Ten Unique Beagle Occupations and Activities

In This Chapter

• Stories about real-life Beagles
• Beagles in literature and pop culture
• Other Beagle trivia

This chapter won’t tell you anything you absolutely, positively must know to love and care for your Beagle. It will, however, build on your love for this breed by sharing some little-known facts and stories of hard-working Beagles, chronicling a few ways that Snoopy-dogs — canine and otherwise — affect our lives.

Keeping Out Forbidden Fruit (and Other Stuff)

If you thought that winsome, big-eyed Beagles were the last dogs who could protect a nation, think again. These days, Beagles serve their country with distinction by making sure that illegally imported fruit doesn’t get past U.S. Customs inspectors. These hard-working hounds were once called the Beagle Brigade and worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Today, however, they are called Agriculture Detector Dogs, and they are an important part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Canine Enforcement Program.

With the help of their human handlers, the specially trained, greenjacketed Beagles in this program patrol the customs areas at American airports and other border entry points, sniffing any luggage that crosses their paths. If a dog smells any sort of fruit, he alerts his handler by sitting down. The handler, who is a U.S. Customs officer, then asks the owner of the luggage for permission to open the bag. Much more often than not, the officer will find forbidden fruit or plants that could bear pests or diseases, which could devastate U.S. crops.

Technical Stuff

According to CBP, these dogs are responsible for about 75,000 seizures of illegal fruit, vegetables, meats, and plants every year. Nearly 150 Beagle/handler teams currently work in the United States at 24 airports, land points of entry, and major mailing facilities.

Shaming a President

Back in the mid-1960s, a Beagle demonstrated to no less than a U.S. president that a dog’s ears are not designed to be handles. The  Beagle’s name was Him, and he belonged to President Lyndon B.Johnson. During a photo opportunity at the White House in 1964, the president attempted to show that Beagles didn’t mind being picked up by their ears. American animal lovers felt otherwise, however. Even the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum acknowledges that the maneuver triggered a storm of protests. (If you want to see the picture, go to www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/Johnson/archives.hom/FAQs/dog/pet_image_index.asp#ear. You can click on the “C311-7-64.JPEG” link to view a larger image of the photo.)

Him and his Beagle companion, Her, moved into the White House with the Johnson family in December, 1963, soon after Johnson assumed the presidency. Her died in November, 1964, after she swallowed a rock. Him died in June, 1966, after being struck by a car while racing across the White House lawn.

Inspiring Children

During a visit to Shiloh, West Virginia, children’s book author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor found a frightened, abused dog — and was so haunted by the experience that she decided to write about the dog. The story became the classic children’s book Shiloh, the story of a mistreated Beagle who finds a new home with young Marty Preston and his family. The book in turn inspired countless children to treat animals with greater kindness, to stand up for what they believed to be right, and to view fellow human beings with greater empathy than might otherwise be the case.

The book won the Newberry Medal, the most prestigious honor a book for young readers can receive, and spawned two sequels: Shiloh Season and Saving Shiloh. Two movies, Shiloh and Shiloh Two: Shiloh Season, were released in 1997 and 1999, respectively.

Nailing the Red Baron

Of all the characters in the classic Charles Schulz comic strip Peanuts, the most beloved may well be Snoopy, the Beagle who puts Christmas lights on his dog house, sleeps atop the same dog house, and fantasizes about being a World War I flying ace. In 1966, those fantasies inspired a singing group called the Royal Guardsmen to record “Snoopy Versus the Red Baron,” a song that stayed atop the popular music charts for many weeks. A video game of the same title is available for Mac computers; you can download it from the Web at http://snoopy2.sourceforge.net/download.html. Not to be outdone, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a series of postage stamps featuring Snoopy in his flying ace regalia.

Flying in (Way) Outer Space

The television show Star Trek: Enterprise featured a canine character named Porthos, a Beagle who belonged to Enterprise Captain Jonathan Archer. The backstory of Porthos notes that he and his littermates were all named after characters in the Alexandre Dumas classic The Three Musketeers. Porthos appeared in more than 30 episodes during the show’s four-season run. A great image of Porthos with his best friend, Captain John Archer (portrayed by actor Scott Bakula), is available at www.tvacres.com/dogs_beagles_porthos.htm.

Comforting Other Dog Owners

Owning a dog can pose a considerable challenge to the most dedicated human. Not every dog behaves like Lassie does. Some canine miscreants steal underwear, destroy couches, and create all-around mayhem. If your Beagle fits this category, you may wonder whether you’re alone in your efforts to cope with your four-legged hooligan.

Emily Yoffe, author of What the Dog Did: Tales of a Formerly Reluctant Dog Owner (Bloomsbury USA, 2005), assures you that life in Beagle-land can be tough for any owner. Yoffe chronicles the capers of her beloved Beagle, Sasha, and explains how, despite the havoc Sasha wreaks, Yoffe and her family come to love the dog. The story of how Sasha enabled Yoffe to evolve into a loving dog owner will comfort anyone who wonders why her Beagle isn’t Lassie.

Knowing When to Mold ’Em

Mold is gross — if you can see it. When you can’t see it, mold can still destroy your stuff and make you feel icky. So how do you find the mold you can see? Never fear: Mold-detecting Beagles are here! They’re trained the same way Agriculture Detector Dogs are — except these doggies ignore forbidden fruit and sniff out molds instead. After you find the mold, you can take steps to get rid of it. Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mold Web page: www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldcleanup.html.

Turning Out Termites

If molds suck, termites suck even more. No homeowner wants to have these obnoxious critters literally eat his house from within. Trouble is, finding the termites can be difficult, unless your house is literally falling down around you. Enter the Termite Dog — which in all probability will be a Beagle. Experts deem the Beagle the dog of choice for this specialized role, which calls for the same scent discrimination skills the Agriculture Detector Dogs and mold-detecting dogs employ. And because termite infestations are often hidden, Beagles can find infestations that elude human pest control specialists.

Befriending the Famous

Beagles aren’t one of the most popular dogs in America for nothing. Their compact size, winsome good looks, and easygoing temperaments win them friends from countless unknown individuals, but a few persons of renown as well. Among the individuals who reportedly live with Beagles are Dr. Phil McGraw (yup, Dr. Phil); singer Barry Manilow (who has a fan club called the Beagle Bagels that raises money for various charities), and multiple members of the British royal family, past and present.

