Beagle Weight Loss The Benefits of Mental Stimulation

13 Fun Ways To Keep Your Beagle Mentally Stimulated

Entertaining your beagle doesnt have to be complicated or expensive. There are plenty of easy ways that you can keep your poochs mind occupied while also keeping them healthy and happy.

Here is our list of 13 tips on how to keep your beagle mentally stimulated and out of trouble!

Beagles are a lot like humans. They need mental stimulation and entertainment to remain happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

It can be difficult to find the time to keep your pooch entertained when you work all day or have kids running around the house, but there are ways that you can do it in small chunks throughout the day or week.

Why is Mental Stimulation Important for Beagles?

Keeping your pup entertained is important for them and for you a bored beagle can be a destructive beagle!

Not forgetting, you are their main source of entertainment, which means they are at your mercy for when its fun time. And if you dont give them fun, theyll find fun on their own!

Keeping your beagle entertained can reduce the likelihood of them developing destructive habits such as chewing or barking, and generally causing mischief around the home.

Beagles are also commonly crated, so its important to ensure that they are both physically and mentally exhausted. Read our Crate Training Guide and Crate Training Dos and Donts for further information.

What are the Signs that your Beagle is Bored?

When beagles are bored they naturally resort to doing all the things that are not desirable in a pet, such as tearing up the couch, eating things theyre not supposed to, digging holes in the yard, or chewing the legs of your dining table.

Here are some tell-tale signs that your beagle may be bored:

Note: Its important to be able to differentiate between when your beagle has a health problem and them being bored. This list becomes more relevant if your beagle has very little interaction with other dogs or humans.

13 Ways to Keep Your Beagle Mentally Stimulated

Mental stimulation for your beagle can be as good as physical exercise (if done well). Plus, we cant always get out, so keeping them busy indoors is the perfect way to keep them busy between walks.

When using treats we recommend smaller pieces of food or healthy alternatives such as chopped carrots or apples. This will ensure that sniffing out the goods become a little more difficult, plus they are less likely to pile on the pounds with indulgent treats!

1. Makeshift Beagle Toys

If there is one thing most beagle owners know, its that you can turn almost any disposable item into a makeshift beagle toy!

Water bottles are by far one of the easiest. Just fill it with one of their favorite tasty treats and see how long it takes them to get the lid off. Unless they decide to go through the bottom!

Using makeshift toys is a fantastic way of keeping beagles entertained as they typically get bored with their old ones. You can also rotate toys to prevent boredom from creeping in.

Always supervise your beagle when they are chewing on plastic to ensure you can deal with any potential issues quickly.

2. Fetch, Hide and Seek

Beagles may not be the best retrievers, but they do like a tease!

Traditional hide and seek is just far too easy for this breed (thanks to their supersonic nose), whereas this spin on the original makes it a little more fun for you both!

Fetch, Hide and Seek is a fun game where you throw a ball out into the yard and then you run and hide inside the house. The beagle comes bounding in with a victory parade and then you chase them around until you have the ball back.

Rinse and repeat!

3. Use a Stuffed Kong

This is one of our Top Beagle Chews and favorite things to do when leaving our beagle at home.

Give them a Kong stuffed with banana or peanut butter and they wont even realize that youve closed the door behind you!

Kongs are great as they are non-toxic, beagle-proof, and dishwasher safe. Just make sure to choose these ones (most robust for beagles!)

4. Hide Treats around the Home

Hiding treats is a great mental activity for your pup because it requires them to use their natural hunting instincts!

As beagles have incredible noses, youll need a strategy when hiding treats around the home.

The best way to do this is to scatter some treats in the backyard to keep them briefly out of your way. Then youll need to start hiding treats around the home in difficult-to-reach areas.

If you can make sure they do not know you are hiding the treats then the game becomes entertaining for the whole household!

Then they just have to follow their nose and sniff out all the pieces! Easy peasy!

Tip: Make sure they are supervised at all times to prevent any scratching or damage to surface areas.

READ: Crate Training for Beagle Puppies (Guide)

5. Let Beagles Sit by the Window

Beagles can be nosey little beggars, so letting them sit by the window and watch the world go by is a mental activity that many of them enjoy.

Tip: Crack the window open slightly, theyll love the waft coming in and trying to match the scent to the hound or human!

It is best to do this when you are at home with them to supervise and control any potential barking at passers-by!

6. Teach Your Beagle New Tricks

Teaching your beagle new tricks is a great way to keep them (and you) entertained! It can be as simple or complex as you like, and it will keep your pup engaged for a long time.

Plus, learning all of these new tricks can be mentally draining for your beagle, guaranteeing a long snooze when youre done!

Consider trying out some effective online courses that teach your beagle new skills whilst also addressing certain behavioral issues.

Here are some of the best online courses:

For an in-depth look at the most suitable courses for behavioral issues in beagles, read our 13 Best Online Dog Training Courses or 7 Best Courses for New Puppies

7. Create an Obstacle Course

Beagles are very intelligent and love to solve problems, so making an obstacle course for them is a mental stimulation game theyll love!

Start by laying down a number of their toys in different places around the home or garden. Then add some obstacles using cushions, towels, blankets etc. to get from one place to another.

