Alaska Beagle Ranch

Alaska Beagle Ranch, a non-profit beagle rescue in Wasilla, Alaska and talks everything beagle. Our mission is for every beagle, especially in Alaska, has a healthy home.

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Alaska Beagle Ranch

ABR E36

August 14, 2023 • Dave Dorsey • Season 1 • Episode 36

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Answering listeners questions. 10 Fun facts about beagles. Also, if you’re new to being a beagle parent, you might wonder what you can expect from your beagle’s behavior as it grows older.

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Alaska Beagle Ranch

Episode 36

Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of the Alaska Beagle Ranch. I’m Dave Dorsey and I manage the ranch located near Wasilla, Alaska. There are presently 19 beagles and 1 basset at the ranch right now. One beagle is with one of our fosters. We do have 1 beagle mix, up for adoption. Listen for more information later in this podcast. Alaska Beagle Ranch is the only rescue in Alaska dedicated to beagles only.

Thank you to all our listeners. This week we welcome new international listeners from Craiova, Romania and Frankfurt, Germany. In the US, we have new listeners from Seattle, Washington and Nashville, Tennessee. Of course, our largest listener groups are here in Alaska. Welcome and I hope you like what we have for you here. We do appreciate your support. The Alaska Beagle Ranch has over 1300 downloads since we started doing our podcast last November. We are available wherever you listen to your podcasts at.

Alaska Beagle Ranch is the number 1 beagle podcast on PlayerFM.

While I’m talking about it, will you take a moment and write us a review. Tell us what you think, how we are doing and maybe what you would like to hear more about. Help us get the word out about the Alaska Beagle Ranch.

You also can help support our podcast by donating on PayPal @Beagle Ranch 907.

Today’s podcast is dedicated to Minion. No, he was not a beagle, but he was a heart stealer.

I have a couple questions I’d like to reply to.

1 – Dave, we would like to apply for the adoption of Sammy. How do we get an application and when do we expect an answer.

Email me at akbeagleranch@gmail.com requesting an application. We do require that you have a fenced yard and beagle experience. Also, if you’re a tenant, a letter from you landlord approving pets.

2 – Dave, I would like to visit the beagles at the ranch. When is a good time to visit?

The Alaska Beagle Ranch is operated out of my home, and we’re not really set up for visitors. However, if you email me a request at akbeagleranch@gmail.com , I’ll consider a visit on a weekend if I don’t have other commitments.

3 – Dave, is the Alaska Beagle Ranch a true non-profit?

Yes! 100%. Our EIN with the IRS is 92-0777712 for tax purposes. We also have an Alaska business license, a Matanuska-Susitna Borough Business License, and a Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care Facility License, better known as a kennel license. All of that can be verified online at whatever agency you would like to check. If we meet in person for any reason, I can show them to you.

4 – and last, Dave, can I adopt a dog if I don’t live in Alaska. Sorry but no. We prefer that you live in the Matsu or Anchorage Boroughs. The logistics of sending an animal solo out of Alaska is a nightmare, a little expensive and very stressful on the pup. Also, I don’t trust the airline industry right now.

Alright, time to turn crank up the fun meter.

10 Fun Facts About the Beagles from the American Kennel Club with a few comments from me.

Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They’re known for being great family pets, but there’s a lot that you probably didn’t know about Beagles. Here are 10 interesting facts about this beloved breed.

1. Beagles Were Bred for Hunting

Beagles are excellent dogs for hunting rabbits and hares. They have a phenomenal sense of smell and seemingly endless stamina. When fox hunting became popular, breeders created the Foxhound by crossing a Beagle with a Buckhound.

2. Their Ears Help Their Noses

According to the AKC breed standard, Beagles’ ears, when drawn out, reach the end of their nose. Those long ears actually catch scent particles and keep them close to the dog’s nose, so he can take in as much information as possible.

3. They Come in Two Different Sizes

In the U.S., Beagles are classified in one of two ways in terms of size. There are Beagles under 13 inches and those over 13 inches but at or under 15 inches. The height limit of a Beagle in the U.S. is 15 inches. In England, however, it is 16 inches.

