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Beagles For Dummies
Get the scoop on bringing a Beagle home and raising him right
Beagles are an extraordinary breed―no bones about it. They’re cute, compact, fun-loving, and great with kids. (Not to mention those soulful eyes!) But their sense of humor, independence, and stubborn nature isn’t for everyone. So whether you’re thinking about getting your very own Snoopy-dog, or if you’ve already opened your heart and home to one, Beagles for Dummies answers important questions Life with these little hounds can lead to years of merriment, entertainment, and love―but if you think Beagles are just another hound dog, think again! Whether you want to know everything there is to living with a Beagle, or just want to skip to a relevant subject (like how to keep him out of the hamper), Beagles for Dummies gives you everything you need to choose and raise your Snoopy soul mate.
Beagles are an extraordinary breed―no bones about it. They’re cute, compact, fun-loving, and great with kids. (Not to mention those soulful eyes!) But their sense of humor, independence, and stubborn nature isn’t for everyone. So whether you’re thinking about getting your very own Snoopy-dog, or if you’ve already opened your heart and home to one, Beagles for Dummies answers important questions Life with these little hounds can lead to years of merriment, entertainment, and love―but if you think Beagles are just another hound dog, think again! Whether you want to know everything there is to living with a Beagle, or just want to skip to a relevant subject (like how to keep him out of the hamper), Beagles for Dummies gives you everything you need to choose and raise your Snoopy soul mate.
- GenresNonfictionDogs
296 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2006
30 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2015
A good introductory book that covers a lot of topics about beagles. It bothered me a bit that the author didn't seem to have owned a beagle personally, however she seems to have done all her research and seems well informed for the most part. I would have liked more personal testimonies and its a bit repetitive (understandably so by nature of being a "how-to" book), but other than that no complaints - I feel very confident about understanding our new puppy's behavior =] 4/5
November 5, 2022
Kinda outdated and not super beagle specific
May 13, 2014
This book has a lot of helpful advice for the dog owner. Especially those who have never had a dog. It took me a long time to read it because it is a reference book and not something with a plot that pulled me back to it frequently. This book would be perfect for the older child begging for a Beagle.
The book is supposed to be focusing on Beagles and it is, at times, successful but other times over generalized. It didn't really talk in depth about health, or behavior problems specific to Beagles although it did touch on them. Sometimes it felt like an outline for a general dog book was provided to every author of the breed specific Dummies books and they used a "Find and Replace" to change the word to each specific breed. Who ever heard of a Beagle with a poor appetite? There is a large section dedicated to the finicky eater. Really? The author did get it right when she gave instructions for cleaning the Beagles anal glands since they are a breed who tends to get them impacted more than others (although she didn't specifically say this.)
The book is listed as 270 pages but it actually ends at 256 pages and the final pages are an index so it would be a very fast read if you dedicated a block of time to it. I read it cover to cover but the author also also suggested flipping to the sections that interest you; since it is a reference book it wouldn't hurt at all to read it out of order.
My favorite chapter was toward the end, chapter 19, the one in which the author lists 10 unique Beagle occupations and activities: including stories about real life Beagles, Beagles in literature (I wrote down some interesting book and movie titles) and in pop culture, and other Beagle trivia.
I did tire of the author calling Beagles Snoopy Dogs since it is difficult to see Snoopy as a Beagle but I do understand the desire of an author to have a synonym for such a specific word so that the text doesn't feel overly repetitive to readers.
I'll be hanging on to this book and putting it right next to the 100 and 1 dog tricks book in the dogs' room. I think my dog sitter might find it handy or at least interesting to flip through and I might like to read a section here and there when I'm waiting to let the dogs back in or otherwise killing time.
The book is supposed to be focusing on Beagles and it is, at times, successful but other times over generalized. It didn't really talk in depth about health, or behavior problems specific to Beagles although it did touch on them. Sometimes it felt like an outline for a general dog book was provided to every author of the breed specific Dummies books and they used a "Find and Replace" to change the word to each specific breed. Who ever heard of a Beagle with a poor appetite? There is a large section dedicated to the finicky eater. Really? The author did get it right when she gave instructions for cleaning the Beagles anal glands since they are a breed who tends to get them impacted more than others (although she didn't specifically say this.)
