In the novel "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London, Hal beats Buck because he is frustrated with him. Hal is an inexperienced and foolish character who is ill-prepared for the harsh realities of the frozen North. He believes that beating Buck will make the dog work harder or obey his commands, but it only instills fear and resentment in Buck. Hal's mistreatment of Buck is a reflection of his own ignorance and lack of understanding of the wilderness and the true nature of dogs.
