Do beagles run off? I have been told by many people that they do but I'm really keen on getting one! Are they trainable?

Hi yes they will go off at any time they are hounds and thats what they do hunt! but yes they can be trained if you get a good trainer, but you will never be able to take your eyes off it but they are great little dogs so best of luck they need lots to do can not just be shut up all day. jackie

I let my beagle off the lead and she does come back most of the time. I only let her off on the beach or in really quiet places. I wouldn't let her off in the park or near any roads. If she does get a scent she will run off and they do tend to suffer from selective deafness when this happens. I took her to obedience class from 14 week and it has taken alot of work and loads of treats and praise. I try to make it more interesting to be with me rather than running off, so i always take a ball or a toy for her to play with when i let her off.

My oldest beagle is nearly 6 years old and we were encouraged to let her off the lead as young as possible before she got too confident. We were a bit wary as lots of people said they run off and don't come back. When she was very young she did tend to try and chase birds and throw a deaf 'un but she got better especially as she got more attached to us. We practiced lots of recalls - using food as a treat, as we all know, beagles LOVE their food. Also find that running the opposite dierction is effective as they see you runnning away from them and come chasing after you.
Personally, I think beagles have lovely characters, - they don't need loads of exercise but will happily walk/run for miles. We also have a beagle pup who doesn't 'run off' but I think she's learned a lot from the older one. I don't know if the fact that we have bitches makes a difference, because I have heard people say that male beagles are worse for wondering.
You can train beagles. We've been doing agility with Bonnie for the past year and she loves it and am entering shows with her. Beagles can be very stubborn, but they're not stupid and can be trained, although they probably take more perseverance than some other breeds. Put it this way, I have two beagles and would definitely have another!