The book is listed as 270 pages but it actually ends at 256 pages and the final pages are an index so it would be a very fast read if you dedicated a block of time to it. I read it cover to cover but the author also also suggested flipping to the sections that interest you; since it is a reference book it wouldn't hurt at all to read it out of order.
My favorite chapter was toward the end, chapter 19, the one in which the author lists 10 unique Beagle occupations and activities: including stories about real life Beagles, Beagles in literature (I wrote down some interesting book and movie titles) and in pop culture, and other Beagle trivia.
I did tire of the author calling Beagles Snoopy Dogs since it is difficult to see Snoopy as a Beagle but I do understand the desire of an author to have a synonym for such a specific word so that the text doesn't feel overly repetitive to readers.
I'll be hanging on to this book and putting it right next to the 100 and 1 dog tricks book in the dogs' room. I think my dog sitter might find it handy or at least interesting to flip through and I might like to read a section here and there when I'm waiting to let the dogs back in or otherwise killing time.
January 21, 2013
This book may be tremendously helpful or slightly so,depending upon how much you already know about this breed, and whether you are going to get into the complex areas of dog ownership, such as breeding and showing your pooch, or just having a great pet at home.
I'm on my second beagle. I am not interesting in showing or hunting, but I learned some things I hadn't known before. I thought there was a wide range of sizes; actually, there are just two sizes, but they are different enough that one breed size ends up weighing almost double the amount of the smaller, and there is no official designation (such as toy, miniature, etc) to distinguish them, they are either 13 or 15 inch dogs, period. I also thought I had struck it rich twice by getting a beagle with soft, silky fur instead of hard, less-appealing to the touch fur. It turns out that this is considered a flaw! Well, I paid less for the dog partly due to that most likely, than what other breeders charged, and my family was happy with the deal.
If you are considering getting a beagle for the first time, I really do recommend you read this first unless you know what you are getting into. They are delightful animals under the right circumstances, but not for everyone. If you are already experienced, the book might give you an interesting insight or two, but you aren't a "Dummy", and this book was not written for you.
I'm on my second beagle. I am not interesting in showing or hunting, but I learned some things I hadn't known before. I thought there was a wide range of sizes; actually, there are just two sizes, but they are different enough that one breed size ends up weighing almost double the amount of the smaller, and there is no official designation (such as toy, miniature, etc) to distinguish them, they are either 13 or 15 inch dogs, period. I also thought I had struck it rich twice by getting a beagle with soft, silky fur instead of hard, less-appealing to the touch fur. It turns out that this is considered a flaw! Well, I paid less for the dog partly due to that most likely, than what other breeders charged, and my family was happy with the deal.
If you are considering getting a beagle for the first time, I really do recommend you read this first unless you know what you are getting into. They are delightful animals under the right circumstances, but not for everyone. If you are already experienced, the book might give you an interesting insight or two, but you aren't a "Dummy", and this book was not written for you.
November 4, 2009
An excellent read-through and reference book for anyone who owns or is considering getting a beagle. However, for any Cesar Millan fans out there, Susan McCullough's dog-training methods differ on a few key points. For instance, McCullough suggests that when meeting a beagle litter to pick out your puppy, it's okay to just let the puppy pick you. As Millan describes in "How to Raise the Perfect Dog," and John Grogan illustrates in "Marley & Me," letting the puppy pick you often guarantees that you end up with the most dominant and rambunctious "pick" of the litter.
As with most "For Dummies" books, "Beagles For Dummies" was long-winded and repetitive in some places and focuses for too long on the most fundamental of details. In some sections McCullough even seemed to resort to copy and paste, so that I experienced frequent deja vu while reading. If you're thinking, "Wait a minute, have I read this before?" Why yes, you have. Because she said the exact same thing, in the exact same wording, only a few chapters earlier. But for dummies, I guess repetition is key.