The more complicated it is, the more mental exercise it will provide for your pup!

If you really want to take it seriously enough, you could look at picking up more suitable agility course items such as:

Alternatively, if youre super-serious about getting your beagle agility trained, this Online Agility Course is (by far) the best.

8. Play The Cup Game

They are not the most patient of breeds, but beagles can be totally capable of playing along with The Cup Game!

All you need is a treat or bit of food placed under one cup, with two further cups that are empty (all upside down), and then shuffle them around.

The goal is then to train them to identify which cup has a reward underneath by getting them to indicate with their nose, or if theyre super trained with their paw!

This mental stimulation game is a great way to keep the kids entertained too, providing hours of fun for everyone!

READ: No.1 Online Dog Training Course for Beagles

9. Pick the Hand

Similar to the cup game, but your beagle now has better odds at finding the treat!

All you need to do is hide a treat in one hand, and then extend your arms out together to see which one they pick. Although the reward is finding the treat itself, be sure to praise them at the same time to reinforce the rules of the game.

TIP: Using less smelly treats (such as dehydrated vegetables) will make this game a little trickier for your beagle!

10. Teach the Names of their Toys

This is probably an advanced-level skill for beagles, but its not completely impossible!

All you need is a bunch of their toys (starting with their favorite) and then begin repeating their names.

For example, pick up the stuffed bear and call it Mr Bear in your cute doggy voice. Over time, you can point and say Go get Mr Bear and hopefully theyll get it!

This will take time to get right, but once they catch on itll be worth all the hard work!

11. Give them Ice Treats

Freezing your beagles favorite treats is a great way for them to enjoy it for a little longer. One of the best things to use is liver cake pieces which are still deliciously smelly enough when encased in ice.

Frozen carrots or apple slices also make for healthy, slightly longer-lasting snacks.

Just be sure not to give them ice treats when the weather is really warm, as this can be harmful to dogs that may be suffering from heatstroke.

Read: 13 Signs Youre NOT Ready for Beagle!

12. Leave the TV on when you Go Out

Beagles love any type of mental stimulation, so leaving the TV on for them when you go out is a great way to reduce any separation anxiety they may suffer with.

But make sure its not too stimulating! When youre not at home you dont want to create a barky environment due to your beagle being threatened by the lions of the Serengeti on National Geographic!

Choose a channel that is less likely to evoke reactions, such as the news or a music channel.

13. Give Them a Treat Dispenser

Yep, you guessed it. Another treat-related game!

As beagles are extremely food-obsessed, giving them mental stimulation games like treat dispensers or puzzles can keep them occupied for hours.

All you need is a few of your pups favorite treats and then place them in the ball or puzzle. You can use anything as long as it closes properly to contain all the food inside this is the most indestructible and beagle-proof treat dispenser.

Warning: Do not leave your beagle unattended with treat dispensers. If a treat rolls under the couch, then you may have to kiss goodbye to said furniture upon your return!

Summing Up Ways to Keep Your Beagle Busy

Beagles thrive on interactive play, and it has a huge impact on their overall health and wellbeing.

These tips can be used to make life more enjoyable and less destructive for them, and with a little effort, you can keep your beagle mentally stimulated throughout the day! If youre looking for the ultimate list of beagle products, heres our 49 Must-Have Items for your Beagle and your Home.

Loved this post? Want a dose of beagle giggles, expert advice, and a community that shares your passion? Our newsletter is the place to be!

Further Reads:

How Can I Help Beagle Lose Weight? 4 Expert Tips

Beagles are adorable dogs with friendly and curious personalities. They are also known for their amazing sense of smell, which makes them excellent hunters and trackers. However, this trait can also lead them to overeat and gain weight, especially if they are not given enough exercise and stimulation. Many people ask me how to help beagle lose weight, so in this article, I will discuss some signs that your beagle may be overweight, some common causes of obesity in beagles, and some tips to help your beagle lose weight and stay fit.

Obesity is a serious health problem for dogs, as it can cause many complications such as joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan. Therefore, it is important to help your beagle maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

How to Tell If Your Beagle Is Overweight

It can be hard to tell if your beagle is overweight, as they naturally have a round and chubby appearance. However, there are some ways to check if your beagle is carrying too much fat and needs to lose some pounds.

One way is to use a body condition score chart, which is a tool that helps you assess your beagles body shape and fat distribution. You can find a body condition score chart for dogshere.

According to the chart, a healthy beagle should have:

• A visible waist when viewed from above
• A tucked-up belly when viewed from the side
• Ribs, spine, and hip bones that are easily felt but not seen
• A thin layer of fat covering the body

If your beagle does not meet these criteria, he or she may be overweight or obese. Another way to tell if your beagle is overweight is to weigh him or her regularly and compare the weight to the ideal weight range for beagles.

The ideal weight range for beagles depends on their height, which can be measured from the floor to the top of the shoulder blades.Beagles that are 13 inches or less should weigh less than 20 pounds, while beagles that are 13 to 15 inches should weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.

