matt- I have always kept, and trained rabit dogs, and i agree with jbmaster. he gave great advice. Here are a fiew things that i like to do, maybe it will help you. First things first, keep your dog away from straingers. if they dont see anyone but you for a long time, chances are none else will be able to catch them, just the way i like em. Not only for people trying to steel a good bunny dog, but if you hunt by many roads, people see a cute little beagle, and think its lost, and may pick it up. bad for you! Second, i have made a habit of leaving about 100 feet of small roape tied to the dogs collar when starting them, and try to work in a field, especially if using a shock collar, beagles can be very timmid, and want to hi tail it when shocked. Sometimes i will also catch a rabit in a trap for a puppy, and tie its legs together with string so it can out run the dot, but not by much, some dogs it helps with, some dogs dont need it. just depends on the dog. Last but not least. I recomend you teach your dog the meaning of DOWN!! I use this comand with all my beagles. makes it alot easier to catch them, no mater what may be runing in front of them. How to teach them is up to you, It sounds crude, but my favorite method is to throw my leash in front of them while they are runing, and yell down. Like i said earlier, beagles are usully timid, and will lay down on their bellys, and hold still for a second, be fast, and grab him, and praise him, soon all you will have to do is say down anytime, and he will stop where he is. this can be very handy. Hope i helped. If i can help more, feel free to pm me.