Taking Us to Our Pasts

Arguably, the most famous Beagle of all isn’t a dog but a ship: the HMS Beagle. The Beagle transported naturalist Charles Darwin to the Galapagos Islands and the western coast of South America on a voyage that began in December 1831 and continued for five years. Darwin detailed his observations in his book Voyage of the Beagle—a book that may well contain the foundations of ideas that Darwin later developed into his theories of evolution. An image of the Beagle in the harbor of Sydney, Australia, is available at www.sc.edu/library/spcoll/nathist/darwin/darwin3.html.

by Susan McCullough

Ten Mistakes You Don’t Need to Make with Your Beagle

In This Chapter

• Uncovering common Beagle ownership goofs
• Avoiding Beagle ownership boo-boos

Raising a Beagle puppy or adult dog can be a real challenge. No matter how much you want to do the job right, an unprepared owner can find plenty of ways to bungle the job. Some of these ownership goofs result from a lack of owner understanding; others are a result of owner impatience with this utterly adorable but occasionally exasperating Snoopy-dog.

Either way, many mistakes humans make with Beagles are avoidable — if the humans know ahead of time what those mistakes are likely to be. This chapter describes how and why people goof up Beagle ownership, and how you can avoid making such mistakes.

Not Doing Your Homework

The Beagle’s big winsome eyes, long floppy ears, and sweet little snouts are guaranteed heart-melters. That said, you shouldn’t let your heart melt to the point of buying or adopting a Beagle until you learn more about the breed first. Then you can decide whether this endearing breed really is right for you.

Chapter The Incredible, Lovable Beagle offers much of the info you need to determine whether a Beagle is likely to be the dog of your dreams — or not. For example, if you live in an apartment, you might want to think twice about bringing a Beagle into your domicile. The reason: Beagles are vocal individuals, given to barking and other vocalizing that is likely to make you a tad unpopular with your neighbors.

Taking the time now to read up on all things Beagle will save you a ton of hassle and disappointment in the future.

Choosing Too Quickly

You’ve done your homework, and you’ve decided that a Beagle is exactly the right dog for you. You’re sure you know what the next step is: getting a Beagle now.

Not so fast.

When you’re choosing a Beagle, haste leads to heartbreak. A refusal to delay gratification can lead you to choose a less-than-healthy Beagle from a way-far-from-ideal source. Chapter Gonna Find Me a Beagledetails those sources, such as the Internet and certain types of pet stores. The chapter also explains why other sources, such as backyard breeders and classified ads, are sources not only to question but to avoid.

Tip

Play it safe and stick with a puppy or adult from trustworthy sources, such as a reputable breeder, an animal shelter, or a rescue group. Getting the right Beagle from a place you can trust is worth every day, week, or month you may have to wait.

Bypassing the Crate

The sight of your irrepressible Beagle running around in your  fenced yard or tearing down the hallway of your house may cause you to have second thoughts about using a crate to teach him where he shouldn’t run or deposit his business. You may wonder whether putting this carefree creature into a crate is cruel. You may feel that a crate is nothing more than a doggy prison. You may even fear that anyone who visits your house and sees your crated Beagle will summon a band of Animal Cops to your home to cite you for mistreating your beloved pooch.

Never fear. You’re not being cruel. You’re not becoming a warden for Beagle prison. And the only thing an Animal Cop would cite you for is for being a good Beagle owner.

Chapters Preparing for Your Beagle’s Arrival and Housetraining Your Beagle explain that a crate can be a Beagle’s best friend. The crate taps into a dog’s instinctive desire to live in a small den and to keep that den clean. A healthy Beagle won’t pee or poop in his den if he can avoid doing so. A Beagle who’s accustomed to a crate is likely to be a Beagle who’s got a leg up (yes, that pun was intended!) on the uncrated Beagle when it comes to housetraining.

Here’s another benefit from crate-training your Beagle: By escorting him to his little sanctuary whenever you leave the house, you can be sure that your house will be spared the ravages of Beagle mischief-making. Your furniture, carpets, and other possessions will be unmolested by Beagle claws and teeth.

Making housetraining easier, keeping your Beagle out of trouble, and sparing your stuff . . . what’s not to like? Bypassing those benefits by eschewing the crate is a major mistake — a mistake that you don’t need to make.

Expecting Housetraining to Be Easy

Although crates can make Beagle housetraining easier, teaching proper bathroom behavior to a Beagle still is no piece-of-cake enterprise. The reason is not that Beagles are stupid — they certainly aren’t. They just have other priorities.

The ever-confident Snoopy-dog also can be stubborn, and that stubbornness may be reflected in a reluctance to do his business where and when you want him to. The Beagle also is known for his single-minded interest in following a scent to wherever that scent may take him and for his nose’s ability to detect the faintest possible fragrance. Those characteristics mean that you need to be determined and consistent in teaching your dog proper potty protocol, no matter how uninterested he may act. You also must be fanatical about thoroughly cleaning up after any bathroom mistakes. The slightest trace of bodily waste residue on a carpet or floor guarantees that the Beagle will return to the scene of his crime and commit that crime again.

Remember

But like just about any dog, Beagles can be housetrained. As Chapter Housetraining Your Beagle explains, the keys to housetraining success are absolute consistency, abundant patience, and, yes, a good crate.

Failing to Be Vigilant

Did you fail to put one of your socks in the clothes hamper? Kiss that sock goodbye; your Beagle made off with it as soon as it hit the ground. Did you leave your ham sandwich on the coffee table while you went to answer the doorbell? The likelihood of that sandwich still being on that table when you return is zero. Did you let your Beagle puppy explore the house on his own before he was fully housetrained? Start looking for a puddle or pile now. I can safely guarantee that you will find at least one, maybe even both.

Until you can count on your Beagle not to use your living room as his own personal potty, don’t let him wander through your house without you keeping an eagle eye on him for signs that he’s planning to do his business. And never assume that your Beagle will stay out of your stuff. Instead, assume that he won’t — and prevent any problems by keeping your stuff way beyond his reach.

Thinking That Your Beagle Is a Person

You come home from a hard day at the office and there in your vestibule is a little pile or puddle of you-know-what. Nearby, your Beagle sits, hanging his head. “Aha!” you think. He knows he’s done wrong. You proceed to scold your four-legged friend, and you feel sure that his apparent guilt plus your lecture will persuade him to never, ever leave such a present for you again.

Think again.

