Remember... he is a HOUND. And most hounds are interested in hunting, sniffing and will run around and play with you - as they are very devoted. Otherwise, they would rather lay around and sleep (unless you have a treat that they can eat). I never had a Beagle (and I have had lots - that was ever interested in fetching and never would). And Beagles are pretty close to Bassets in demeanor. My Uncle had a Basset (Mr Bones was his name) and he would barely acknowledge visitors - just lift his head and flop back down. So unless you are going to hunt them - giving them good exercise - either walking them or playing with them (as you are ) is very good, as they tend to get overweight on their own.