As with most "For Dummies" books, "Beagles For Dummies" was long-winded and repetitive in some places and focuses for too long on the most fundamental of details. In some sections McCullough even seemed to resort to copy and paste, so that I experienced frequent deja vu while reading. If you're thinking, "Wait a minute, have I read this before?" Why yes, you have. Because she said the exact same thing, in the exact same wording, only a few chapters earlier. But for dummies, I guess repetition is key.
August 7, 2013
This was a fine general book with some insights into the breed. I did learn a few things, and I will be following up on some of the resources she provided. A few quibbles: The author has not owned (or been owned by) a beagle (you need to experience one full time to truly get them, although she does pretty well). I'm not sure anyone thinks of their beagle as a "Snoopy-dog." The repeated use of this term as a synonym for beagle became grating. Finally, the distinctive beagle vocalization is called "baying," not howling, especially when referring to vocalizations on the hunt. Again, this is something you need to hear to understand--there is a difference. And finally, a small defense of beagles: Although it's good to assume that your beagle will be a vocal dog, my beagle and a number of beagles at the rescue group I got him from are totally silent (and no, they were not debarked). Otherwise, this is a good starting place for potential beagle owners.
June 4, 2008
Looks like we've settled on a dog breed, now we have to find the dog!! =o)
Ok, so this book is great until you get the training section. I'm not a fan of the methods she used and will stick with the Puppy Preschool pre-training if we get the pup we are looking at and then move to his other book about training older dogs when we get there.
Ok, so this book is great until you get the training section. I'm not a fan of the methods she used and will stick with the Puppy Preschool pre-training if we get the pup we are looking at and then move to his other book about training older dogs when we get there.
July 19, 2009
This book is helpful for people considering adopting/buying a beagle or for those who have a new beagle. Her writing can be somewhat annoying (calling the dogs "Snoopy-dogs" a lot) or she can be over the top (recommending buying doggie seatbelts) but overall the information is helpful. I would say it is definitely a book to read before adopting/buying a new beagle!
July 7, 2013
We just got two new beagle puppies and having not ever grown up with dogs, thought I could use some help. This book was very helpful and made me feel way more knowledgeable about being able to care for our puppies and what to do or expect. I am very glad I read this before we got our sweet puppies.
August 1, 2012
This book was very easy to read. It covered a large variety of topics and left me feeling very prepared to welcome a beagle into my life.
August 4, 2014
I think Beagles are my favorite dog breed, along with labs. This was a good book on beagles and informative. Recommended.
2014-Summer-Reading-Review
2014-Summer-Reading-Review
January 27, 2013
Very helpful when we added a rescued beagle to our home!
April 16, 2017
Comprehensive and funny
August 31, 2018
Beagles are an extraordinary breed—no bones about it. They’re cute, compact, fun-loving, and great with kids. (Not to mention those soulful eyes!) But their sense of humor, independence, and stubborn nature isn’t for everyone. So whether you’re thinking about getting your very own Snoopy-dog, or if you’ve already opened your heart and home to one, Beagles for Dummies answers important questions like:
What are Beagles supposed to look like and how should they behave?
Should I choose a puppy or an adult dog? Male or female?
How do I correct my Beagle’s behavior problems?
What do I need to do to survive my Beagle’s puppyhood?
How can I Beagle-proof my house to keep him (and my stuff) safe?
What should I teach my Beagle to do? How do I teach him?
What health problems is my Beagle likely to have when he’s young? How about when he grows up—or gets old?
Life with these little hounds can lead to years of merriment, entertainment, and love—but if you think Beagles are just another hound dog, think again! Whether you want to know everything there is to living with a Beagle, or just want to skip to a relevant subject (like how to keep him out of the hamper), Beagles for Dummies gives you everything you need to choose and raise your Snoopy soul mate.
**
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews