Training Your Beagle Book

1	Introduction	1
	Why Do You Need to Train?	1
	Natural Canine Behavior	3
	Shaping Your Ideal Beagle Companion	5
2	History of the Beagle	6
	Beagle Breed Origin	6
	Development of American Beagling	9
	Desirable Characteristics of the Beagle	10
3	Selection	12
	Before You Get a Dog...	12
	Selecting the Right Type	13
	Consider the Source	16
	Locating a Responsible Breeder	18
	Think Purpose	18
	How Do You Choose?	19
	Making the Commitment	24
4	Foundations of Training	26
	Early Socialization	26
	Rules of Basic Training	31
	Tractability	34
	Positive and Negative Reinforcement	35
	Training Methods	37
5	The Basic Equipment	41
	Collars and Leashes	41
	Essential Supplies	45
6	House-training and Basic Manners	49
	Your Ideal Companion	49
	House-training	49
	Teaching the Basics	55
	Home Schooling	56
	Games and Activities	61
	Troubleshooting	63
7	Tackling Nuisance Behaviors	66
	Common Nuisance Behaviors	66
8	The Canine Good Citizen	82
	The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program	82
	The Ten Exercises	83
	CGC Certification	88
9	Therapy Dog Work	89
	The Benefits of Canine-Assisted Therapy	89
	Is Your Beagle a Prospect?	90
	Therapy Dog Certification	91
10	Hunting with Beagles	92
	Early Field Training	92
	Advanced Field Work	96
	Gundog Beagles	98
	Beagle Field Trials	99
11	Traditional Foot Packs	101
	The British Tradition	101
	Building a Pack	103
	Following an Organized Pack	104
12	Competitive Obedience	105
	Commands and Signals	105
	Training Classes	107
	Home Schooling	108
	Classes and Titles	112
	Attending an Obedience Trial	113
13	Tracking	114
	Fundamentals of Scent	114
	Basic Tracking Equipment	115
	Training and Incentive	117
	AKC Tracking Tests	117
	Home Schooling	118
14	Agility	123
	The Agile Beagle	123
	Agility Trials and Titles	124
	The Obstacles	125
	Home Schooling	128
15	Conformation Shows	129
	Selecting a Show Prospect	129
	The Beagle Breed Standard	130
	Preparation for the Show Ring	133
	The Classes	137
	Junior Showmanship	139
	Earning Championship and Beyond	139
	Attending Your First Point Show	140
	Useful Addresses and Literature	142
	Glossary	145
	Index	149