rescuing senior beagle

How sad that he has been chained for so many years of his life.   I hope everything works out and how wonderful his senior years will be with a caring family. 

We had a similiar situation with our Bernese Mtn dog, Hot Shot but he was 3 1/2 not 12.  Our methods of training were out the window with him.  We just spoke softly, made sure we took him out often, no punishment as it is not his fault that he was abused.  He is now the best behaved boy but it did take some time and lots of patience.  We were also training our LabX Rocky at the same time and he was about 4 mths old when we got Hot

I hope the introductions go well.  I'd suggest one at a time introductions so as not to overwhelm the potential adoptee.  

A crate is going to be a huge help if you decide to adopt this beagle.  If your other dogs are crate trained, that will help too.  Everyone should have a place to call their own, especially when a newcomer is introduced.  He may not have been socialized as a pup and all the new experiences, household objects, sounds(vacuum cleaner for example), dogs, people, etc. might be overwhelming to him at first.   I'd put his crate in an out of the way area and cover it.  After a few days, move it closer to the household activity.  Don't feel guilty about restricting him to a crate for a while.  It's not a jail cell, it's a safe haven where he can observe while still feeling safe.

Presumably the new dog isn't going to be housetrained but some dogs learn quickly if treated like a very young puppy from day one.  Praise every time he eliminates outside and avoid punishing him for accidents indoors.

Some dogs who have spent their whole lives outside are very uncomfortable indoors.  Most do adjust to their new life inside.  They may not seem grateful at first, which can be kind of upsetting, but it's a big transition.  

When I introduce a new dog, I start them on a regular routine of simple obedience training from day one. I don't relax any house rules though I am patient in teaching a new dog how to act in the house.  If they aren't crate trained, that starts right away and I feed in the crate.  It helps make a good association and it also helps avoid any possible tension at feeding times with the other dogs.

I hope his health problems aren't serious and that they improve with good Vet care and a loving home.  

Good luck if you decide to adopt. As Gin already said "time and lots of patience".

HI welcome to our community. I fostered a 3 year old pittie who lived her live outside. Like JackieG said, one at a time intros, take it slow. Try to overwhelm the new dog with tons of treats and affection that can sometimes freak out a dog. Walk them together as much as you can with no interactions just let them be around each other and slowly intro everyone. One day at a time. Good luck.

Hi Billiejo, God Bless you for doing this. One of my neighbors adopted from a pretty similar situation - beagle (actually we ended up thinking he was Beagle/Basset mix but mostly beagle), approx 12, un-neutered and from abuse section. Fred was the most wonderful dog and we all cried when he passed away about five or six years later ....   Gosh, I loved Fred!!!

In any event, I am the content director here at dog.com, but I read so many of the posts just because I am first and foremost a dog lover (why I took this job). I really like what everyone is saying and also that there are so many of us good people out there. I wanted to add in a link to article from dogpedia on the site (we are still working on optimizing the dogpedia content structure but wanted to let you know the content is all written by vets and trainers. This particular ask the trainer article is written by our certified trainer Jolanta Benal. She is a Pat Miller person .. so total opposite of Cesar Milan).  This was her response to someone with a similar issue.  Granted a bit different situation but read the whole thing and think it could be helpful:  community.dog.com/.../79.ask-the-trainer-introducing-a-new-dog-to-the-household.aspx  

But more than this know we, dog.com but also those of us in community, are here for you and I (and I am sure the rest of us here) would love to be updated on what is happening and some pictures!

That's a helpful article, Elizabeth.  I've introduced dogs to each other as described and it can be very helpful in reducing any tension.  Neutral territory, walking side by side, etc.

Several times I've been in a situation when that method wasn't possible for various reasons.  Dogs are so aware of us, and especially dogs we own and live with, that they quickly pick up on any tension or nervousness we feel. Be calm and be neutral.  It's natural to feel a little worried that everyone will get along but keep in mind that dogs are extremely social animals and generally will accept a new dog.  

If I bring a dog I know little about, straight into the house, with no neutral territory introduction to my resident dogs I just pretend to ignore them all.  I'm watching closely but from a distance and I'm not interfering or talking to them. I make sure I've put away any toys and nylabones to prevent any guarding. I put the resident dogs outside and bring the new dog into the house and then let my dogs in, one at a time. I give each dog time to settle down and then put that dog in a crate and bring in the next dog.  I then crate the new dog and let the others out.  

I've had several dogs, and in fact own one now, who are not super friendly with new dogs.  Even she settles down after a bit of posturing and a snarky remark or two.  I'm careful not to gush or make a big fuss over the new dog until I'm sure they've all accepted the new normal. :)  

When you don't know a dog's background, it's good to keep in mind that the dog may or may not have ever had an opportunity to learn to be social with other dogs or with strange people.  Those dogs can take longer to learn to get along but most do learn, as dogs generally want to be a part of the family.

Dogs want to do what works because that's a survival skill for a dog.  We sometimes think dogs want to please us and if they do things that are obviously not pleasing to us we feel hurt or that we've got a stubborn or problem dog.  Not true but I digress because I get carried away when talking about dogs. :)

Of course if there is real aggression you should consult a behaviorist for an in home consultation.

I forgot to say welcome earlier.  Welcome and I too hope you share how things go. Also thanks for considering a senior dog.  :)