The title might have been ‘How to Train Your Beagle NOT to Howl’. But that would have been misleading. Beagles have been bred for hundreds of years as hunting dogs and their barks, bays, and howls are an important part of that practice. Trying to train a Beagle to remain completely quiet all the time is akin to molding them to become a cat. Not gonna happen.For those who show interest in dog obedience training, dog obedience school or dog training classes, you can check online.

Breeding dogs for dozens of generations to be hunting companions means it doesn’t disappear once Beagles are kept purely as pets, as is more likely today. Still, there are several training techniques that will lessen the noise they make.

First, think of the conditions in which a Beagle will do what its nature encourages. Used to accompanying hunters, their different sounds were helpful in many ways.

A bark is intended to alert the pack (whether human or canine) to danger, particularly the inherent danger of being separated. If a puppy gets away from the pack, his vocalizations help the older dogs locate him. If the pack or a member is threatened by another species, barks alert all members to focus on the threat. The sounds also discourage the predator from carrying through with its plan.

A howl allowed hunters to locate the Beagle and give clues about the status of the hunter’s prey. A howl kept the hunter from accidentally shooting the dog and keeps the dog on track to not lose the animal he was stalking. Unlike a bark, this vocalization can provide clues to the hunter without alarming prey.

A bay is somewhere in between the two and, frankly, no one has ever figured out exactly what purpose it serves. Beagles simply seem to enjoy making their presence known to the world. A harsh sound, it may annoy you or the neighbors but Beagle owners know that baying is fun for the dog. They often do it even when not left alone and there are no distractions in the surroundings.All these different sounds and the events that tend to evoke them give pet owners clues about how to suppress them.

Beagles enjoy company. As friendly, active dogs they prefer to socialize with other members of their ‘pack’. Some dogs, like German Shepherds, are fine left alone for long periods. Not happy, perhaps, but not alarmed. A Beagle wants to be part of the action. Giving them company will help reduce barking.

Providing an environment with fewer shrubbery or hiding places that are accessible and where animals are less noticeable will help minimize howling. If they can’t smell or see a cat in the bushes, your Beagle is less likely to try to alert you.

Though its purpose is a mystery, baying can be kept low by giving your dog lots of exercise. A well-exercised Beagle is a satisfied Beagle. They will still let you know they’re around, but less often. Also, plentiful attention will help. Keeping them close and showing lots of affection reduces the dog’s need to seek it by baying. But, then, showing your Beagle love is not something you need to be encouraged to do. You won’t be able to help yourself once you get him home.

The Cairn Terrier and the West Highland Terrier or Westies are close cousins, and related also to their Highland neighbor: the Scottie.The Cairn is closest to the original breed developed in the Highlands of Scotland over 200 years ago. These intrepid small dogs would chase small game from cairns (rock piles) and generally help in the hunt. Today, that behavior has changed to take on new challenges, but the instinct remains.For people who show interest in dog training Auckland, dog obedience school or puppy training Auckland, you can check online.

They retain the large feet and teeth of their ancestors, but the latter are rarely used to harm these days. They’re feisty but among the friendlier terriers to strangers and other small animals. They may chase a cat, but rarely try to harm one.

They strongly resemble their Scottie cousins, but tend to be a little taller, reaching 12-14 inches (31.5 cm) on average and weighing up to 18 lbs (8 kg). The ears are pointy and erect, always alert to their surroundings. The eyes reflect that same attention to the environment.

They make perfect traveling pets, but long car trips should be punctuated with occasional walks to let them work off some of their perpetual energy. Fortunately, they’re easily trained and respond quickly to requests without the excessive willfulness common to some terrier breeds.

Westies are a close relative, but their coat is typically all white, as distinguished from the black or brown of their cousins. The topcoat is straight over a dense undercoat so they will shed somewhat and regular grooming is important to keep them in optimal health.

During the 18th and 19th centuries when the breed was being developed, their white coat was selected for since it helped distinguish them clearly from game during a hunt. A brown terrier in flight can resemble a fleeing fox from a distance.

A bit smaller than the Cairn from whom they descended, they tend to range from 10-12 inches (22.5-26 cm) but weigh anywhere from 15-20 lbs (6.8-9 kg). Females, as is usual, are a bit lighter and shorter.

Despite their natural high energy, Westies (like virtually all dogs) sleep a lot more than people, anywhere from 13-15 hours out of 24, though longer is not abnormal. They’ll sleep through the night usually, taking dog naps throughout the daytime.

But when they’re up, they’re up. They love a good walk and play comes as naturally to them as to children. Lack of exercise can lead to behavior problems, so though they live well indoors make sure they get plenty.

They love companionship but can tolerate stretches of time alone, since they tend to be a little on the independent side. Given the proper environment – the right toys and a safe area – they can amuse themselves for long intervals. Like all terriers, though, they were bred to hunt and digging will occur with unsupervised dogs. Take care that your garden isn’t accessible.