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….:)

New!

Let’s look at this issue from a different angle.

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! 🙂

Let's go on!

Now you know the basic features which influence the behaviour of your dog. And this is the right time to see what you can do together wih your pet to avoid overweight or to fight with aready existing problem.

Step 2 – Let’s Cure the Beagle

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.