What is the best way to train a beagle to stop digging, chewing...

[davea]

...everything, and jumping? He is 1-1/2 years old He is an outside dog with a big backyard and a 5 year old "owner" (best friend).

[Jo$eph]

first of all, give him some chew toys, and spend more time with him so he wont be bored.

try taking him for a walk every now and then and if you wanted you could put his jumping to good use and enter him in some agility competitions so you could make some money!

[CF_]

a 5 year old cannot possilby own a dog.. so get rid of the title owner for the kid.. its cute to you but its not realistic... dogs should be owned by the parents or the family as a whole...
a 5 year old cannot understand ownership, responsibility, and lifetime commitment etc...

ok the dog is BORED.. all these behaviors are common in dogs who are not mentally stimulated enough... having a big back yard is NOT mental simulation - they require interaction and 'jobs'.. a Beagle is an active breed they normally would be out hunting for several hours a day.. and as such his needs are clearly not being met so he is looking for stuff to do...

start by going to Obedience lessons and practicing at home - this will help stimulate his mind more.. provide toys out side and play with him...

and please please drop the '5 year old owner' its just not realistic...