4. Beagles Can Vocalize Three Ways

The name “Beagle” is thought to come from the French word “begueule,” meaning “gaped throat,” and Beagles can definitely live up to that namesake. The Beagle is one of the most vocal dog breeds. They can make three different sounds—a standard bark, a yodel-like sound called a bay (which they use when hunting), and a howl.

You can ask my neighbors about those three different sounds.

5. Beagles’ Tails Are Like White Flags

Many Beagles have white-tipped tails. This white tip was bred into Beagles so that they would be visible when they had their noses to the ground during a hunt.

My beagle Winston is an escape artist. He tunnels under our privacy fence. This time of year the grass and bushes are tall and full. When looking for him, it’s his white tipped tail that gives him away.

6. Many Beagles Have Jobs

A Beagle’s incredible sense of smell makes them a great working dog. Beagles are often used as bedbug detectors. The Department of Homeland Security also uses Beagles in airports to find food in passengers’ luggage, to prevent the spread of foreign diseases and parasites. This team of dogs is called the Beagle Brigade.

7. A Beagle Named Elvis Could Smell Pregnancy

“Polar bear pregnancy detector” is a much less common Beagle job, but it does exist. A two-year-old Beagle named Elvis was actually trained to determine whether a polar bear was pregnant by smelling her poop. Elvis is a tremendous help to zookeepers who couldn’t tell whether their polar bears are actually pregnant or exhibiting pseudopregnancy. Elvis identified samples from pregnant females with impressive accuracy.

8. President Lyndon Johnson Had Three Beagles

Their names were “Him,” “Her,” and “Edgar.” There’s no explanation as to why the first two were named Him and Her, but the third one was named after J. Edgar Hoover, the Director of the FBI, who gave the dog to Johnson after Him and Her died. Him also sired a litter of puppies while he lived in the White House, and the president’s daughter, Luci, took two of them and named them Kim and Freckles. Freckles remained at the White House after Luci left.

In 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson lifted a beagle by its ears in front of reporters, he enraged animal lovers and animal rights groups. Johnson, a Texan and dog lover, pulled the stunt to make the dog yelp before some visiting businessmen, according to Life magazine, and said "It does them good to let them yelp." He claimed he didn't think he was hurting the dog, but Humane Society spokespeople begged to differ, and Johnson caught heat from activists' public statements and newspaper editorial pages. It was a public bickering match that the President wasn't going to win. Today, the photo and the botched response stands as one of the most memorable presidential gaffes of all time.

9. A Giant Beagle Float Featured in the Pasadena Rose Parade

In 1965, a massive Beagle float was part of the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. But this wasn’t a true-to-life Beagle. This float measured 20 feet and wore a 10-gallon hat.

10. Snoopy Is a Beagle

You may not initially think that Charlie Brown’s beloved pet is a Beagle, but in fact, he is an AKC-registered Beagle.

Snoopy turned 73 on August 10, 2023. He’s still Joe Cool to me.

Alright, if you’re new to being a beagle parent, you might wonder what you can expect from my beagle’s behavior as it grows older.

Beagle Behavior by Age (What Changes to Expect) by Raaj Mehta at beaglecare.com

You might have seen beagles who are very calm and gentle, and obedient. On the other hand, your beagle puppy is naughty and mischievous.

Well, there’s nothing to worry about. The behavior of beagles changes with their age. You can expect different behavior at different stages of their life:

Beagles are super energetic and playful in their puppyhood. Between their adolescent age of 6 to 12 months, their behavior can be unpredictable and less obedient. They are relatively calm in their adult age, and they become slow and lazy in their senior years.

Further, we will have a deeper understanding of the behavior changes of Beagles as per their age.

Beagle Behavior at 0-2 Weeks

Beagles at this age are newborn. They won’t be doing much apart from sleeping and eating.

The eyes of the newborns remain closed in the first two weeks. They won’t be able to see anything. Apart from that, at this age, they are deaf too. They will hardly react to anything.

Beagle Behavior at 2-4 Weeks

They will finally open their eyes, and over the weeks, their vision will become clearer. They will also be able to hear you now.

