How To Train a Stubborn Beagle: Expert Tips
Beagles are known for their adorable floppy ears, big puppy eyes, and—let’s be honest—a stubborn streak that could drive anyone crazy. If you’ve ever tried to train a Beagle, you already know they can be a challenge.
But don’t worry! With the right tips and a little patience, you can turn your stubborn Beagle into an obedient companion.
Let’s get into how you can train your Beagle without losing your mind.
Embrace Positive Reinforcement (Because Beagles Love Food)

Beagles have a one-track mind, and it’s often set to “food.” If you’re dealing with a stubborn Beagle, positive reinforcement will be your best friend. Using treats as a reward for good behavior is incredibly effective with Beagles. They’re food-motivated, which means they’ll work for those snacks!
Pro Tip: Use small, high-value treats—like chicken or cheese—so your Beagle stays motivated. And always reward immediately after they obey. Timing is everything.
🐾 Join The Dog Recipe Club! 🐶
Become a Member for Just $2/monthEvery week, receive a printable PDF packed with 10 fresh, dog-approved recipes to keep your pup happy, healthy, and excited for mealtime! 🦴
Join our pack of happy dog parents making tails wag with delicious homemade treats! 🦴
Join The Club Today! 🐾Don’t fall into the trap of bribing them all the time, though. Eventually, you’ll want to start mixing in praise and affection along with treats.
Keep Training Sessions Short (Beagles Get Bored Fast)

Beagles aren’t known for their long attention spans. If you’re running 30-minute training sessions, good luck keeping their focus! Stubborn Beagles will quickly lose interest if the session drags on.
Pro Tip: Stick to 5-10 minute training sessions. Keep it short, fun, and to the point. End on a high note with success so your Beagle stays excited for the next round.
A quick session in the morning and another in the evening will do wonders. Don’t overwhelm them with marathon lessons—they’ll check out mentally!
Stay Consistent (Don’t Send Mixed Signals)

Consistency is critical with a stubborn Beagle. If you allow your Beagle to get away with something one day and scold them for it the next, they won’t understand the rules. You need to stick to clear, firm expectations every time.
Pro Tip: Make sure everyone in the house is on the same page. If one person lets the Beagle jump on the furniture and another says “no,” your dog will be confused. Establish household rules and follow them consistently.
This will help your Beagle understand what behavior is expected and what’s off-limits.
Use Their Nose to Your Advantage

Beagles are scent hounds. Their sense of smell is so powerful that they often follow their noses, completely ignoring your commands. Instead of fighting against this instinct, use it to your advantage.
Pro Tip: Incorporate scent games into your training. Hide treats around the house or yard and teach your Beagle to “find” them. This not only satisfies their natural urge to sniff but also makes training more engaging for them.
By working with their instincts, you’ll find they’re more willing to listen.
Be Patient (Beagles Will Test You)

Training a Beagle is a test of patience. These dogs are known for their stubborn streak, and some days will feel like they’re testing you on purpose. Spoiler: they probably are. But don’t lose your cool.
Pro Tip: Break tasks into smaller steps. If your Beagle isn’t mastering “stay” for 30 seconds, start with 5 seconds and work your way up. Celebrate the small wins, and keep things upbeat. Beagles respond to positive energy—frustration will only make them dig in their heels (or paws, in this case).
The more patient you are, the more trust and respect you’ll build.
Socialization Is Key (Help Them Stay Calm Around Distractions)
Beagles are naturally friendly dogs, but if they’re not well-socialized, they can become overly excitable or even anxious around new people or animals. A Beagle that hasn’t been properly socialized will be harder to train because they’ll constantly be distracted by their surroundings.
Pro Tip: Start socializing your Beagle early. Take them to dog parks, introduce them to new people, and expose them to different environments. The more experiences they have, the less reactive they’ll be in unfamiliar situations.
A well-socialized Beagle is much easier to train and more likely to stay focused, even with distractions around.
Use a Leash (Beagles Have a Wandering Nose)
One of the biggest challenges with Beagles is their tendency to wander off. Their nose leads them into all kinds of adventures—sometimes far away from you! No matter how well-trained your Beagle is, you should always use a leash when you’re outside.
Pro Tip: Work on recall commands like “come” and “stay” using a long leash. It gives your Beagle some freedom to explore while still giving you control. Practice in safe, enclosed areas until your Beagle learns to reliably come back when called.
Beagles are known to run after scents without thinking, so never trust them off-leash until you’re absolutely sure they’ll respond to your commands.
FAQs
Q: Are Beagles harder to train than other dogs?
A: Beagles can be more challenging to train because of their stubborn and independent nature. However, with patience, consistency, and the right motivation (usually food!), they can learn commands just like any other dog.
Q: How long does it take to train a stubborn Beagle?
A: Training a Beagle takes time and patience. Every dog is different, but expect several weeks to months of consistent training before they fully understand basic commands.
Q: Should I use punishment with a stubborn Beagle?
A: No. Punishment doesn’t work well with Beagles and can actually make them more stubborn. Positive reinforcement and consistency are much more effective ways to train.
Final Thoughts
Training a stubborn Beagle can feel like a challenge, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely possible. Use their love of food and their incredible sense of smell to your advantage. Stay patient, keep training sessions short, and always be consistent.
At the end of the day, your Beagle just wants to explore the world, have fun, and (hopefully) make you proud. Stick with these tips, and you’ll have a well-behaved Beagle who listens to commands—most of the time! 😉

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