Beagles For Dummies E-Book

Susan McCullough

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 448

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

Get the scoop on bringing a Beagle home and raising him right Beagles are an extraordinary breed--no bones about it. They're cute, compact, fun-loving, and great with kids. (Not to mention those soulful eyes!) But their sense of humor, independence, and stubborn nature isn't for everyone. So whether you're thinking about getting your very own Snoopy-dog, or if you've already opened your heart and home to one, Beagles for Dummies answers important questions like: * What are Beagles supposed to look like and how should they behave? * Should I choose a puppy or an adult dog? Male or female? * How do I correct my Beagle's behavior problems? * What do I need to do to survive my Beagle's puppyhood? * How can I Beagle-proof my house to keep him (and my stuff) safe? * What should I teach my Beagle to do? How do I teach him? * What health problems is my Beagle likely to have when he's young? How about when he grows up--or gets old? Life with these little hounds can lead to years of merriment, entertainment, and love--but if you think Beagles are just another hound dog, think again! Whether you want to know everything there is to living with a Beagle, or just want to skip to a relevant subject (like how to keep him out of the hamper), Beagles for Dummies gives you everything you need to choose and raise your Snoopy soul mate.

Leseprobe

Beagles For Dummies

by Susan McCullough

Beagles For Dummies®

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2006934823

ISBN-13: 978-0-470-03961-8

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Who can resist an adorable Beagle puppy? If you adopt one from a breeder, you can bring him home when he’s 8 weeks old. See Chapter 4.

Not only do Beagles bark, they howl. You can minimize these canine concerts by keeping her entertained with toys or activities. See Chapter 16.A Snoopy-dog’s sniffer can lead him to mischief. Keep your sense of humor, and you and your pet will get along beautifully. See Chapter 17.

Beagles are inquisitive little dogs. Their looks, intelligence, and playfulness make them one of the most popular dog breeds. See Chapter 1.

Beagles have one of the best senses of smell of any dog breed. They instinctively track a scent, no matter what. See Chapter 2.Kids and Beagles can be a perfect match. Beagles are just the right size to romp with youngsters without worrying about whether one may hurt the other one. See Chapter 6.

Just like you, Beagles need time to rest, especially as they grow older. See Chapter 12.

Training to compete in agility trials gives your Beagle a good workout and allows the two of you to bond. See Chapter 9.A Beagle works at getting treats out of a plastic ball. If your Beagle suffers from separation anxiety, keep him occupied with one of these toys when you leave. See Chapter 16.

Beagles are happiest when they’re getting lots of love and attention from people. That makes them well suited to visit people in hospitals or nursing homes. See Chapter 2.

Beagles were bred in the 1500s to hunt rabbits. Today their keen sense of smell is used to detect termites and mold in houses. See Chapter 19.After a full day of activities with you and your family, your Snoopy-dog will be worn out. A tired Beagle is a happy Beagle! See Chapter 7.

Dog shows measure how well a Beagle conforms to the standard of his breed. See Chapter 9.

If you and your Snoopy-dog spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to check her for fleas and ticks. See Chapter 10.

You need a lot of time and patience to train a Beagle to behave and perform tricks, but the results are worth the effort. See Chapter 15.Beagles like to explore every nook and cranny they find. You’ll want to Beagle-proof your house and yard before you bring your little hound home. See Chapter 5.

Beagle pups need three meals a day to help them grow up healthy. As dogs get older, they just need breakfast and dinner. See Chapter 7.Your Beagle needs annual checkups with her veterinarian to keep her in tip-top shape. See Chapter 11.

Because Beagles have short coats, they only need a bath about once a month — unless they find something dirty or smelly to roll around in. See Chapter 10.

Choosing a Beagle takes time and thought. You have to decide whether you want a pup or an adult, a male or a female, one dog or two. See Chapter 4.

About the Author

Susan McCullough writes about all things dog for media outlets all over the United States. She is the family life columnist for DogFancy, the nation’s most widely read dog magazine, and also has published articles in Family Circle, The Washington Post, AKC Gazette, AKC Family Dog, Your Dog, and Popular Dogs. She also is the author of several dog-care books, including Housetraining For Dummies (Wiley, 2002) and Senior Dogs For Dummies (Wiley, 2004).