Dogs experience many feelings, but guilt is not one of them. Your Snoopy-dog’s woebegone demeanor probably results from previous homecomings in which you lectured him. He did not and will not connect your scolding with his bathroom boo-boo. Heck, he’s forgotten that he even did it.

Unlike people, pooches such as Beagles do not feel guilt over that bad behavior, nor do they engage in such behavior for spite. They just do what they do unless they have the incentive to do something else. With the training tips offered in Part IV, you can provide that incentive and have a better-behaved Beagle.

Doing Things on the Cheap

Having a Beagle or any other canine companion doesn’t come without plenty of expenses: the adoption fee or purchase price, vet visits, spaying/neutering, food, dishes, toys, treats. . . The list may seem endless, particularly if you’re in a cash crunch. And you may be tempted to cut corners.

Maybe, for example, you think that you’ll save money if you opt for generic-brand supermarket dog food over higher-quality fare. Perhaps you can’t see the point of shelling out extra bucks for a stainless steel dish when plastic is so much cheaper. And if your Beagle gets yet another ear infection or another bout of diarrhea, you’re understandably tempted to just let it all go or try treating it yourself, rather than schlepping him back to the vet and whipping out the plastic yet again.

Warning!

The trouble is, being penny-wise is pound-foolish when you’re caring for your Beagle. The recurrent ear infection or diarrhea could be a food allergy or something more serious. The plastic dish may be cheaper but also may cause a perpetual rash on your Beagle’s chin. The cheap food may actually end up being more expensive than the pricey stuff because your dog needs more of the inexpensive brand to get the nutrition he needs.

Nobody is saying that you need to outfit your Beagle in a designer raincoat or rhinestone collar to give him a high-quality life. (Although if you want to and can afford to do so, that’s your privilege, of course.) But investing the upfront money to take good care of your Snoopy-dog will pay off big time in good health, better behavior, and fewer visits to your vet’s office in the long run. Chapter Preparing for Your Beagle’s Arrival and Part III explain how.

Thinking That Your Beagle Can Train Himself

Beagles are multitalented dogs. Some have excelled on the agility field or at the obedience trial. Others shine in the hospital ward as therapy dogs. Still others ferret out rabbits and other game. Even more locate illegally imported fruit and vegetables at busy airports. And even your own Snoopy-dog can learn to come when called, sit when told, and potty when and where he’s supposed to.

However, he can’t teach himself any of these maneuvers. He needs someone to teach him. Who better than you, his beloved human? At the very least, take the time to teach your Beagle basic good manners — and, if all goes well, think about showing him some advanced maneuvers. Chapters Housetraining Your Beagle and Schooling Your Beagle give you the lowdown on teaching basic Beagle etiquette, and Chapter Rehabbing the Delinquent Beagle offers pointers on remedial training for the Beagle with learning issues. For the Beagle who’s ready for bigger and better things, Chapter Getting Physical: Exercising Your Beagle describes sports that Snoopy-dogs can excel in.

Playing Doctor

The Beagle, like all other dogs, is a marvelously complicated creature. His body works because his muscular, skeletal, digestive, circulatory, nervous, and immune systems — to name just a few — work together to keep him healthy and active. When one or more of those systems goes awry, your Beagle gets sick.

Although you need to pay close attention to your Beagle’s health and behavior, when he does get sick (and he will, no matter how hard you work to keep him well), you can’t cure him yourself. He needs professional help from his very own doctor: your veterinarian. Tell the vet everything you know about your Beagle’s condition, share your ideas, and advocate for your Beagle when necessary, but know that your vet has the training to put your pooch on the path back to wellness.

Chapters Managing Your Beagle’s Day-to-Day Health and Dealing with Health Issues give you the lowdown on how to work effectively with your vet, as well as vital information about common Beagle maladies.

Thinking That You Are More Important Than Bunnies

Your Beagle loves you. Count on it. He knows that you are the Giver of All Good Things, including great grub, tons of affection, and a warm, soft place to sleep. In his eyes, you are the most wonderful two-legged individual he has ever met. He may not always come when he’s called, but that doesn’t mean he is rejecting you in any way. He just has different priorities, that’s all.

Those priorities are chasing rabbits, squirrels, and perhaps other interesting four-legged critters — and the drive to engage in such pursuits is hard-wired into your Beagle’s psyche. As Chapter The Incredible, Lovable Beagle explains, Beagles were developed for the express purpose of chasing down the real-life versions of Bugs Bunny and Rocket J. Squirrel. Put a fluffy- or cotton-tailed critter in front of a Beagle, and that Beagle will appear to forget that his beloved owner exists. You can’t take such amnesia personally. This behavior is not about you.

To keep your Beagle safe, you need to recognize that squirrels, bunnies, and other instinct-triggering critters and smells are very likely to supercede your dog’s desire to please you. Thus, you need to keep your Beagle on a leash or in a securely fenced yard, so if a local cotton-tailed burrower or fluffy-tailed tree dweller happens to amble onto the Beagle’s turf, he can chase that critter without dashing into the street and into the path of a speeding car. True, the fence or leash will limit the likelihood of the Beagle actually catching the critter — but the journey, not the destination, is what counts.

by Susan McCullough

Ten Ways to Keep Your Beagle Healthy and Happy

In This Chapter

• Keeping your Beagle in tip-top condition
• Helping your Beagle live longer
• Improving your Beagle’s quality of life

Although no dog lives forever, Beagles can live a pretty long time: The average life expectancy for the Snoopy-dog ranges between 10 and 14 years. You can do a lot to increase the odds that your beloved Beagle will live out her full life span. In this chapter, I give you a list of ways to not only add months or even years to your Beagle’s life, but also to keep her happy and healthy through most, if not all, of that time.

Find a Great Vet

Yes, you are your Beagle’s best friend. But even you, a loving and attentive owner, can’t be everything to your dog. To live her life to the max, she also needs the care of someone who has more expertise on Beagle medicine than you probably do. That individual is your veterinarian.

Throughout your Beagle’s lifetime, your veterinarian will work with you as a partner in your dog’s care. Regular visits to your vet will help to maintain your Beagle’s good health and solve any problems that arise.

But no matter how much technical expertise a veterinarian has, you will be less likely to use his services if the two of you aren’t a  good match. If you don’t have a vet already, Chapter Preparing for Your Beagle’s Arrival offers pointerson how to choose the right one for you and your beloved Beagle. Chapter Dealing with Health Issues contains valuable tips on how to work most effectively with your vet when your dog shows signs of illness.

