Let the games begin
.
I was wondering if his name was any indication of his powers to escape. I guess it was. One thing to do until you find out how he escapes (may result in setting up a camcorder) is walk the perimeter of your yard to check for "little diggins", ie. areas he has been working on to dig out. Diggers can be real problems, but I've heard that if you put his poo in the hole his trying to dig, he'll stop or move somewhere else in which case repeat step one. Another thing I've heard is to put pepper (black or cayenne) around areas he digs, not sure how well it works though.
Also try to see if he is jumping the fence to get out. You'd be amazed how high dogs can jump and many can climb fences too. This is important to figure out especially if Houdini wears a collar. I have heard several horror stories of people loosing their dogs by getting their collar caught on a fence and hanging themselves. Oh, and DO NOT let him wear a choker collar/chain as a regular collar. Chokers are training devices ONLY, used while leash training your dog or when you take him out on a leash. I cannot emphasize this enough. If a choke collar get caught on anything it could result in death as your dog struggles to free himself.
I also caution the leash in the yard deal. For dogs not use to this set-up it can also be dangerous. Especially hyper dogs who will pull hard enough and long enough to do damage to their throat. If the leash is nylon, he'll probably chew through it to get free. Be sure he can reach water and shade/shelter while on the leash.
I also highly suggest getting him an ID tag for his successful escapes
.
I kinda had a feeling about the howling. Never met a Beagle-O who didn't. When I take my dogs to Dog Beach, you can hear the Beagle-O's a mile away and you know their Beagles without even seeing um. I can tell the neighbors are going to love you, and Houdini. Even friendly neighbors can turn into your worst nightmare if Houdini constently howls. If this starts to become an issue, let me know and I'll try to help, but howling/barking dogs is a tough one especially if he howls every time you leave him alone
.
I've had a couple of dogs (and cats) that do the laying down w/ back legs splayed out thing. It is so cute, I love it. A lot of time dogs who do this use it as a way to cool down when hot (ie. on cool cement, tile floors, or the linoleium).
Getting "second-hand" dogs usually presents a set of problems that you might not have if you raised him as a pup. It will take patience and praise on your part to get him to change his ways, but hopefully he'll come around. It is difficult to go from having run of the house to "structure". The rebelling on his part may manifest itself in very creative ways. I'd watch out for chewing. This is a common one, aside from shitting/pissing where he's not supposed to
. Let me know if chewing becomes an issue and I'll try to help there too.
Good luck, enjoy him, and give the little beggar a kiss from me
LUVBUGZ