This can happen, yes. Native Americans used to practice a technique similar to what you are describing, but they used their hair instead. You see, the hair of the head is more connected to the brain, thus giving your hair a stronger connection to your consciousness than a beard would. Now the native Americans would only really do this to horses because horses were ridden the most out of any animal around these times. A few masters of this art were actually able to control some sea creatures as well, giving them the ability to breathe under water.