Give Her the Skinny

Beagles have a reputation for being insatiable chowhounds. Left to their own devices, they’re likely to eat well beyond the point of stemming hunger and may turn themselves into baby blimps. A baby blimp may look cute, but looks aren’t an infallible indicator of good health. Pleasingly plump isn’t a plus for your Beagle (or for any other dog).

Carrying too much weight can shorten your Beagle’s life. A study from Nestle Purina Pet Care showed that excessive eating can cause a dog to show signs of aging earlier than would have been the case with a normal diet — enough to reduce that dog’s lifespan by two years. In addition, overweight Beagles are more likely than their slimmer counterparts to have problems with their hearts and joints because of the strain created by those extra pounds.

But if you do your part, your Beagle need not be overweight. With your vet’s help, you can determine what your Beagle’s ideal weight should be and work from there to get her to that point. If she needs to pare off some poundage, feed her the correct amount of the best, highest-quality diet you can afford to give her, and try to at least limit the amount of doggy treats and other high-calorie goodies you slip her between meals. Chapter Feeding Your Beagle gives you the skinny on how to give your Beagle the skinny.

Keep Her Moving

Any dog trainer will tell you that “a tired dog is a good dog.” In other words, there’s a simple secret to raising your dog to become a treasured companion who lies at your feet or across your lap, waking up from her snooze only to give you a loving lick. Moreover, any dog can become such an affectionate couch potato — even the devil-may-care, lives-to-be-active Beagle.

Ironically, the secret to creating a couch potato is to keep the couch potato moving. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise, especially when she’s young. A daily session of active games, such as those described in Chapter Getting Physical: Exercising Your Beagle, can siphon off some of the excessive energy that Beagles are notorious for. The result will be a mellower Beagle who’s more likely to take to training and will be more amenable to daily love fests. A tired Beagle also is much less likely to trash your house than a Beagle who’s rarin’ to go but has no place to go.

Of course, calming your Beagle isn’t the only benefit that regular exercise offers. Physical fitness will help keep your dog’s heart and lungs in good condition and can help to forestall arthritis. In addition, the fit Beagle is likely to be a trim Beagle, because exercise consumes some of the calories packed into the food she eats.

Remember

And don’t forget mental fitness! Combine exercise with games and training that will stimulate your Beagle’s noggin. Problem-solving toys, such as food-stuffed Kongs and Buster Cubes (which I describe in Chapter Rehabbing the Delinquent Beagle), can engage your Beagle’s interest and appetite — and keep her from turning into Destructo Dog when you’re not home to watch her.

Do Fence Her In

More than most breeds, Beagles tend to wander far away from where they’re supposed to be — and once they’re wandering, they’re less likely than most dogs to come back when they’re called. Consequently, the person who releases an unleashed Beagle into an unfenced yard does so at his peril — and at the Beagle’s peril, too. Predators, cars, and other dangers are ready to stop the merrily oblivious, scent-pursuing stray Beagle literally dead in the dog’s tracks.

For that reason, you should — no, you must! — exercise your Beagle either on leash or within a securely fenced yard. And be sure that fencing is real fencing you can see; many a Beagle has withstood the shock of an underground electronic fence in the name of pursuing a bunny, squirrel, or other critter. By the same token, avoid tying your Beagle outside without your supervision. The tie-out maneuver leaves your dog at the mercy of free-roaming animals and unscrupulous humans, not to mention the ravages of her own teeth on the leash.

Chapter Preparing for Your Beagle’s Arrival discusses equipping your home and yard for a Beagle, and Chapter Getting Physical: Exercising Your Beagle discusses exercises that keep your Snoopy-dog not only fit but also safe.

Take Her to School

Chapter Schooling Your Beagle devotes a goodly number of pages to showing you how to teach your Beagle basic good manners: to come when called, sit and lie down when told, walk nicely on leash, ask to go out, and go to a designated place when you need her to. So, why you might ask, should you also take her to obedience classes?

An obedience class gives you the benefit of real-time, face-to-face instruction with an expert: a professional dog trainer. The trainer can see any mistakes you may be making and help you refine your technique. Moreover, training amid the distractions of other puppies and people can help solidify the lessons you’re trying to teach your Beagle at home, even if those distractions make the learning curve a little bit steep at first.

A class also can put you in touch with other dog people — maybe even Beagle people! — who have the same interest that you do: raising a well-trained, mannerly dog. Being able to network and brainstorm training solutions with other people can help both you and your dog to live more happily together.

Finally, a well-trained dog inevitably leads a happier life than the untrained pooch because people love to spend time with a wellbehaved canine. And because just about every pooch loves to spend time with people, the Beagle who knows how to behave is happier — because she gets to spend more time with people than her unschooled counterpart.

Chapter Schooling Your Beagle gives you pointers on what to look for in a trainer, as well as tips on how to find one.

Keep Her Pretty

A Beagle doesn’t have a high-maintenance coat — which is one reason why a lot of people like this breed — but that doesn’t mean these dogs don’t need grooming. Grooming your Beagle not only keeps her pretty but also gives you quiet time together, which helps to build and strengthen the bond between the two of you. Another plus to grooming: The hands-on nature of the job helps you spot potential problems, such as lumps, cuts, and skin problems. Finally, certain tasks such as tooth brushing and ear cleaning help prevent other health threats such as tooth decay and ear infections.

Chapter Sprucing Up Your Beagle gives you all the information you need to keep your Beagle beautiful: how to give her a bath, brush her coat, clean her ears, brush her teeth, and give her a painless pedicure, among other tasks.

Be Proactive

The old maxim, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is as true for Beagles as it is for people. Dog-care experts such as veterinarians and trainers can do a lot to keep your dog healthy and happy — but they’ll be able to do even more if you are on alert for signs of trouble between visits or classes. As you play with, train, and care for your Beagle, keep your eyes peeled for possible health and behavior problems.

On the health front, make sure your Beagle gets an annual wellness checkup until she’s 8 or 9; at that point, switch to twice-yearly exams. These checkups give your vet a chance to catch possible problems early enough to up the odds of effective treatment.

Tip

At home, keep a written record of your Beagle’s health exams and other procedures. Record when she had her last checkup, and note on your calendar when you need to book her next exam. A separate notebook for this purpose can be very helpful, especially if you include copies of any results of lab tests your vet performs. Such reports, kept close at hand, can give you more information to share with your vet as you both work to maintain optimal health for your Snoopy-dog.

