Since we got our rescue beagle last year, until last week we had never let him off the lead when walking. This stems back to his first few weeks with us when he escaped from what we thought was a secure garden. He gave us such a fright with his escape antics and we're just so grateful that he came to no harm. Since then I've been paranoid about letting him off in case he ran off and got knocked down or lost. Last week I took him to a park, stood bang in the centre, then with a pocket of titbits and my heart in my mouth - I let him off the lead. He ran for a bit, I called him back and to my amazement he returned so he was duly rewarded with a treat and off he went again. This happened 3 times with success. On the 4th go, off he went, further and further away. I started to pursue briskly then off he bolted, out of the park leaving me chasing behind like a madwoman. He crossed a road (safely, thank God) then luckily ran into a cul-de-sac where I managed to corner him. How should I regard this failed experiment? Should I try again or just keep him on a lead all the time. It seems so unfair to keep his walks so limited. He's a podgy little fellow. Not overfed but I think he just needs to chase around to get into fat-burning mode, something lead walks won't allow him to do. Any suggestions?

You have the right idea with the VTT's (Very Tasty Treats), but I would start with a 'long line'. I bought two of the six foot leads that connect together. Put her in a sit-stay and backed away, letting out the lead, then went back and she got rewarded for staying. After she got the hang of staying put, I then did the sit-say, backing away, and calling come (with my foot standing on the end of the lead). I then got braver and would walk an additional few feet away from the lead (remember if she runs she was trailing 12 foot of dog lead to step on - I also had hubby nearby). When she was more reliable then I trusted her more. As we have sighthounds I don't actually let them off anywhere near roads - their instinct just takes over, and I understand from my beagle friend that it's the same with them. However I will let them off over on the heath where it's safe.

We also found that 'one special toy' that she will always return to. She LOVES to play frisbee so we always take one on walks (took us a year and a half to find a toy that worked). WE decide when the game begins and when the game ends NOT her! Because she was afraid of missing a 'game' she decided that 'Frisbee' was better than other dogs. If she was playing with other dogs and we wanted her back all we had to do was shout 'FRISBEE' and she would come running for the game afraid she would miss it if she didn't come.

Just some ideas. You have the right idea, but perhaps start a bit slower with a LONG lead or rope.

Wendy

I use a horse's lunge lead for TH, it's 40'. As Wendy says, you need to practice little and often and try not to put yourself in situations where he can run off and you can't catch him. Some dogs will see your chasing as part of "the game". Why not start off in confined spaces, like your hall, garden, a friend's garden or (as someone on the board outstandingly recommended) the tennis courts at the local park. Then he can't actually get away from you. :D

The clumber spaniel guru (Bill) suggests only doing things once or twice. If they do it really well the first time, leave it at that. Don't keep repeating the exercise over and over - if you do, the dog doesn't see the point.

HTH

9th & The Towel Hound

i think it was on crufts one year that the commentater said ---THE MAN WITH THE LEAD IN HIS HAND AND NO DOG TO BE SEEN ----for sure must own a BEAGLE, hope that helps!!

I know that feeling - lead in hand and no dog in sight - even at 9 years old Domino my Beagle/Pointer cross will take himself off and I have had him since he was 10 months.
Fortunately most of our walks are quite safe and I have learnt that he has usually headed for the nearest rabbit hole.
I either just wait for him to rejoin me and the other dogs or go and find him and drag him away (an hour's wait is nothing)
He does sometimes lead the others astray but as he got older he did get a lot better - have been using a whistle for the last couple of years (wish I had got one years ago - really saves the throat & voice)
Hope everything works well as I am sure your Beagle is a sweetie pie just like mine

Bear in mind all the good advice given by the others, but also please remember this is a beagle...........a scent hound, bred for generations, to hunt.

My pup Charlie sometimes tries to play the "You want me, you catch me!" game - If I then run (well, jog!) away from him, or behind the nearest tree or bush, he's quite happy to play the game the other way round, and comes running!

Welcome to the forum Jonathan :-) Leigh

Talking to a lady the other day who has a rescue beagle she calls her bed and breakfast dog as that's the only timne she sees him. Ingrid