If your beagles weight is above the ideal range, he or she may need to lose some weight. However, before you start any weight loss program for your beagle, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions that may cause weight gain and to determine the best diet and exercise plan for your beagle.

What Causes Obesity in Beagles?

There are many factors that can contribute to obesity in beagles, but the main cause is usually an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. In other words, your beagle eats more calories than he or she burns.

Some of the reasons why your beagle may eat more calories than he or she needs are:

• Overfeeding: Beagles have a strong appetite and a tendency to beg for food, which can make it hard to resist giving them extra treats or portions. However, overfeeding can lead to weight gain and obesity, as your beagle may consume more calories than he or she can use.
• Lack of exercise: Beagles are active and energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, if your beagle does not get enough physical activity, he or she may not burn enough calories and may store the excess as fat. Lack of exercise can also lead to boredom and stress, which can make your beagle eat more to cope.
• Age: As beagles get older, their metabolism slows down and their activity level decreases, which means they need fewer calories to maintain their weight. However, if you do not adjust your beagles diet and exercise accordingly, he or she may gain weight as he or she ages.
• Neutering or spaying: Neutering or spaying your beagle can have many benefits, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and improving behavior. However, it can also affect your beagles hormone levels and appetite, which can make him or her more prone to weight gain. Therefore, you may need to reduce your beagles calorie intake and increase his or her exercise after neutering or spaying.
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can cause weight gain in beagles, such as hypothyroidism, Cushings disease, or diabetes. These conditions can affect your beagles metabolism, hormone levels, or blood sugar, which can make him or her eat more or burn fewer calories. If you suspect your beagle has a medical condition that causes weight gain, you should consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

How to Help Beagle Lose Weight

If your beagle is overweight or obese, you should help him or her lose weight to improve his or her health and quality of life. However, you should not put your beagle on a crash diet or a drastic exercise regimen, as this can be harmful and ineffective. Instead, you should follow these tips to help your beagle lose weight safely and gradually:

• Cut back on their food: The first step to help your beagle lose weight is to reduce his or her calorie intake. You can do this by feeding your beagle smaller portions, using a measuring cup or a scale to measure the food, and following the feeding guidelines on the dog food label. You can also switch to a low-calorie or weight-management dog food that is specially formulated for overweight dogs. However, you should not cut your beagles food too much, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies and health problems.You should aim to reduce your beagles food by 10 to 20 percent, depending on his or her weight and activity level.
• Increase exercise: The second step to help your beagle lose weight is to increase his or her physical activity. Exercise can help your beagle burn calories, build muscle, improve mood, and prevent boredom. You can increase your beagles exercise by taking him or her for longer or more frequent walks, playing fetch, tug-of-war, or other games, or even enrolling him or her in a dog sport or agility class.You should aim to exercise your beagle for at least 30 minutes a day, or more if possible.
• Talk to your veterinarian: The third step to help your beagle lose weight is to consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine your beagles ideal weight, body condition score, and calorie needs. He or she can also recommend the best type and amount of food for your beagle, monitor your beagles weight loss progress, and adjust the diet and exercise plan as needed. Your veterinarian can also check your beagle for any medical conditions that may affect his or her weight and treat them accordingly.
• Be patient: The fourth and final step to help your beagle lose weight is to be patient and consistent. Weight loss in dogs is a slow and steady process that requires time and commitment.You should not expect your beagle to lose weight overnight, or to lose more than one to two percent of his or her body weight per week. You should also not give up or get discouraged if your beagle does not lose weight as fast as you hoped, or if he or she plateaus or gains some weight back. You should stick to the diet and exercise plan, reward your beagle with praise and affection instead of food, and celebrate every small achievement.

How do I keep my Beagle skinny?

In addition to cutting down on calorie intake, boosting physical activity plays a crucial role in aiding a Beagles weight loss. Failure to include exercise in a weight loss regimen can significantly delay observable results. Moreover, consistent physical activity is essential for overall well-being and has the potential to extend a Beagles lifespan.

Why is my Beagle getting fat?

Similar to Retrievers and Spaniels bred for work, Beagles also possess a hearty appetite. Once again, this inclination might be attributed to human-driven breeding practices, where dogs motivated by food were preferred for training purposes. This preference has resulted in the Beagle breed being naturally predisposed to greediness and a higher likelihood of overeating.

Why is my Beagle not losing weight?

Every dog is unique, and if your canine companion is not shedding pounds on the prescribed diet, it could indicate a slower calorie burn rate. The daily food allowance might exceed your dogs energy requirements, necessitating further reduction. Before seeking guidance from your vet, ensure that everyone in the household is adhering to the designated diet plan.

Final Thoughts of Help Beagle Lose Weight

Beagles are wonderful dogs that can bring joy and fun to your life. However, they can also become overweight or obese if they eat too much and exercise too little, which can harm their health and happiness. Therefore, it is important to help your beagle maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

By following the tips in this article, you can help beagle lose weight safely and gradually, and improve his or her well-being. Remember to consult your veterinarian before starting any weight loss program for your beagle, and to monitor your beagles weight and body condition regularly. With your love and support, your beagle can achieve his or her weight loss goals and enjoy a longer and happier life with you.