Wow, I could go on for a while about starting beagles. One thing I've done is to work the dog on a tame rabbit while it's a pup. Diamond is just over 12 weeks old and has been running tame rabbits for the better part of 2 weeks now, maybe closer to 3.

Put the rabbit in a wire cage where the dog can see & smell it. Encourage the dog when it gets close. Praise it and get it all fired up.

Another time, tie the dog to a tree or have someone hold the dog on a leash while you chase the rabbit around in front of it. The dog will try to break free it will be so excited. Finally let it off the leash and let it chase the rabbit.

Run the dog w/ other dogs after it gets the hang of it, but don't brace or pack it too much. General rule of thumb while they're young and learning, 4 solo runs to every1 brace (2 dogs) or pack (x dogs).

Take the dog out early in the a.m. and late in the p.m. when rabbits are active. This increases your chances of crossing a fresh track and jumping a rabbit.