 Chapter Managing Your Beagle’s Day-to-Day Health gives tips on how to maintain your Beagle’s health at home, and Chapter Dealing with Health Issues describes diseases and conditions that are common to Beagle puppies and adults.

Trust Your Instincts

No one knows your Beagle better than you do — not your vet, your petsitter, your dog’s trainer, or anyone else. Sure, they’re experts in their fields and they’ve worked with oodles of dogs, but their knowledge is only general. They don’t know your very special Beagle’s individual health quirks and behavioral idiosyncrasies. And why should they? They don’t live with your dog day in and day out, so they can’t possibly have the knowledge you have.

That’s why, if your Beagle’s behavior suddenly changes, or she shows other signs of not feeling up to par, you should act on your knowledge. Call your veterinarian or dog trainer and work with them to determine what might be wrong.

Remember

And never, ever be afraid to contact your vet or other pet professional because you think you may be making a mountain out of a  molehill. Your love-driven instincts are the best tools a pet pro hasfor discovering problems early — and the earlier those problems are found, the more likely they are to be resolved.

If you think something’s amiss with your Beagle, go with your gut. Depending on what you’re observing, put in a call to your vet or other pet pro — or, at the very least, watch your four-legged friend even more closely than you usually do.

Have a Sense of Humor

Beagles are merry little dogs. They’re full of curiosity and take an unabashed joy in living. For those who live with Beagles, these characteristics are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the Beagle’s happy-go-lucky nature makes her an engaging companion; on the other hand, the breed’s curiosity (especially when it comes to unusual scents) can get your dog into trouble early and often. The Beagle’s ability to make mischief is legendary.

As the owner of a mischief-making dog, I’ve learned that without a sense of humor, a dog’s misguided adventures and antics can be an  unbearable trial to the humans in her life. They can cause you to feel less love for her and may even prompt you to question whether you want to keep your dog. On the other hand, an ability to laugh at the mayhem your Beagle creates can go a long way toward keeping your relationship on track and keeping the two of you together.

Of course, it always helps to know that someone has gone through the same travails — or worse — than you and your Beagle have. If your sense of humor about your Beagle’s behavior is lagging, try reading What the Dog Did: Tales of a Formerly Reluctant Dog Owner by Emily Yoffe (Bloomsbury USA, 2005). Reading about how Yoffe and her family coped with their Beagle’s antics, and grew to love her nevertheless, will give you a new perspective on your own beloved Snoopy-dog.

Love, Love, Love

There’s no such thing as loving a dog too much. After all, that’s why you got her in the first place, right? So why hold back? Let yourself love your Beagle, even if you feel silly at first.

Go on: Get down on the floor and coo sweet nothings into the ears of your four-legged friend. Develop silly little sayings or songs just for her. Consider lightening up on some of your prohibitions such as not letting your Beagle sleep in your bedroom. Take her places: the park, the beach, the woods, the local doggy festival. In short, make your Beagle a full part of your life.

Knowing that one is loved helps anyone to live a higher-quality life, which is just as true for your Beagle as it is for you. You’ll never regret making all this extra effort to please your Beagle. In giving all this love to her, you’re creating a lifetime of loving memories for both of you.

by Susan McCullough

Rehabbing the Delinquent Beagle

In This Chapter

• Dealing with behavioral problems
• Finding expert help

Every Beagle needs basic training (see Chapter Schooling Your Beagle), but some Beagles need more than the basics. These little hounds need special help to overcome special issues that trouble them — and probably trouble you, too. But you don’t have to live with your Beagle’s behavioral problems. This chapter helps you to deal with the problems that most often get in the way of your Beagle getting a good-conduct medal. If you can’t solve the problem yourself, the chapter explains how to find an expert who can help you.

Solving Common Snoopy-dog Problems

No dog, not even your beloved Beagle, is perfect. Every little hound (heck, every member of the canine kingdom) presents her own unique set of pluses and minuses: areas where she excels and areas where she needs a little extra help. Here are some ideas on how to deal with some of the behavioral challenges that your pooch is most likely to present.

Huh? You talkin’ to me?

No, I’m not saying that your Beagle is likely to imitate Robert De Niro’s character in the classic film Taxi Driver. Unlike the melancholy Travis Bickle, the Beagle is a merry little dog who is tremendously curious about the world around her. She loves investigating new smells and sights, and is a master at living in the moment. We humans could all stand to learn from the Beagle’s ability to embrace the present.

However, that ability does have a downside: Your little hound may be so interested in whatever she’s doing at the moment that she fails to focus on you. Such inattention could pose a real challenge if you’re trying to train her or otherwise need for her to focus on you.

The solution is to become so interesting to your Beagle that she will want to focus on you before she pays attention to anything else. The following tips will help you achieve that goal:

- Bribe shamelessly. The way to a Beagle’s heart often passes through her stomach, so use that route to your advantage.  Figure out which foods or treats your Snoopy-dog loves more than any others, and offer those tidbits as incentives for her to do what you ask.

- Stay positive. Never, ever ask your Beagle to do something that has a negative consequence. For example, don’t ask her to come, and then scold her for an earlier transgression. (Think about it: Would you want to go to someone who yells at you when you get there?)

- Avoid failure. Don’t ask your Beagle to do something she’s likely to fail at. If, for example, she’s having a great time playing at the dog park but it’s time to go home, don’t expect her to come when you call her. Go to her.

- Be the shizzle. The best way to get your Beagle to pay attention to you is to be the shizzle in her life: the most interesting, fun-loving owner that you can possibly be. Take her with you on outings, play with her when you can, and give her tasty treats when appropriate. Let her know that she’s important to you, and you’ll become important to her.

Putting the (play) bite on you

Dogs tend to play with their teeth. If a dog’s playmate is another dog, this oral style of frolicking usually doesn’t present a problem. Because they both have fur that covers their skin, and because wellsocialized dogs inhibit their bites, such oral gestures generally don’t hurt the two canine players. But if one of the players is a human being, everything changes. That’s because bare human skin is far more tender than fur-covered dog skin, so what feels like gentle mouthing to another dog feels like a painful bite to a thin-skinned human.

But you don’t have to tolerate having your Beagle put the bite on you, even if she means no harm. Try these strategies to end those toothy tactics:

- Make like a dog. If your Beagle plays too roughly with another dog, that dog will let her know by yelping in pain. Try doing the same thing with your Beagle: If she’s using her teeth on your skin, yelp or squeal the way a puppy does. Another option: Say “Ouch!!!” in a harsh-sounding, loud voice. Either way, chances are your Beagle will look up in surprise — which means that she’s no longer mouthing you.

