Beagles are bred as hunting dogs, which means they have a lot of energy and stamina. This can make them seem like they’re always on the go, but there are times when they’ll calm down. As puppyhood fades and maturity sets in, many dog breed types settle into a calm demeanor. But not the beagle. This merry little hound is known for being active and playful well into adulthood. So when do beagles calm down?
That’s obviously not an easy question to answer. Beagles are individuals, so some will retain their puppylike energy until they’re well into their golden years. Other dogs may start to calm down once they reach adolescence or adulthood.
In general, though, most active dogs will calm down somewhat as they age. They’ll still enjoy a good game of fetch and a nice romp in the park, but they won’t be as hyperactive as they were in their youth. Let’s learn more about these adorable pups, including when they start to calm down and if beagles are as bad as some people say.
4 Behavior Stages Of A Beagle’s Life: When do Beagles Calm Down?
Beagles go through several behavior stages in their lives. Here’s a general overview of the different phases of a beagle’s life:
Puppyhood: 0-6 months:
A newborn beagle puppy is small, cute, and helpless. The puppy sleeps and eats to fuel his rapid growth. At this stage, he’s not yet able to control his bladder or bowels, so you should take your beagle puppies out frequently for potty breaks.
During the early weeks of life, your puppy’s senses are beginning to develop. As a beagle pup begins teething at this age, he will chew on anything he can get his mouth on. He’ll start to open his eyes and ears, and he’ll be able to respond to your voice.
Beagle puppies are full of energy and love to play at this age. They’re also very curious, so they may get into things they’re not supposed to. Puppyhood is when you’ll see your beagle’s personality begin to emerge. Some puppies are calm and quietly observe their surroundings, while other hyper dogs are rambunctious and playful.
Junior: 6-12 months:
During the junior stage, your young puppy will continue growing and developing. As it gains muscle mass, it will lose its baby teeth and grow adult ones. At this age, many puppies go through a “fear period,” when they’re afraid of anything and everything new. Your beagle is just trying to make sense of the world around it during this time, so be patient with it.
As your beagle grows older, he’ll calm down a bit. He won’t be quite as active as in puppyhood, but he’ll still enjoy playing and being outdoors. It’s important to continue socializing with your beagle during this stage so he doesn’t become too shy or fearful around new people and experiences.
Adolescence: 12-18 months:
Adolescence is a time of change for both you and your beagle. It is no longer a puppy but not yet an adult. At this age, your beagle’s energy levels will start to decrease. Many beagles also start to mature emotionally during adolescence. They may become more independent and less clingy, and they may start to pay more attention to their own needs.
As your beagle enters adolescence, he’ll also begin to test boundaries. He may start chewing on things he’s not supposed to do or barking when left alone. Be patient with him during this time, as he’s just trying to figure out his place.
Maturity: 18 months and up
As you can see, it may take a while for your beagle to calm down. But have patience, as most beagles eventually reach a more mature stage. At this age, your beagle will have settled into a routine. He will be less active now, but he still enjoys playing and walking. Many beagles also become more independent during maturity.
As your beagle enters maturity, he may also show signs of aging. He may sleep more, and his coat may start to grey. Be sure to give him good care during this time, as he’s not as young as he used to be.
5 Causes of Hyperactivity in Beagles:
If your beagle is hyperactive, there may be a reason for it. Here are five possible causes of hyperactivity in beagles:
Lack of exercise:
One of the most common causes of hyper behavior in beagles is a lack of exercise. Beagles are an active breed, and they need to burn off that energy somehow. If your beagle isn’t getting enough exercise, he may become restless and destructive.
A change in routine:
A change in routine is another cause of hyper behavior in beagles. Beagles are creatures of habit, and they like to know what’s going to happen next. If their routine is disrupted, it can cause them to become anxious and restless.
Boredom:
Hyperactivity in beagles is often caused by boredom. In this phase, dog chews on things or bark excessively if they’re bored. Beagles are intelligent dogs, and they need physical and mental stimulation to pent up energy.
Anxiety:
Beagles are also prone to hyperactivity due to anxiety. If you’re feeling anxious, your beagle may become restless and destructive. Beagles are sensitive dogs, and they can pick up on their humans’ stress and anxiety.
Medical conditions:
Finally, some medical conditions can cause hyperactivity in beagles. These include epilepsy, skin conditions, and certain types of cancer. Please consult a veterinarian if the beagle owners think their hyperactive beagle is due to a medical condition.
7 Ways to Keep Your Beagle from Going stir Crazy:
You can help your moderately hyper-beagle calm down and reach a more mature stage with patience and effort. It will take time, so be patient. If you’re struggling to keep your female or male beagle calm, here are seven tips that may help:
- Exercise: A tired dog behaves better. Make sure your beagle gets plenty of physical and mental exercise, so he doesn’t have all that extra energy to burn.
- Diet: A healthy diet is essential for any hyperactive dog, but it can be beneficial for keeping beagles calm. Be sure to feed your beagle a high-quality food rich in proteins and low in sugars.
- Socialization: It’s essential to socialize your beagle from a young age. Hence, it feels comfortable around people and has new experiences in a dog park. This will help him stay calm in new situations.
- Training: Basic obedience training can help your beagle learn to listen to you and follow commands. This can be a great way to burn off some energy and bond with your dog.
- Crate training: Crate training can provide a safe space for your hyper beagle to relax and calm down. Just be sure to introduce him to the crate slowly and make it a positive experience. Ensure you have the best-sized crate for your beagle.
- Calming aids: A few products on the market can help calm your beagle. These include things like calming collars, herbal supplements, and calming music.
- Positive reinforcement: Be sure to praise your beagle when he’s being calm and reasonable. This will help him to associate calm behavior with positive rewards.
Conclusion:
Beagles are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay calm. So, if your beagle is feeling hyperactive, give your Beagle plenty of opportunities to burn off that energy. Dog owners can try some training exercises, crate training, or positive reinforcement to help them learn to calm down. Your beagle will learn to control his energy and be the calm, loving dog you know he can be with patience and consistency.