Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland is not
qualified to give you guidance in this field. However, we do encourage you to
keep a number of factors in mind. These include:
-
Health Problems –
Sudden changes in behavior may result from an underlying physical problem. People get crabby, withdrawn or simply unpleasant when they feel sick. The same holds for dogs, so talk to your vet.
-
The Dog's Age – For
example, there exist normal puppy-specific behaviors (and beagles have long
puppyhoods)
-
The Dog's Previous
History – If it's a stray, a rescue dog, or one given up by a friend or
neighbor, he or she may exhibit certain behavioral “quirks” that, with time
and patience, can be corrected.
-
Your Actions and the
Actions of Family Members – Keep in mind that this is a living,
breathing animal that has a right to respect. If he's eating, let him eat;
if she's sleeping, let her sleep. There is a time for play and a time
for rest. If you have children, teach them about this, and do not allow them to
bother the dog whenever they fancy.
-
Changes in the Dog's
Life – Yes, dogs do respond to changes occurring around them. Did you
recently move? Has your family situation changed? Did you get
another pet? Dogs don't stand around with a cup of coffee discussing
their life situation, but they are very much in tune with it, and may react
strongly to changes in routine.
If you've established
your checklist of potential factors and the problem persists in spite of your best efforts, it may
be time to seek professional help. And this does not mean calling us and trying
to give up the dog, or asking us for advice! First and foremost, you should talk
with your vet who will certainly give you good tips and a list of animal
trainers or behaviorists. If you prefer to do some of your own research, you may
want to consult the Pet Lovers' Companion listing of animal
trainers/behaviorists:
http://www.petloverscompanion.com.
You may also consider
consulting the following:
- San Francisco SPCA
free animal behavior advice line: 415-901-6646
- Tree House Animal
Foundation of Chicago behavioral hotline: 773-784-5488 ext. 228
- University of
Pennsylvania, Ryan Veterinary Hospital: 215-898-3347 (they provide free
answers to brief questions; full consultations for more serious problems
cost $300)
These are wonderful
resources – so please use them to help yourself and your dog!