Introducing Lucky

Welcome, Donna and family (including Lucky)! Not an unhappy story at all - Lucky was truly lucky that he has found his forever home. He is really cute! His puppy antics are just that -- he is really not purposely trying to ruin your household goods (hard to remember when you are looking at a shredded shoe). I am the mother of a senior rescue, Maggie, so can't offer too many helpful suggestions regarding puppy behavior but you will hear from lots of other folks who have puppy experience. You might want to post your questions in the "discussion" section -- when you have a chance, you can look at some previous threads. There have been quite a few about puppies lately. Am curious if you are planning on crate-training -- I didn't with Maggie but will definitely go that route with future beagles.

When Lucky came to us he had the run of the house. I only figured on having him a day or so. But when I came to the conclusion he was here to stay I had trouble breaking some of his bad habits.

Some major improvments, like he no longer sniffs under the table during supper time. He stays quiet in his spot until we are done and than call him over.

Crate training is something i've started to do now, he howls all night long if he is away from the family. But in a cage in my room he does much better. Plus the cage rattles when he moves and that wakes me up forcing me to take him outside. No accidents during the night.

Am I boring everyone ? I feel like I am talking to much.

And by the way after a month, we feel we are the lucky ones. He seems eager to please and learn...good sign right ?

Donna and family

First, your story has a very happy ending, not sad at all. And boring??? Never! We love to hear about Beagle's and the silly things they do. And Lucky is simply precious! I can relate to the "puppy eyes". Jersey still does that and I just melt.

Now, for the chewing. Jersey is about 19 months old, so I've been going through the puppy phase for the last year and a half. First, go through the house and look at things like Lucky would. For the first year, I kept nothing at Jersey's level. My apartment didn't look great, but my stuff (well, some of it!) stayed safe. I kept an ironing board up just to keep things up and away from Jersey. I don't have any kids, so that was a lot easier for me than it will be for you, but Jersey pretty much learned that the stuff on the floors was hers. Of course, now if something stays on the floor where she can get it, I often lose it! We still have a few chewing accidents, but that's usually my fault for leaving things where Jersey can reach them. You can buy the Bitter Apple spray at the pet store. It's supposed to deter them from chewing. Jersey liked it and would lick it up. I've heard some people use cayan pepper too. I never tried it though.

I know it's hard now, but it's so worth it after they grow up. When they cuddle on the couch and snuggle at night...well, there's nothing like it! Stay patient and be consistant with everthing...from food & walk schedules to what he's allowed to get away with. Like Murphy's Dad said, obedience training will be a huge help. Jersey came along so much just from a basic puppy class. She learned who the "master" was. Good luck, and never worry that you're asking too many questions. We love to talk about our Beagles and help others with theirs.