Hi Russ,
I have been through what you are going through and understand completely.
Henry will have been with us for two years this upcoming 2/3/08. He was obviously abused because he cowers easily. I wonder how such a frightened dog survived on the street (he was picked up as a stray).
The three most important words that I have to offer you are: Love, consistency, and patience.
Give them your love, be consistent with routines such as housebreaking, feeding and disciplining and probably most of all, patience.
One thing that I did learn here on BW is that beagles respond best to positive reinforcement rather than physical discipline or yelling and screaming. They are pack oriented and want to please you.
I have a feeling that you are in for quite a ride...two rescued boys at once. Please, please, hang in there. Scream into your pillow when you have to but hang in there. It will be worth it. I promise.
~Denise
I have been through what you are going through and understand completely.
Henry will have been with us for two years this upcoming 2/3/08. He was obviously abused because he cowers easily. I wonder how such a frightened dog survived on the street (he was picked up as a stray).
The three most important words that I have to offer you are: Love, consistency, and patience.
Give them your love, be consistent with routines such as housebreaking, feeding and disciplining and probably most of all, patience.
One thing that I did learn here on BW is that beagles respond best to positive reinforcement rather than physical discipline or yelling and screaming. They are pack oriented and want to please you.
I have a feeling that you are in for quite a ride...two rescued boys at once. Please, please, hang in there. Scream into your pillow when you have to but hang in there. It will be worth it. I promise.
~Denise
