They are definitely old enough to be taught. I like to start mine around 3-4 months, but some guys dont start them until 12 months. 1st suggestion is go to your local co-op and buy a tame rabbit and let them run him in a rabbit/coon cage. This is the best time of year to train beagles as there are rabbits all over the place since they're breeding now and in the spring & summer, there's a lot of scent on the dew. Take a spotlight or maglight out at night and shine one, then take the dogs over to the trail and get them psyched and praise them when they start running it.