Beagles are a type of dog known for their friendly personality and adorable facial features. They are very affectionate dogs and have also been used as narcotic dogs and hunting hounds. This dogs impressive jaw strength makes it a powerful biter when it comes to bite force. However, its small size also means that its bites are less likely to cause serious injury than those of larger breeds.
This article will discuss the beagle’s bite force, why they resort to biting, and what you can do to prevent your beagle from biting.
Beagle’s Bite Force
Beagles are not aggressive by nature but can bite if they feel scared or threatened. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that the average beagle’s bite had a force of 200 pounds per square inch (PSI). This is significantly more than the average human’s bite, which has a force of only 120 PSI. This is not as strong as the bite forces of certain dog breeds like German Shepherd – 238 PSI, but it is still enough to cause serious injury.
Why Beagles Bite? 10 Most Common Reasons
Beagles are generally gentle and loving dogs, but they can still bite if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. There are several reasons why beagle bites, Such as:
1. Fear
Beagles may bite out of fear if they feel threatened or intimidated. A beagle may try to defend itself by lashing out with its teeth if it feels scared.
2. Protection
Beagles may also bite to protect themselves or their belongings. If a beagle feels like its territory is being invaded, it may try to drive the intruder away by biting.
3. Pain
Beagles may bite due to pain as well. If a beagle is injured or in discomfort, it may lash out at anyone who tries to touch it.
4. Possessiveness
Beagles can also be possessive of their food, toys, and other belongings. If a beagle feels like someone is trying to take something away from it, it may try to bite them.
5. Excitement
Beagles may sometimes bite out of excitement or playfulness. If a beagle gets too excited, it may mistakenly bite someone who is trying to pet it or play with it.
6. Aggression
Some beagles may simply be aggressive by nature. These dogs may try to assert dominance over others by biting them.
7. Anxiety
Beagles may also bite due to anxiety or stress. If a beagle is feeling anxious or stressed, it may lash out in an attempt to relieve its feelings of discomfort.
8. Illness
Beagles may sometimes bite due to illness as well. If a beagle is sick or in pain, it may be more likely to bite out of confusion or frustration.
9. Other Dogs
Beagles that haven’t been properly socialized with other dogs and people may view them as a threat and attempt to bite them.
10. Poor Training
Poorly trained beagles may also bite out of frustration or anger.
So, If you have a beagle, it’s important to socialize it properly and watch for signs of anxiety. If you think your beagle might be feeling uneasy, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep them away from situations that could trigger a bite.
How to Stop Your Beagle Puppy from Biting
Beagles are friendly and energetic dogs. However, like other dog breeds, they need to be properly trained so that their natural exuberance doesn’t become a nuisance.
Training
- One important thing to train a beagle is bite inhibition. This simply means teaching the dog not to bite too hard when playing or excited. It’s important to do this early on, while the dog is still a puppy; if not, it can be difficult to change bad habits later on.
- You can teach a beagle dog bite inhibition by letting their mouth on your hand during play, and yelping when they bite too hard. Make sure to reward good behavior with treats so that they avoid biting by getting a reward.
- As the dog gets older, you can continue to reinforce bite inhibition by using toys instead of your hand during playtime, and using a time-out method whenever they try to bite you – this means ignoring them for 30 seconds or putting them in another room by themselves for a short while.
Exercise
It’s also important to give your beagle proper exercise every day. This will help release all their energy so that they don’t become aggressive. Beagles have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise, so daily walks or runs are essential.
Chewing Toys
If your beagle is teething, provide high-quality chew toys to help ease gum irritation. This will hopefully stop them from chewing on you or your belongings.
Deterrent Spray
Even after teaching bite inhibition, if your beagle continues to bite, you can use a deterrent spray on your hands or any other place they like to bite. Deterrent sprays are safe for beagles to consume but taste awful, so dogs typically don’t like them. After a few weeks of consistently using the deterrent spray whenever your dog bites, they should eventually stop doing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my beagle bites me?
If your beagle bites you hard enough to break the skin, it’s important to clean the wound and see a doctor if necessary. Additionally, you should try to determine why the beagle bit you – whether out of excitement, fear, or aggression – and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Which dog has the strongest bite force?
The Kangal Shepherd is known as the king of canines with its 743 PSI dog’s bite force. This dog breed has impressive size and strength, making it unbeatable in raw power!
However, it’s important to remember that biting is just one part of a dog’s overall aggression. Various other factors, such as size, weight, and speed, all play a role in how dangerous a dog can be.
Do Beagles Bite Their Owners?
Yes, sometimes beagles bite their owners – usually when they’re playing. However, with proper bite inhibition training, their bites shouldn’t be harmful.
Can the beagle’s powerful bite cause any harm to humans or other animals?
The beagle’s bite is not particularly harmful to humans or other animals. However, if the dog bites someone who is allergic to dogs, they may react. Additionally, if the beagle bites someone who is very small (such as a child), they risk being injured.
Can beagles be violent?
Beagles are generally not violent dogs. However, like any other dog breed, they can become aggressive if not properly trained and socialized. If you’re concerned about your beagle’s behavior, it’s best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
Do beagles fight other dogs?
Beagles are generally friendly towards other breeds, but they may sometimes get into fights with them – usually over food or toys. If this happens, breaking up the fight immediately is important and separating the dogs. Once they’ve calmed down, you can try to figure out what caused the fight and how to prevent it from happening again.
