Hi, I'm new to the site and new to owning a beagle. We got Milo (aged almost 5 months) 6 days ago and he's settled in without any fuss - learnt to sit, come, lie down and getting there with toilet outside. He's also very good when we are eating our meals (we eat before him) as he never jumps up or begs. However he goes crazy when we sit down and have a cup of tea or coffee, and when guest come round and have a drink. He tries to jump up and get to the mug. We firmly tell him "No!" and "Down!" but he continues to try it so we have to put him in another room and ignore him.

Anybody got any ideas why he does this? How to stop him? Is it the aroma of the coffee??

Thats a strange one, not heard of this before. You will probably never know why he does it, was he a rescue? perhaps at some time he has been allowed to drink the left overs or had his food weighed out using a cup. Does he do it to cups containing something other than coffee?

Whatever the reason, he has become conditioned to this behavior and you need to change the behavior to something more appropriate.
I would try holding a cup and getting him to lie down in his bed, perhaps put a few treats on his bed each time you pick up the cup, but only when he is calm. He should soon associate you holding a cup to him laying on his bed calmly.

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No he's not a rescue dog - he's from a breeder. Yes we do measure out his food first in a measuring beaker, and so did the breeder before, so maybe he is thinking the mugs of tea/coffee also hold his food (maybe also because he can't see whats in the mugs from down there he might assume his food is in there).

Think i'll just try and expose him to us drinking out of the mugs - and if he jumps up tell him firmly "no", gently push him away and ignore him/put him in another room - and hopefully this behaviour will calm down.

Hi,

I agree that any training will need to be really repetitive, I've got Alfie, an 9 month old Beagle and there was no way we could have sat down with a cuppa without him putting his tongue in it a few months ago! He is slowly getting a lot better and learnt that it's not for him. I think it just takes time and an awful amount of patience! I've been scalded more than once, as long as its me though and not him!

I think they do have peculiar little traits, Alf's is definitely barking, at anything and anyone!

You'll have to put some photos on soon, good luck!

Hollie x

I applaud you on taking on a Beagle for your first dog as they can be so challenging to train.My friend bought a Beagle as her first dog;knowing nothing and she has many problems with him.As her friend I have learned not to advise as of course she knows best.Having learnt the breed I know they are very persistant to get attention.Well done on your training with him,just remember training is for life.When you decide to have your coffee he needs to learn this is your time,and before he receives any attention he should be calm and focused.If he has a spot in the same room as your coffee break try a pigs ear-make it a spot where he is occupied and drinking your coffee will become a bore for him.Its like my friend when shes on the phone he will jump on her and demand until she gives in and rewards him with affection.Big mistake.He has now taken lead of the situation.Have you tried ignoring when he jumps up and turning your back to him?Even by saying no or down,he is still receiving attention from you which means he has won.Try and tell your guests to do the same as he must learn this is your time and when you have finished your cuppa take him outside and have a play,so lomg as he has behaved and has been calm whilst you have your down time.Down the track you could try drawing an invisible line that he cant cross but can see you.Teaching him to wait,or stay at that line is always a good command.Teach him boundaries and remember you are in charge.Be persisant and patient.Dont give up because Beagles wont.You dont need to be harsh,just patient and practise.Sounds like you are doing all the right things from a trainers point of view and doing way better than many people in my classes because of your training.Keep it up and well done.