brain and body. For this purpose use different Toys for Active Games.

Feature 2: Prone to Run Away

As you have understood the best solution is a combination of the on-leash and off-leash walks in a proper time and place.

Solution: Appropriate Training Leashes, Walking Leashes and E-collars

Train your puppy to walk on leash in a proper way. For this you can refer to a dog handler or watch special online courses with technics.

Training Leashes. Best 7 Training Leahes For Beagles

Author’s Choice	PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash Length Range: 4 - 6 ft Width Range: 1 in, 3/4 in, 3/8 in Material: Nylon Check Price	Check Price
People’s Choice	Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash Length Range: 4 - 6 ft Width Range: 1 in, 5/8 in Material: Nylon Check Price	Check Price
Premium Choice	Excellent Elite Spanker Bungee Dog Leash Length Range: 2-5 ft, stretchable Width Range: 1 in Material: Nylon Check Price	Check Price
Best Leash Handle	Shorven Nylon Reflective Training Dog Leash Length Range: 5 - 30 ft Width Range: Dia: 0,3 in, 0,5 in Material: Nylon Check Price	Check Price
Best for Outdoor Activities	Long Trainer by Leash Boss Length Range: 15 - 50 ft Width Range: 1 in Material: Nylon Check Price	Check Price
Best Durable	CollarDirect Nylon Dog Leash Length Range: 4 - 6 ft Width Range: 1 in Material: Nylon Check Price	Check Price
Best Waterproof	CollarDirect Waterproof Dog Leash Length Range: 4 - 6 ft Width Range: 1 in Material: Waterproof Collartex Check Price	Check Price

If you have finished your leash on-and-off training, but your dog is still prone to run away, continue with shock collar training. See the description in our TRAINING chapter.

Shock Collars. Best 5 Traing E-Collars for Beagles

Author’s Choice	Dog Training Collar by Dog Care - Rechargeable Shock Collar 3 modes including shock, vibration and beep for dog Security keypad lock to prevent accidental shock 100% Waterproof Check Price	Check Price
People’s Choice	Petrainer-PET998DRB Rainproof Dog Shock Collar 3 types of safe humane corrective stimulation modes including shock, vibration and beep for dog provides 0-100 levels of intensity for Vibration & Shock Stimulation, plus a standard Beep Mode 100% Waterproof Check Price	Check Price
Premium Choice	TBI Pro Professional K9 Dog Shock Training Collar with Remote Long-Range Protective mode eliminates the possibility of accidental shock Developed in The USA by K-9 experts 100% Waterproof Check Price	Check Price
Best Adjustable	Hardcraft-Training Rechargeable Dog E-Collar 4 extremely efficient and safe training modes (beep, vibration, LED light and static shock) Soft silicone contact points prevent dog’s skin damage 100% Waterproof Check Price	Check Price
Best Lightweight	GoodBoy-Small Size Remote Collar for Dogs 1 intensity level for sound and 9 levels for vibration and shock modes The remote for this collar is about the size of a cellphone and easily fits into your pocket Small and Lightweight, Beautiful Design Check Price	Check Price

Feature 3. Prone to Overeat

There is only one way to prevent overeating – to control and regulate all food aspects. How your Beagle eats, how much, how often and what kind of food.

Solution: Slow Eating and Diet Food

Your proper behaviour is as described in Step 1. Plus there are specially designed helpful things such as food dispensing toys, bowls for slow eating, diet dry food and treats.

Slow Feed Toys. Best 5 Dispensing Toys for Beagles

If your dog feels hungry of the time and asks for food between feeding sessions, try to use these toys from time to time. Your dog will be engaged in the activity – from one side, and will eat the same quantity of food but in a longer period of time.

Author’s Choice	KONG Classic Dog Toy Material: Natural Rubber Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL For Chewing: Average Check Price	Check Price
People’s Choice	West Paw Zogoflex Interactive Puzzle Toy Material: Ultra-durable exclusive Zogoflex Sizes: S, L For Chewing: Not agressive Check Price	Check Price
Premium Choice	StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy Material: Plastic Sizes: S, L For Chewing: No Check Price	Check Price
Best for Active Dogs	EETOYS IQ Dog Treat Ball Material: natural non-toxic latex rubber Sizes: S, L For Chewing: Not agressive Check Price	Check Price
Best for Mental Development	AIBOONDEE Treat Ball Dog Toy for Pet Increases IQ Material: ABS and PC Sizes: M For Chewing: No Check Price	Check Price

Special Bowls. Best 5 Slow Feed Bowls for Beagles

These bowls also help to eat not so fast and feel saturation before the Beagle overeats.

Author’s Choice	OurPets Slow Feed Bowl by DuraPet Material: Stainless Steal Sizes: S, M, L Non-slip Check Price	Check Price
People’s Choice	Rantow Double Dogs Bowls Material: Stainless Steal and food-safe materials BPA, PVC and Phthalate free Sizes: M Non-slip Check Price	Check Price
Premium Choice	Pro Select Dog Stainless Steel Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Material: Stainless Steal Sizes: M Non-slip Check Price	Check Price
Best Budget	HARMONY Navy Plastic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Material: Plastic Sizes: S, L Non-slip Check Price	Check Price
Best New Design	NNDA CO Pet Dog Interactive Slow Food Pet Bowl Material: Thermo Plastic Rubber Sizes: S, L Non-slip Check Price	Check Price

Diet Food and Tasties

If you provide your dog with enough exercises but he gains weight anyway. Or if your dog is already fat or obese, we recommend to consult a veterinarian and switch to diet dry food and diet treats.

Always stick to prescriptions of the producer regarding norms.