They will stick around their mother and still spend most of their time sleeping. By the 4th week, they may crawl and try to explore their environment.

Beagle Behavior at 4-8 weeks

Over these weeks, all their senses of hearing, smelling, and seeing will develop. But make sure not to expose them to strong light and loud noises just yet.

They will be even more curious. They would want to explore their surroundings, smell things, and listen to different sounds.

They will still spend most of the time sleeping. But while awake, expect them to be playful and mischievous with their siblings and mother.

The latter part of this stage is very important. This is the time when they will learn basic socialization skills from their mother and siblings. So, make sure not to separate your pup from its family.

Beagle Behavior at 8-12 weeks

At this stage, beagle puppies are ready to go to their new home with their new family.

They will have a better sense of hearing and will be able to understand a few commands. However, they are still fearful at this age, so do not expose them to loud music or sounds.

They will be much more curious to explore their new home. They may go to different rooms and smell things around the house.

They will sleep for more than 18 hours a day, but they will be curious and playful when they are awake.

Beagle Behavior at 3-6 months old

At this age, you will get to see your puppy’s true energy level. They will be running around all over the house, chewing on things, and even biting you.

They will test their boundaries to see how far they can push you. For instance, they may bark for a longer period until they get something. They may even bite you when things don’t go their way.

When Groot was at this stage, I almost thought my beagle was aggressive and totally out of control. But the Groot (2 years old) that we know now is a very well-behaved, gentle, and obedient dog.

This is the right time to start your beagle’s obedient training. Consistent training using positive reinforcement will help you shape your beagle into a perfect companion.

Later in this stage, they may also attempt to dominate you and become alpha themselves. So, make sure to teach them the proper hierarchy of your family. They need to understand that they are a part of your family, but they are at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Beagle Behavior at 6 to 12 months old

It’s all uphill from here. Your beagle will start becoming calmer with every passing day. All their bad behaviors will start fading down. With consistent training and positive reinforcements, the pup will be much more obedient.

Your beagle will still try to test their boundaries now and then. You will often find them chewing on furniture or notice other destructive behaviors.

So, it is crucial to train them regularly and correct their behaviors using positive reinforcements.

Nevertheless, they will still be hyperactive and equally curious about everything. They will still have a strong urge to explore new places and smell different scents.

Male beagles may get into a habit of humping things or even people.

Beagle Behavior at 1-2 years old

Your beagle is no longer a puppy now, he or she has become an adult. Their growth rate will slow down, but they will continue to grow until they are 18 months old.

They will be less curious and more mature at this age. At this stage, you will get to know the true personality of your beagle. You will be able to see their love and affection for you.

They will have slightly better control over their impulses and excitement. You will notice that your training has finally paid off.

Your beagle will be much more disciplined and well-behaved. However, you must continue with their training.

They may show destructive behavior if you don’t provide them with enough exercise. So, take them out on long walks daily and play with them.

Beagle Behavior at 2-9 years old

Your beagle will become much calmer and obedient when they turn 2. They will be in the best form of their life.

You will get to see a totally different side of your dog, and you will love it.

There will be a deep connection between you two. You both will have a better understanding of each other.

Beagle Behavior at 9 – 15 years old

At this age, the senior years of your beagle start. They will still be loving and affectionate towards you and other family members. But they will be a lot calmer and inactive.

There will be a notable difference in their behavior too. They will act ‘OLD.’

They won’t run around the house or jump on you to get your food anymore. They will be a lot more inactive and lazier. They will spend most of their time sleeping and lying in their bed.

Beagle Behavior by Age Chart

Beagle Spotlight: : After 15 years, my cousin Dallas and her hubby Eric lost their dear Baby Minion. Dallas visited the Alaska Beagle Ranch earlier this summer and was here when I lost my Macy.The following is their post on Facebook.

