Beagles are true pack dogs. They absolutely love being around other dogs and people. Some of them can even do well with other small pets such as birds, cats and rabbits, provided they receive the right training and time to acclimate. Because your beagle loves being near you so much, you may wonder: can you leave a beagle alone?
A beagle can be left alone for short periods and, if necessary, even for a full workday. But that requires planning, training and foresight to make it all work.
If you’ve ever come home to a ruined house with a guilty-looking beagle, you already know what beagle separation anxiety can look like. This kind of “misbehavior” is likely a sign of loneliness and boredom. Fortunately, this is a problem you can solve!
Can you leave a beagle alone?
Again, yes, they can. Although it would be wonderful if we could all stay with our dogs at all times, this is not the case in practice. We have work to do, children to care for and groceries to run. The fact is that there are times when our dogs are really better off and safer when they are left at home alone.
All dogs are pack animals. But beagles are even more attached to their pack and to you – their leader. The alpha dog!
If you’re not there, some beagles simply don’t know what to do with themselves. Because of this dilemma, some of them can become destructive when faced with so much boredom and anxiety, leading many owners to be tempted to leave their dogs outside all day. However, I would not recommend this at all.
Beagles are playful and curious. They are also very stubborn. This combination results in excellent escape artists and runners. If you leave a beagle at home in the backyard, chances are he will find his way out of the fence or get into other kinds of trouble. Moreover beagles are not meant to be outside in extreme weather. They do not have thick fur and therefore do not do well in the cold.
If your dog occasionally has to be home alone, it is a better plan to put him outside than to address the problem behavior, so that he will not cause problems indoors. More on that later!
Are Beagles better in apartments or large houses with gardens?
This is more about the owner than the house, to be honest. Although you would think that most beagles would need a large backyard to run around in, it really depends on the circumstances. Beagles love lots of sun and plenty of exercise. They also enjoy spending time with other dogs and with their human family. These factors will be more important than whether or not there is a large backyard.
That said, there are clear benefits to having a backyard for a beagle. The first is that you can let him or her out on their own when you are at work or otherwise occupied. While you should check on your dog regularly, there is nothing wrong with him spending short periods alone in a fenced backyard while you are at home. However, it is important to remember that this time in the backyard should not replace regular walks! Your beagle still needs the exercise, bonding and mental stimulation that walking provides.
Beagles can, of course, live in apartments, provided their owners are willing to spend a lot of time providing opportunities for both mental and physical exercise. Because they will be indoors with fewer chances to play, they can become bored more quickly. Beagles are also known to whine or howl when they are lonely or upset. Apartment residents may find that their neighbors are not very keen on that.
But provided the owners lead an active lifestyle and are willing to put time and effort into training and providing sufficient exercise and opportunities to explore the outside world, there is no reason a beagle cannot live in an apartment.
Beagles and separation anxiety
Beagles are known as incredibly loyal and loving dogs. This is one of the reasons we love them so much! Unfortunately, this can translate into separation anxiety, where your beagle becomes very nervous when you are not around.
The symptoms of separation anxiety in beagles will vary somewhat from dog to dog, but you will usually notice that dogs express it in one of these ways:
- Whining, crying, growling and barking – Beagles are champion whiners and complainers. They can keep it up for a long time when they’re really upset! Your dog may also be a barker. Some dogs bark for hours after their owner leaves the house.
- Drooling – This applies to most dogs. They become frantic and drool all over themselves and everything around them. This can be destructive to things like carpet and upholstery, and if you have someone in the home with dog allergies, it can worsen their symptoms.
- Destructiveness and chewing – Chewing on things is one of your dog’s coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety. If your beagle destroys the corner of a sofa or a cushion while you’re away, it’s not because he’s ‘mad at you’ (as many people think). It’s just that your beagle is trying to focus his nervous energy and stress on something in the only way he knows how. Some beagles even chew at their own coat or skin, causing hot spots and sores.