- Walk away. Some dogs persist in their play biting. If your Beagle is one such dog, end the game and walk away (if she’s a puppy, put her in her crate). The consistent loss of your company due to nipping may soon persuade her to find other ways to keep you around for playtime.

- Give alternatives. Help your rowdy little hound find other  ays besides roughhousing with you to release some of the pent-up energy that can result in rough play. Toss a ball for her to fetch, do some obedience moves with her, or take her for a nice, long walk that gets her good and tired. If she’s old enough, take her to a dog park to play with other pooches.

- Teach her to stop. A variation of the Off command, which I explain in Chapter Schooling Your Beagle, can help you teach your Beagle to keep her teeth off your person. Get out a few tasty treats, and hold one treat in your hand. Tell your Beagle “take it” and give her the treat. Now put another treat in your hand, close your fist, and say “off.” Do this sequence a few times, and practice daily. Soon, you should be able to tell your Beagle “off” when she places her teeth on you.

Warning!

The advice here is for juvenile and adult Beagles who engage in play-biting. If your Beagle’s biting is not all in fun — in other words, if she’s being aggressive — you need to read the following section.

Knocking that chip off her shoulder

Most Beagles are happy-go-lucky, all’s-right-with-the-world kinds of dogs. But some unfortunate pooches, for one reason or another, have massive chips on their shoulders. They growl or bite people without apparent provocation — and they’re not playing. They’re belligerent and aggressive.

A person who lives with such a dog has a big problem, even with a little dog such as a Beagle. Aggressive dogs are not only dangerous to the people they come in contact with but also are financial liabilities — just try getting homeowner’s insurance renewed if your dog’s been deemed aggressive in a court of law.

Can the aggressive dog be saved? Maybe. If your Beagle is belligerent, follow this advice:

- Protect others. Until or unless you find out what’s causing your dog’s aggressive behavior and are able to reverse that behavior, you must protect other people from her. If you walk with her in public, make sure she wears a muzzle and a leash. (Don’t walk your muzzled dog in very hot weather, and don’t run with her at all.) At home, confine her to her crate if you have guests, especially if those guests are children.

- Protect the dog. All dogs need protection from clueless humans, but the aggressive dog needs even more safeguarding. Never leave any children alone with the dog. Do not allow children to tease the dog in any fashion, and teach your own children to refrain from running around and screaming when the dog is nearby.

- See your vet pronto. All too often, aggressive behavior has physical causes. For example, a dog who suffers from a specific type of epilepsy can suffer from sudden, unpredictable, and uncontrollable episodes of rage. The same may be true of a dog whose production of thyroid hormone is low — even on the low side of normal. Other physical causes of aggression include pain, trauma, certain infections such as Lyme disease, food allergies, excessive protein in the diet, and long-term exposure to toxic substances such as lead. Your vet can help you determine whether a physical problem is causing your dog’s behavior problem, and he may be able to prescribe medication or another treatment to stabilize her behavior.

- Consult a trainer. Even if your dog’s aggressive behavior has a treatable physical cause, you still need to work with a highly skilled trainer to help break the animal’s habit of responding aggressively. And private lessons are essential. An aggressive dog needs one-on-one assistance from a pro to learn new behaviors, and that dog’s people need help to learn how to deal with their canine companion. Make sure, though, that the trainer uses positive methods; a trainer who uses harsh, corrective methods may worsen your dog’s problem.

- Be realistic. Sometimes, no matter how much you do to help your aggressive dog, her behavior is not reliable enough for you and others to live safely with her. In such cases, euthanasia is a humane option. Talk with your vet and your trainer if your dog doesn’t seem to be responding. In the end, though, you must be prepared to do what’s best not only for you and your dog, but also for those with whom the dog may come into contact.

Taming the bouncy Beagle

Who would have thought that a 13- to 15-inch dog could jump to well more than double that height? If you have a Beagle, you know the answer to that question: The little hound can morph into a canine pogo stick if the spirit moves her.

Generally, though, the spirit moves the Beagle to become airborne for one reason: She wants attention. By shooting herself upward she usually gets that attention, even if it comes in the form of, “Ouch! What are you doing to my sweater?! Don’t jump on me! Get down!!” Your bouncy Beagle doesn’t really care that you don’t like what she’s doing. She just wants a reaction — especially if she doesn’t get a lot of attention in the first place. Consequently, yelling at her does nothing to stop her pogo stick behavior.

And yes, you can knee her in the chest, or grab her paws so she can’t get back on all fours. However, these maneuvers call for incredibly good physical coordination on your part and, more importantly, jeopardize your Beagle’s safety. A knee that lands in the chest too hard or an awkward grab of the paw can result in bruises, sprains, or even broken bones.

A better way to bring the bouncy Beagle back down to earth is to simply refuse to pay attention to her behavior. The next time she performs a doggy liftoff, walk away from her, or at least turn your back. Say nothing. Pay no attention to her at all until she’s planted her four legs back on the floor and keeps them there. Then, praise her, pet her, and give her a treat. Do this consistently whenever she jumps up on you — and instruct others in your household to do the same. Pretty soon she’ll realize that the way to get attention from you is to keep four on the floor.

Loving you waaaay too much

Most Beagles are reasonably independent, but a few fail to function well without their people. These sad individuals not only hate solitude but often go bonkers if left alone. They may destroy your stuff, have bathroom accidents, howl, cry, or otherwise wreak havoc when you’re not around. Experts call this problem separation anxiety, and it can be a tough challenge for Beagle and human alike.

However, tough doesn’t mean insurmountable. If prolonged solitude drives your Beagle crazy, try taking these tactics:

- Wear her out. If possible, take your Beagle for a brisk 20-minute walk or engage in a strenuous play session with her before you head out the door. Get her panting. A hearty romp may leave her too tired to miss you (and get upset) after you’re gone.

- Keep her busy. Interactive toys like Kongs and Busta Cubes can give your little hound something so intriguing to do that she forgets to be lonesome. Both toys, which are available at most pet supply stores and superstores, allow you to stuff treats inside them and require your Beagle to ferret those treats out. The reward, of course, is to enjoy the goodies. If you stuff the treats tightly enough, your Snoopy-dog will have to work very hard to reap the tasty reward — which means she won’t be missing you.

