As with all dogs, the type and amount of food offered is determined by the age of the dog. For the first two months of the beagle’s life, the mother’s milk provides all the nutrients needed. Toward the end of this period, after about five weeks, you can begin to wean the pup from its dependence upon the mother and on to eating solid foods.

The period that begins when your beagle becomes dependent upon solid foods, usually at eight weeks, until about six months of age will be one of rapid growth. During this period proper nutrition is critical. Feeding should be scheduled for three times a day. Scheduled feedings are usually logistically easier for the owner, and provide the dog with a dependable regimen that is a great component of improving behavior. This is also the period during which the time allotted for eating is limited, with the food being available for no more than one half hour at each meal.

After six months, you can begin to reduce the number of feedings per day to two: one in the morning and one in the evening. At the age of one year you can further reduce the meals to one a day supplemented by occasional snacks as rewards for training or good behavior.

The puppy phase, which comes to a close during the second year, should be over by the dog’s second birthday. You’ll then have a healthy, well behaved, and happy adult beagle for your constant and loyal companion. Your feeding routine should now be well established for both you and your dog. For the remainder of your time together, the major concern in feeding the beagle should be not to feed it too much. A fat dog is not a healthy dog.

As an adult, your beagle will not need as much food to grow. Watch your dog’s diet and go easy with the snacks. Back when your beagle was just a pup entering your life, you would

Puppyproof your house
You can save yourself and your new puppy a lot of trouble if you take the time to puppyproof your home before you bring him home. Go through your house and put up anything that your new beagle puppy can reach. Put away things that could cause problems such as houseplants. Tape down cords and wires that could be chewed. Consider getting child proof locks for cabinets and trash cans. Look at your home through your new puppy’s eyes and take the appropriate precautions.

Accessorize
Before bringing your new Beagle puppy home you should prepare for him by picking up some of the basic things he will need. All puppies will need a good collar and leash. Nylon is a good choice for a growing puppy. You can choose leather or something fancier (and more expensive) when your puppy is a little older and won’t be outgrowing collars.

Puppies also need toys of their own. Choose a good selection of toys that include both things to chew on and some soft snuggly toys. Beagles aren’t the worst chewers in the world but they are still puppies so they will enjoy some good chew toys. Kongs and Nylabones in various shapes are always popular. Be sure that you don’t get toys that are too small for your puppy. Toys that are too small can be dangerous because your puppy can try to swallow them and may choke. It’s better to get larger toys so there’s no danger of your puppy being able to swallow them.

Rawhides can be problematic. If you do get your puppy a rawhide to chew on look for sterilized rawhides that are made in the United States. Some rawhides imported from other countries have been linked to salmonella. You should also supervise your puppy when he chews on a rawhide. There is always the possibility that he may chew off some pieces and get them stuck in his throat. Puppies (and dogs) don’t need to swallow a lot of rawhide and have it sitting in their tummies. It’s not easily digestible.

Don’t forget to get your beagle puppy a soft bed or mat, especially if you don’t plan on letting him sleep on your bed or on the furniture. A puppy needs a good place to sleep and call his own.

Remember to choose some bowls for your puppy. He will need a water bowl and a dinner bowl. Some people like to get extra bowls so they can always have clean ones if they have one set in the dishwasher. Avoid plastic dishes. Some dogs can have an allergic reaction to plastic pans. Choose metal food dishes or ceramic.

Finally, pick up some of the same food that your puppy is currently eating, whether it’s kibble or canned. It’s not important whether you approve of the food. You need to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach for the first few days by changing food too quickly. If you want to change his diet you can do so gradually after your puppy has been living with you for a few days.

Plan a trip to the vet
Whether you’re getting a Beagle puppy from a breeder or from a rescue or shelter you should plan a trip to the vet within a couple of days of bringing your new puppy home. If you’re getting your puppy from a breeder they may have a contract that asks you to take your puppy to a vet to confirm that the puppy is in good health when you receive him and to follow up with his ongoing vaccinations. If you get your puppy from a rescue or shelter your puppy may have been housed with other dogs who could have been carrying diseases. It’s important for your vet to see your puppy and make sure that he’s in good health. In either case, you can schedule your puppy’s future vaccinations and check-ups.

Go slow
Once you bring your new Beagle puppy home try to take things slow. It’s very exciting to bring a new puppy home. If you have children, especially, it will be hard to contain the excitement. Kids plus puppy equals a wild time! But your puppy is just a baby and his new home can be a little overwhelming. Take him outside often to help him in learning his housetraining. Give him time to explore his parts of the house with you beside him. And, most importantly, let him have lots of time for some sleep. Puppies go all out in play but they also do plenty of sleeping. Your puppy will soon adjust to your home and he’ll be one of the family.