In this Field Notes conversation, I sit down with Megan Plete to talk beagles — why they’re built the way they are, what makes them special in the field, and what it actually takes to own and train one. We get into instinct vs training, patience, and the realities of running dogs that are bred to follow their nose. We also touch on rabbit hunting as the backdrop for why beagles do what they do, along with stories that show just how tough, quirky, and driven these dogs really are. If you’ve ever thought about owning a beagle or running dogs, this one gives a real look at the good, the challenging, and the rewarding parts.

TakeAways:

• Beagles are small, dense, and tough — built to push through rough cover

• You don’t train instinct into a dog, you learn how to work with it

• Patience matters more than perfection when starting beagles

• Every beagle has its own personality and quirks

• Owning and running dogs is a commitment, not a shortcut