- Change your routine. Many dogs can anticipate when their people are about to depart because those people engage in the same predeparture routines. My own dog appears from nowhere just as I’m about to leave the house because I always put on lipstick, put on my shoes, pick up my purse, and get out my keys. Fortunately, Allie doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety, but if your dog does, an unchanging departure routine can heighten that anxiety.

For that reason, you may want to prevent that anxiety-producing anticipation by varying your departure rituals. Try putting on your shoes and then going into the living room to read a book. Pick up your purse and keys, but then head into the bathroom. By breaking the chain of anxious anticipation, you can help your Beagle feel less nervous about your impending departure — simply because she won’t know that you’re leaving.

- Downplay your departures. Many dogs with separation anxiety have owners who make a big deal out of their departures. They rain hugs and kisses on their Beagles, who become so revved up emotionally that they have no way to discharge those emotions when the owner isn’t there — except to destroy the owner’s stuff. Instead, be matter-of-fact when you take your leave. A simple “Bye, I’ll be back soon” or “Be a good dog and watch the house” will do.

- Crate her. For some (but not all) dogs, spending alone time in the crate can help her feel better about being all by herself — especially if she’s got a Kong or Busta Cube to keep her busy.

- Encourage independence. Even when you’re around, give your dog something to do on her own. That stuffed Kong or Busta Cube can keep her happy and content.

- Consider day care. If you’ve got the bucks, your Beagle may be a prime candidate for doggy day care. At good doggy day cares, the canine guests get to frolic with one another for most of the day. Your stuff is safe, your Beagle is happy, and you have a mellow canine companion when you pick her up and head for home.

- Take her with you. Check and see if your workplace allows you to bring your dog to work. If the answer is yes and your Beagle is generally well behaved, your problem’s solved.

- See your vet. If you’ve tried most of the other measures and have had no luck in abating your Beagle’s anxiety, see your vet. He may be able to prescribe medications that can help your dog calm down when you depart — and if she’s even just a little calmer, she can benefit from other steps you take to detraumatize your departures.

Helping the bashful Beagle

Does your Beagle run behind your legs whenever you encounter other people or pooches during your walks? Does she hide in a corner when you have guests? Does she shrink from being petted? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’ve got a bashful Beagle: a shy little gal who needs lots of love and attention and some help to build her confidence. Here are some ways to do just that:

- Expose her. Take your bashful Beagle out and about, and let her see what the world has to offer. Sit on an urban park bench with her, and together watch the world go by. Watch a kids’ soccer game. Walk her everywhere: in your neighborhood, the local shopping center, a park. The more novel sights and sounds you expose her to, the better. Chapter Beginning a Beautiful Friendship offers lots of tips for giving your Beagle a positive introduction to the joys of the world around her.

- Talk to strangers. Bring some treats with you on your jaunts, and get some approachable strangers to give those goodies to your shy Snoopy-dog. True story: Years ago I asked a local mail carrier to give my very shy dog (not a Beagle) some treats that I supplied to help Cory be less wary of strangers. The mail carrier was happy to oblige, and would offer treats to my bashful boy whenever he saw him. Within a few weeks, Cory would start dragging me down the street whenever he saw that letter carrier — and for the rest of his life he would exhibit unmistakable excitement whenever he saw a U.S. Postal Service truck.

- Teach her something new. The dog who lacks confidence often develops amazing self-assurance when she learns a sport or new skill. Consider taking your dog to an agility or flyball class, or take her swimming. Teach her some tricks, too: Dog Tricks For Dummies by Sarah Hodgson (Wiley) will give you some ideas for nifty new moves that you can teach your Beagle.

- Take it slow. Don’t push your bashful Beagle to do more than she’s ready for, and keep your socialization sessions short.

The key here is to keep everything happy and positive, so your Beagle can build her confidence at her own pace.

- Don’t coddle. If your dog starts cringing or otherwise exhibits fear or shyness, do not pick her up and start crooning, “It’s okay, baaaayyyybeeeee.” By doing so you reward her shy behavior — exactly what you don’t want to do.

Need more help? Check out Help for Your Shy Dog: Turning Your Terrified Dog into a Terrific Pet by Deborah Wood (Howell Book House).

Shushing the barking Beagle

Beagles can be rather vocal individuals. They like to bark and, in true hound fashion, they like to howl. Such vocalizing will make you rather unpopular with your neighbors unless you can keep the barking to a manageable level, if not a minimum. Here’s how to limit your hound’s bow-wowing:

- Wear her out. A dog who’s gotten plenty of exercise is less likely to have the energy to mouth off than the dog who does nothing but lie around the house.

- Keep her entertained. If your little hound’s concerts start while you’re away from home, give her something else to do instead. A treat-filled Kong toy or Busta cube can provide lots of tasty entertainment for your solitary Snoopy-dog, and she won’t need to bark to amuse herself.

- Ignore her. Yes, it’s tempting to respond to your loud-mouth Beagle by getting a little bit loud yourself — but yelling at your dog to quiet down usually has the opposite effect. Instead, walk away. Ignore her. Withdraw the attention that she seeks.

- Ask why. Sometimes dogs have a good reason for barking. For example, an intruder is nearby (the fact that said intruder is a squirrel scampering across your patio is totally irrelevant to your Beagle) or something else is amiss. Try to find out why your Bowser is barking. If the reason is understandable, thank her, give her a treat — and then give her something else to do.

Keeping the wanderer home

The Beagle is not a natural homebody. Like many hounds, her idea of heaven on earth is to sniff something intriguing and follow that scent to its source. If that source is beyond your property line — well, from your dog’s standpoint, that’s the way it (and she) goes.

What’s most important to her is finding the source of that scent. She spends her life being led around by her nose.

In addition to a consuming interest in fragrant phenomena, the Beagle also is a fairly independent member of the canine kingdom. Of course she loves you — but for her, loving you and adhering to your agenda are not necessarily one and the same. She’s got her own priorities, and those priorities can easily take her beyond your borders, unless you prevent her from doing so. Here’s how:

- Fence her in. Either invest in secure fencing for your yard, or resolve to never, ever let your Beagle off leash unless she’s in an area that’s surrounded by secure fencing. Actually, do both!

- Check her collar. If your Beagle wears a buckle collar, check every few weeks to make sure that the hole for the buckle pin hasn’t gotten so large that the pin comes loose. And no matter what sort of collar your Beagle wears, check periodically to make sure that the collar isn’t so loose that your dog can slip her head through it and head for the hills.

