🐶 Welcoming Your Beagle Pup
Everything you need to raise a happy, healthy, well-adjusted beagle pup.
Bringing home a beagle puppy is the start of an exciting (and sometimes messy!) adventure. With the right foundation, your pup will grow into a smart, social, and loving companion. Let’s get you both off to a great start!
🏠 Crate Training 101
A safe place to rest, recharge, and learn boundaries
Crate training is one of the kindest things you can do for your beagle puppy. It creates a cozy den where they feel safe—and it helps with house training, routine, and preventing destructive behavior.
Tips for success:
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Choose a crate that’s snug but not cramped. (Use a divider if needed.)
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Line it with a soft blanket and a safe chew toy.
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Feed your pup in the crate and offer calm praise.
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Start with short crate sessions and gradually build up.
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Never use the crate for punishment—it should always be a positive place.
📝 Pro tip: Beagles are clever. If they whine, wait until they’re quiet to open the crate—this helps avoid teaching them that whining = release.
🐾 Socialization: Raising a Confident Pup
Introduce the world little by little—with positive experiences.
Socialization is most effective between 8–16 weeks, when your pup’s brain is forming lifelong impressions. Gently exposing them to new people, places, and situations during this window helps prevent fear, aggression, and anxiety later in life.
What to introduce (slowly):
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People of all ages and appearances
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Friendly dogs and vaccinated puppies
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Sounds like vacuums, doorbells, and car rides
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Touching paws, ears, and handling for vet visits
🎉 Celebrate curiosity with treats and praise! If your pup gets nervous, back off and try again later.
🥣 Feeding Your Beagle Puppy
Fueling all those zoomies with the right nutrition
Your beagle pup should be eating puppy-formulated kibble, designed for growth and development. Follow the portion guide on the food label, based on their current weight and age.
Feeding schedule:
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8–12 weeks: 4 meals per day
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3–6 months: 3 meals per day
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6–12 months: 2 meals per day
Stick to meal times instead of free feeding to encourage routine and prevent overeating.
🦴 Healthy treats: Use small, soft training treats or baby carrots for snack time!
🛁 Daily Puppy Care
Your pup’s well-being starts with good daily habits.
Your pup’s well-being starts with simple, consistent habits.
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Brushing (1–2x per week): Helps reduce shedding and gets your puppy used to being handled. Start with a soft-bristle brush and keep sessions short and positive.
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Nail Trimming (Every 2–4 weeks): Long nails can be painful and lead to posture problems. If you're nervous, your vet or groomer can show you how.
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Ear Cleaning (Once a week): Beagle ears trap moisture, making them prone to infections. Use a dog-safe ear cleaner and cotton pad—never stick anything deep inside.
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Bathing (Monthly or as needed): Beagles are fairly clean dogs, but they love to roll in interesting smells. Use a gentle puppy shampoo and avoid overbathing to protect their skin.
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Teeth Brushing (Several times a week): Use a dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup and support long-term health.
📝 Start early and go slow. Turn grooming into bonding time with treats and calm encouragement.
📅 Vet Visits & Preventative Care
Schedule your first vet visit within a week of bringing your pup home.
Your vet will:
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Set up a vaccine schedule (DHPP, rabies, etc.)
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Start heartworm and flea/tick prevention
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Discuss spaying/neutering timelines
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Give tips on microchipping and safe play
Keep a record of vaccine dates and health milestones—you’ll be glad you did.
💛 The Beagle Pup Experience
Raising a beagle is equal parts joy and challenge. With love, patience, and a bit of structure, your floppy-eared friend will grow into a loyal, goofy, and endlessly loving member of the family.
📸 Got puppy pics or tips to share?
Tag us on Instagram @BeagleBuddiesOfSouthBay—we love following your pup’s journey!