Susan belongs to the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. She is a three-time winner of the DWAA Maxwell Award for excellence in writing about dogs, and won the 2001 Eukanuba Canine Health Award for outstanding writing about canine health.

When she’s not writing or hanging out with friends and family (both two-legged and four-legged), Susan counsels puzzled people on how to deal with the quandaries that inevitably arise when dogs join human households. She lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband, Stan Chappell; their daughter, Julie Chappell; and their Golden Retriever, Allie.

Dedication

For Beagles everywhere

Author’s Acknowledgments

The author is just one member of a team that produces a book like this one. I want to thank everyone else who also made this book a reality, including

Tracy Boggier, acquisitions editor at Wiley, who asked me to take on this project.

Alissa Schwipps, senior project editor, who made our second book project together even more fun than the first.

Nancy Fox, DVM, veterinarian and Beagle devotee, who made sure that the manuscript contains the best available info for those who love Snoopy-dogs.

Stan Chappell, my husband, for reasons too numerous to elaborate on here.

Julie Chappell, my daughter, for being exactly who she is.

Windy Run’s Allie McChappell CGC, who reminds me every day that life is always better when shared with at least one canine companion.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our Dummies online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and MediaDevelopment

Senior Project Editor: Alissa Schwipps

Acquisitions Editor: Tracy Boggier

Copy Editors: Vicki Adang, Darren Meiss

Editorial Program Coordinator: Hanna K. Scott

Technical Editor: Nancy Fox, DVM

Senior Editorial Manager: Jennifer Ehrlich

Editorial Assistants: Erin Calligan, David Lutton

Cover Photos: ” Ausloos, Henry/ Animals Animals Earth Scenes

Cartoons: Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)

Composition Services

Project Coordinators: Heather Kolter and Jennifer Theriot

Layout and Graphics: Joyce Haughey, Stephanie D. Jumper, Barry Offringa, Brent Savage, Erin Zeltner

Special Art: Illustrations by Lisa S. Reed

Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico

Proofreaders: John Greenough, Charles Spencer, Aptara

Indexer: Sherry Massey

Special Help Carmen Krikorian

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher, Consumer Dummies

Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director, Consumer Dummies

Kristin A. Cocks, Product Development Director, Consumer Dummies

Michael Spring, Vice President and Publisher, Travel

Kelly Regan, Editorial Director, Travel

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher, Dummies Technology/General User

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Contents

Title

Introduction

About This Book

Conventions Used in This Book

What You’re Not to Read

Foolish Assumptions

How This Book Is Organized

Icons Used in This Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I : Getting to Know Beagles

Chapter 1: Beagles and You: Made for Each Other?

Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hound Dog

The Beagle’s Bill of Rights

Why Beagles Are Wonderful

Buyer’s Remorse: Why a Beagle May Not Be Your Dream Dog

What to Ask Yourself

A Final Thought

Chapter 2: The Incredible, Lovable Beagle

Mommy, Where Do Beagles Come From?

