Hi Mike. I would like to ditto Diana's suggesting about tracking. If you dog is even PART beagle, that is a strong instinct, and a high potential for fun and rewarding activity with your dog - a possible balance to the "control" you are rightly putting in place.

One of the guidelines we use in training all of the dogs at http://www.JolietSchutzhund.com - regardless of specific breed or ability is this:

If it takes a level 2 correction (and I'm not talking about e-collars specifically - I'm talking about a feel for the correction level using whatever tools are dog appropriate), the reward level for correct behavior should be at least level 3. The notion here is that the dog gets more reward for the desired behavior than the correction level for the undesired behavior.

Since you are in a situation where it seems you are making some significant changes around your house, I just wanted to chime in on the reward part. And tracking is very fun for Beagles - they tend to really like it and it's a great reward type opportunity where they can excel at that - even if they are under a little more pressure about the house.

I agree with everyone who has emphasized exercise. This is a particular "exercise" that at least for our Beagle, is very fun for him and a great reward opportunity.

I am no expert at anything Schutzhund, but I think the way our trainer has taught us to start a tracking foundation is all good. If you would like info about how we start the dogs (including the Beagle) I would be happy to share. My e-mail is Training@JolietSchutzhund.com. I don't know about part Beagles, but full Beagles "love" that job.

We have also learned to pick our training battles carefully - and those battles are different for each of our 4 dogs. We don't expect any of these dogs to be Einstein in every possible situation. We decide what situations are important for us to control, and we focus on those first. As an example, all of our dogs need to be reliable on a recall from the big yard (6 acres). Different training techniques were required for each of them for this to happen. For us, dealing with children (we don't have any) is not so important. When children are here (extended family get togethers, or the annual BBQ) we crate the dogs and avoid the problem. No big deal.

Consistency is key. Sometimes on the bed, and sometimes off the bed is unfortunately, an example of a consistency issue IMO.

Best wishes - keep us posted.

Beth

Sorry folks... I used the wrong word. I meant prong collar not choke collar. Just like this one:

http://www.leerburg.com/prong.htm#819

Mike

Everyone,

Thanks for the advice.... I'll keep you posted.

Mike

I agree, my advise exactly.
Thanks for writing it out for me Connie, LOL

Folks,

Christmas was a great day for Gamba!!!

We had 14 adults and 9 kids in and out of the house all day. No barks. No jumps. Went straight to her bed during dinner and waited until we were all finished. Whenever the door bell rang, she went to her bed and waited for the "Free" command.

I took her for a walk in the woods. When she got on the scent (I saw the deer, she just smelled it) I forced a "Sit and stay." She immediately complied and "stayed" for 3 to 5 minutes... lots of squirming, but she stayed in a hugely distracting enviroment for her. The "Leave it" command brought her instantly back to my heal every time I issued it.

Then the big unplanned test happened. My sister brought her 7 month old Golden to the house (uninvited...but what can you do?) We left the Golden in the yard. But she was in clear sight of the windows and doors. Gamba looked at me as if to ask, "Can I get him?" I followed with "Leave it." She followed me around the house for the next 5 minutes and then went to her bed for a quick nap....

Every unexpected event caused Gamba to look at me as if to ask "What do you want me to do?" She followed every command. She was a very calm and submissive dog all day in a very distracting enviroment.

More work and more consistency needed in the future. But I am thrilled with the results so far.

Thanks.

Mike

Very happy for you Michael. Sounds like she gave you a great Christmas present - peace of mind and an optimistic look forward on her potential! Can't put a price on that!