Advice on my beagle vs roommate

[aristobrat]

Thanks for all of the replies!

mkrishnan, the beagle came before the roommate, and the roommate knew the beagle quite well before he moved in. The beagle has 24/7 access to the roommates room, and the only item that he's ever "gone after" is the backpack, and even then, only when it's on the floor and full of food. So far, the beagle's not damaged the backpack -- he's somehow figured out how to unzip it (vs. ripping it to shreds) to get to the food.

I think all of us are going to end up working on this. I'll try some of Cybix's training ideas to see if I can train the beagle to ignore the backpack when it has food in it, and the roommate will work to keep the backpack off of the floor of his room when it's full of food (or at least keep the door closed).

Thankfully, this event doesn't happen often. It's just when it does, tempers really flare. I appreciate everyone's replies.

 

[nbs2]

I think all of us are going to end up working on this. I'll try some of Cybix's training ideas to see if I can train the beagle to ignore the backpack when it has food in it, and the roommate will work to keep the backpack off of the floor of his room when it's full of food (or at least keep the door closed).

Glad to see things are working out amicably. Would have been silly to see things get ruined over something so easily resolved.

 

[emmawu]

You can always get a new roommate. Beagles on the other hand are always so sweet.

 

[devilot]

Not only do I agree with the consensus, but putting chocolate where a dog can get at it is a very bad thing for the dog.

That was my first thought as well.

OP, I'd actually be upset w/ my housemate if s/he left chocolate within reach of a pet. Especially if said pet had actually consumed some chocolate because of that person's inability to keep potential toxins up and out of reach.

A backpack on the bed or desk is not difficult to do. Neither is closing one simple door.

Forget about training the beagle... tell your housemate that if he doesn't change his behaviors, he can pay for any potential vet and hospital bills.

 

[mkrishnan]

Glad to see things are working out amicably. Would have been silly to see things get ruined over something so easily resolved.

Me too. It sounds like you're all doing a great job of working together... I think it would be a shame too to lose a friendship in a situation like this. Although it is kind of true, you know? Like sometimes living together can be the worse thing you can do to a friendship?