- Practice recalls. Coming when called is particularly difficult for a Beagle, but practice never hurts. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that your command to come would keep your Beagle from going on the lam. See Chapter Schooling Your Beagle for instructions on how to teach your Beagle to come when she’s called.

Teaching treat-taking manners

Does your Snoopy-dog get a little too snappish when she takes the treat you offer her? If so, you can teach her better manners. Here’s how:

1. Hold the treat between your thumb and index finger.

Make sure that the treat is big enough for your Beagle to grab without also grabbing your fingers.

2. Offer your Beagle the treat, saying “Take it nice” as you do so.

3. If she snaps or grabs at the treat, pull it back quickly and tell her “Oh, nooooooo!” in a scandalized, what-are-youthinking tone of voice.

4. Wait a couple of seconds, and then repeat Step 2; if she still snaps, repeat Step 3.

5. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until your Beagle takes the treat politely.

Picking Experts’ Brains

Not every Beagle responds to owner teaching or even to group obedience classes. If your Beagle is one of those dogs, don’t despair: Specialized help is available. Here are some options to help the Beagle with special behavioral challenges.

Getting private lessons

Some dogs don’t do well in group class settings. My own canine companion is one such animal. In any class I’ve taken her to, Allie performs beautifully and learns quickly — but she becomes very impatient with sitting quietly and having to wait her turn to strut her stuff. Consequently, she becomes very disruptive. She barks incessantly and tries to play with the other canine students. Needless to say, neither she nor I have been very popular with the other students or the instructors in classes we’ve taken.

In such cases — or if you simply can’t mesh your schedule with that of a class — private instruction from a trainer could be the answer. A trainer comes to your home, works with you and your dog both indoors and out, and gives your dog concentrated one-on-one attention. The dog learns much more quickly than in a group class.

There’s a downside to private lessons, of course: the price. In my area, a series of six or seven private sessions costs about $500, where a seven-session group class costs about $175. (I live in an expensive area; your mileage may vary.) But if your dog isn’t likely to learn much in a group class, getting private lessons may be a good investment.

To find a trainer who does private sessions, check out the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Web site at www.apdt.com. Call a couple of the trainers you find on the site’s searchable database and ask if they do private lessons. Have them come meet your dog, ask the questions suggested in Chapter Schooling Your Beagle, and take things from there.

Trying day training

Maybe you’re really busy — so busy that you can’t find the time to take your Beagle to class, schedule private lessons, or even teach her basic good manners on your own. If that’s your situation, day training may be just the ticket for you and your little hound.

Essentially, day training means that you take your Beagle to a doggy day care or training facility and leave her there for the day. She’ll get plenty of play time with other pooches, but she’ll also get several one-on-one lessons from a professional trainer. When you pick your Beagle up in the evening, she’ll be tired from an active day, but she also will have learned some new moves to add to her knowledge of good doggy manners.

However, you can’t expect day training to work unless you’re willing to do at least a little work with your dog, too. Any good trainer will do two things to ensure that your Beagle applies her new knowledge at home. First, when you pick up your Beagle, the trainer will show you what she and your dog did during the day. Second, she’ll give you some written instructions on how to practice with your dog at home.

Realize, too, that day training doesn’t come cheap. In my area, a program that includes a week at a doggy day care, six hours of private instruction, and a homework manual costs about $700. That said, day training can be a great investment for a busy owner who nevertheless wants a well-mannered Beagle — if the owner is willing to practice at home.

To find a day trainer, call a few local trainers and/or some local doggy day care facilities.

Finding a Beagle shrink

Some Beagles have behavioral problems that are beyond the ability of even the most knowledgeable trainer to fix. These challenges include severe separation anxiety and unprovoked aggressiveness.

But just as we can consult psychologists and psychiatrists to help us grapple with our mental health issues, Beagles (and their people) can use the services of animal behaviorists to help them improve their emotional well-being. Two types of behaviorists are especially well equipped to help your little hound overcome any issues she may have: an applied animal behaviorist and a veterinary behaviorist.

The applied animal behaviorist has at least a master’s degree in behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior; many have doctoral degrees in these disciplines. They are highly qualified to diagnose and treat complex animal behavior problems; however, unless a certified applied animal behaviorist is also a veterinarian, he cannot prescribe medications. Your own vet can refer you to a certified applied animal behaviorist, or you can contact one yourself. To find an applied animal behaviorist, log onto the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) Web site at www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/caab-directory.

The veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian who has taken postgraduate coursework in animal behavior, completed a two- or three-year residency program with another veterinary behaviorist, completed an animal behavior research project, and passed an examination. Those who complete such requirements receive certification from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).

The veterinary behaviorist is particularly helpful if your dog’s problem has a physical cause; for example a seizure problem that may be prompting a dog to engage in very aggressive behavior. This type of behaviorist can conduct a medical exam to determine whether physical factors are causing a behavior problem, and can prescribe medications when appropriate. Generally, your veterinarian must refer you to a veterinary behaviorist. A list is available at www.veterinarybehaviorists.org/about_us/services.

Warning!

Anyone can say call himself an animal behaviorist — but applied animal behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists have the credentials to prove their expertise. If you’re considering the services of a behaviorist, check to see whether he’s on either the ABS or ACVB lists. If he’s not — well, then for all you know, he’s just hanging out his shingle, nothing more.

Reading your Beagle’s mind

Many people wish that they could just understand their Snoopydogs a little better. They wonder what’s going on in their Beagles’ noggins, and are sure that a little bit of insight could help them have better relationships with their canine companions. These devoted owners may consider consulting an animal communicator (sometimes called a pet psychic).

Animal communicators claim to use mental telepathy to understand what an animal is thinking, which they then communicate to the owner. Many say that they don’t need to meet the animal in person, but can get all the information they need from an interview with the owner and a photo of the animal. The interview usually takes place over the phone, although in-person interviews are not uncommon.

Animal communication and mental telepathy have plenty of detractors. Many scientists believe that the practice is just so much hokum. However, plenty of owners believe otherwise. A long-time animal communicator, Penelope Smith, has compiled a directory of others in the profession for her Web site. Those listed in the directory must provide testimonials from past clients, pay an annual listing fee, and agree to abide by a code of ethics that Smith has developed. You can find the listing at www.animaltalk.net/consultlist.htm.

by Susan McCullough