The Official Beagle Blueprint

Why the World Loves Beagles

. . . But Nobody’s Perfect

Chapter 3: Gonna Find Me a Beagle

Good Places to Look

Just Say No: Poor Places to Look

Proceed with Caution: Adopting from the Internet

Chapter 4: Choosing Your Beagle Soul Mate

Narrowing Your Choices

Selecting a Puppy

Selecting an Adult Beagle

Pushing Papers

Homeward Bound? Maybe Not

Part II : Starting Life with Your Beagle

Chapter 5: Preparing for Your Beagle’s Arrival

Choosing a Veterinarian

Shopping for Beagle Basics

Designating Beagle Spaces in Your Home

Beagle-Proofing Your Home and Yard

Planning Mayhem Management

Chapter 6: Welcoming Your Beagle Home

Picking Up Your Beagle

We’re Here! Arriving Home

Surviving the First Night

Chapter 7: Beginning a Beautiful Friendship

Bonding with Your Beagle

Visiting the Vet: The First Exam

Starting Daily Routines

Socializing Your Beagle

Fighting the Fear Factor

Part III : Caring for Your Beagle

Chapter 8: Feeding Your Beagle

What a Dog Wants . . . What a Dog Needs

Choosing Your Beagle’s Chow

Getting the Skinny about Your Hound’s Pounds

Attending to Ambience

Treating Your Beagle Right

Avoiding Dangerous Dining

Your Beagle’s Drinking Habits

Chapter 9: Getting Physical: Exercising Your Beagle

Keep Him Moving, Keep Yourself Happy

Trying Everyday Exercises

Great Sports for You and Your Beagle

Adjusting for Age

Chapter 10: Sprucing Up Your Beagle

Giving Her the Brush-off

Establishing a No-Critter Zone

Lather Up! Bathing Your Beagle

Tending to Eyes and Ears

Brushing Those Pearlies

Trimming the Tootsies

Addressing Your Beagle’s Bottom Line

Winterizing Your Beagle

Chapter 11: Managing Your Beagle’s Day-to-Day Health

Working with Your Vet

Can I See Your ID?

Maintaining Good Health at Home

Chapter 12: Dealing with Health Issues

Treating Puppy Problems

Handling Adult Health Challenges

Easing Your Beagle’s Golden Years

My Beagle Is Sick! What Should I Do?

Saying Goodbye to Your Beagle

Chapter 13: Traveling (or Not) with Your Beagle

Taking Your Beagle with You

Leaving Your Beagle Home

Boarding Your Beagle

Part IV : Training Your Beagle

Chapter 14: Housetraining Your Beagle

Going Indoors or Out?

Getting in Gear

Following Five Steps

Addressing Accidents

Declaring Victory

Addressing Bathroom Issues

Chapter 15: Schooling Your Beagle

Decoding Your Beagle’s SOP

Gearing Up for Training

Teaching the Basics Yourself

Enrolling Your Beagle in Obedience Class

Chapter 16: Rehabbing the Delinquent Beagle

Solving Common Snoopy-dog Problems

Picking Experts’ Brains

Part V : The Part of Tens

Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Keep Your Beagle Healthy and Happy

Find a Great Vet

Give Her the Skinny

Keep Her Moving

Do Fence Her In

Take Her to School

Keep Her Pretty

Be Proactive

Trust Your Instincts

Have a Sense of Humor

Love, Love, Love

Chapter 18: Ten Mistakes You Don’t Need to Make with Your Beagle

Not Doing Your Homework

Choosing Too Quickly

Bypassing the Crate

Expecting Housetraining to Be Easy

Failing to Be Vigilant

Thinking That Your Beagle Is a Person

Doing Things on the Cheap

Thinking That Your Beagle Can Train Himself

Playing Doctor

Thinking That You Are More Important Than Bunnies

Chapter 19: Ten Unique Beagle Occupations and Activities

Keeping Out Forbidden Fruit (and Other Stuff)

Shaming a President

Inspiring Children

Nailing the Red Baron

Flying in (Way) Outer Space

Comforting Other Dog Owners

Knowing When to Mold ’Em

Turning Out Termites

Befriending the Famous

Taking Us to Our Pasts

Appendix: Wanna Know More? Additional Resources

Turn the Pages

Divine DVDs

Peruse These Periodicals

Virtually Unparalleled

Introduction

A sk any prospective dog owner what breeds she has in mind, and almost without fail, she’ll include a Beagle on her list of possibilities. Her reasons aren’t hard to figure out. Beagles have so much going for them: They’re cute, they have easygoing personalities, they’re small, they require relatively little grooming, and they’re fun. And did I mention that they’re cute? (I did? Well, no matter. Their cuteness is an attribute worth emphasizing.)

But inevitably, even a package that appears as perfect as a Beagle seems to be also contains some imperfections. After all, as my father says, “Dogs are only human.” We humans are capable of wondrous achievements and considerable kindness — but alas, we are not perfect. We have enough flaws to make us interesting and then some. So, too, does the wonder-dog we call the Beagle.