- Trying to escape – An anxious, lonely dog will try to escape its surroundings. Unfortunately this behavior can easily become very destructive! For example, if your dog is locked in a room, many will obsessively claw at the door in an attempt to get out and find you. Or they dig under the fence when they are outside.
- Pacing – Your beagle may begin to pace in anticipation before you leave. Many dogs will do it all day, or even at night while the owner sleeps.
How to help beagles cope with separation anxiety?
It is normal for dogs to have some degree of separation anxiety, especially dogs that are very loyal and pack-oriented (like beagles). Beagles crave attention far more than many other breeds. There are things you can do to help your dog cope while you have to be away.
One thing to consider is whether you can give your dog a playmate! Especially for a young puppy, having another puppy in the house can be a great remedy for loneliness and boredom. Although this should never be the only reason to adopt another dog, it is worth considering that many beagles do better with other animals around.
Another thing you can do is give them something of yours to lie on or next to. The best item is something with your scent, such as an old t-shirt you would otherwise throw away. If you place this in their bed or resting area, your beagle will think of you and it will be reassuring that you will come back.
For small puppies it can be helpful to mimic the mother’s and other puppies’ heartbeat by using a sound device or a ticking clock. Place it near where your beagle will sleep. See this heartbeat teddy on bol.com.
Other owners have found success using calming pheromone sprays such as Bach flower remedies and plug-in dispensers. These can be purchased at the pet store and work by releasing natural scents that induce calm. Thundercoats, which apply calming pressure to the body, can be very useful for extremely anxious pups. Make sure you measure and buy the correct size for both safety and effectiveness.
If your dog continues to experience highly distressing symptoms of anxiety and none of these measures seems to help its symptoms, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian and ensure there is no underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.
Beagle home alone
When a beagle is home alone, he often displays different behavior than when in the company of people. In this situation they will often rest and sleep much more.
Beagles are naturally social animals who like to be near their human companions. When they are alone, they often miss the interaction and activity they normally have when people are around.
Therefore they may choose to spend most of their time sleeping or resting while awaiting the return of their beloved owners. However, it is important to ensure that beagles receive enough mental stimulation, even when they are alone, to prevent boredom and possible destructive behavior.
Ways to ensure your beagle behaves while you are away
The best way to ensure your beagle behaves when you are not at home is to keep them in a crate. If you have doubts about their separation anxiety or are worried they may be destructive, crates are the best option to keep both your beagle and your home safe. However, you should not leave a beagle in a crate all day, as this will cause a lot of emotional and physical stress for him or her. Veterinarians recommend not keeping your dog in a crate for longer than 6 to 8 hours.
Many owners express concern or sadness about placing their dogs in a crate. But understand that dogs are den animals and find that these kinds of comfortable enclosed spaces provide a sense of warmth and security. The key is to start crate training them as early as possible. Then put the dog in its crate when you are away during the day. Make sure you provide toys that do not pose a choking hazard.
Toys that give the brain of your dog a workout and entertainment are especially good to keep them occupied and out of trouble. If your dog seems to become nervous at every little noise outside, turning on a fan, music or a white noise device can help calm him or her.
Preventing separation anxiety in beagles
Preventing separation anxiety in beagles is important for both your dog and your belongings. But how do you start?
A big advantage of a dog from a kennel is that he is already used to not always receiving human attention. While a dog raised in a home will develop separation anxiety more quickly, this is less often the case for a dog from Woefkesranch.
Lock your dog in his crate just before you leave the house and let him out immediately when you return home. Your beagle can comfortably stay in his crate for up to 8 hours. Your dog may whine and bark the first few times whine and bark, especially dogs that have always known human presence.
If he makes noise it is very important to ignore it. After at most 2 nights it will be over. And if you go to your beagle, the beagle will see this as a reward and it will take longer before he can be alone.
Final thoughts
As you can see, beagles can thrive in many different types of living situations with the right care. The most important thing is that you spend plenty of time with them when you are at home and provide lots of opportunities for exercise, sunshine and fresh air, as well as encouragement for physical activity. A tired dog is a good dog – and this is especially true if you know you will be away from the house for a while.