This afternoon Dallas and I went through with our most heartbreaking decision to let our Sweet Baby Minion take his final rest. Earlier in the week he suffered another episode caused by his vestibular disease and this one was just too much for him to bear. While he wasn’t in pain or any suffering, he was unable to walk or stand on his own anymore. Even had he been able to pull through this, it can sometimes take weeks to recover, especially if they’re an older dog. This was never the life we
wanted for our boy. He has fought through so much in his life to be here and
give us all the joy that he has, that he simply did not have anything left to
give. It was up to us and it was our responsibility to decide that Minion
deserved his peace. We wanted him to go with dignity and not waste away just
existing on a blanket. We wanted people to remember him as the smiley, pit bull
faced dog that he was; always with a waggy tail and waiting for you at the
door. He was visited by friends and family over the weekend who gave their love
and farewells to him. We loved our boy for nearly fifteen long years and
there’s not a memory in this house that doesn’t include him. Everyone knew him
because through all the years of the BBQs and holiday parties and birthday
parties, Minion was there. He’s been a part of our home since it’s inception
and now he’s gone. I still can’t wrap my head around it. Yesterday I couldn’t
help thinking how we’ve had fifteen years with our boy and now I only have one
night left. We are utterly broken. We are drained and tired and spent. He was
our bestest pal, the goodest of all boys, and our sweet little Min-min. The
only solace in this horrible experience is knowing how much of a joy Minion was
to everyone that loved him. There’s a reason he is called ‘Sweet Baby Minion’.
Everyone that played with him. Everyone that swam with him. Everyone that
entered our home and was greeted by his giant pit bull smile only to be
escorted out the same way when they left. Well, now it’s Minion’s turn to
leave. Dallas carried him into this house when we first got him and I carried
him out when it was time for him to go. He passed on peacefully, here in our
home, with Dallas and I just as he would have wanted. And although we’ll never
again notice the tap-tap-tap of his feet on the tile or hear him drinking much
too loudly from his water bowl or listen to him throwing himself about on the
stairs; we live on knowing that he has left an indelible mark on not only ours
lives, but all of those that have graced us with their presence at our home.
His home. Always. Rest well, my Sweetest Boy in All the Land.

Our thoughts are with you Dallas and Eric. It was special that Minion had your love, and you had his.

Shoutout! Shoutout to my Grandson Austin Sanders. Today he leaves Alaska to go to San Diego to become a U.S. Marine. Stay safe and do us proud. Semper Fidelis

Hey, do you know what I’m thinking of? Will you take a moment and write us a review. Tell us what you think, how we are doing and maybe what you would like to hear more about. Help us get the word out about the Alaska Beagle Ranch.

You can also help support our podcast by donating on PayPal @Beagle Ranch 907.

Remember, your next forever pooch can be at your local shelter or rescue.

Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue organization not only saves that one animal’s life, but it also saves the life of another animal who can now take the empty spot you’ve opened. Also, most of the people you’ll see working at the shelter are volunteers. And the ones at the rescue, chances are they all are volunteers.

The Alaska Beagle Ranch is a nonprofit and we depend on donations to help us with our mission. What is our mission? Our mission and our goal are for every beagle, especially in Alaska, has a happy home. For our beagles to be happy, they need to be healthy. We only adopt healthy beagles, so we need your help in paying medical bills to get or keep them healthy so they can find their forever home. Beagles that can’t be adopted become resident beagles at ABR. Their medical, food and upkeep can be costly. We know that the economy isn’t as good as we would like it to be. Just a few dollars add up and goes a long, long way. Go to our Facebook page of Alaska Beagle Ranch and you can find out how you can donate through PayPal or Amazon.

Thank you for listening to the Alaska Beagle Ranch. If you know someone who is looking to get a beagle, please share our podcast with them. All the episodes will tell you what you need to know about beagles. If you have any questions about beagles and if they are right for you, email me at akbeagleranch@gmail.com or call us at 907-202-4226.

You can follow us on Facebook at Alaska Beagle Ranch or on Twitter at @beagle_ranch. If you would like to support the Alaska Beagle Ranch, there are links on how to on our Facebook page. Our show notes can be found at alaskabeagleranch.buzzsprout.com.

Be sure to like, subscribe and maybe give some feedback. See you next week at the Alaska Beagle Ranch.