Are Beagles OK to be left alone
Can a Beagle Be Left At Home Alone for 8 Hours?
Beagles are true pack dogs. They absolutely love being around other dogs and people. In fact, some of them can even do well with other smaller pets like birds, cats, and rabbits given proper training and time to acclimate. Because your beagle loves being around you so much, you may be wondering can a beagle be left alone during the day?
The short answer is that, yes, they can be left alone for short periods and even for a full workday if needed. But it will require planning, training and forethought to make it all work.
If youve ever come home to a wrecked house with a guilty-looking beagle, you are already aware of what separation anxiety can look like. This type of misbehavior is likely a sign of loneliness and boredom. Luckily, this is a problem that you can solve!
Can Beagles Be On Their Own During the Day?
Again, yes, they can. While it would be great if we could all stay with our dogs at all times, of course this is not the case in practicality. We have work to do, kids to take care of and errands to run. The fact of the matter is that there are times that our dogs really are better off, and safer, being left home alone.
All dogs are pack animals. But beagles, as a breed, tend to be even more attached to their pack and to you their leader. The alpha dog!
When you are gone, some beagles just dont know what to do with themselves. Because of this dilemma, some of them can get destructive in the face of such boredom and anxiety, which leaves many owners tempted to leave their dogs outside for the entire day. However I would not recommend this at all.
Beagles are playful and curious. They are also very stubborn. This combo makes for great escape artists and runners. If you leave a beagle at home in the backyard, there is a good chance that he might find his way out of the fence or into some other kind of trouble. Additionally, beagles are not meant to be outside in extreme weather conditions. They do not have thick hair, and as such, dont do well in the cold.
If your dog needs to be at home alone at times, a better plan than putting him outside is to address the problem behaviors so that they can still exist inside without causing trouble. A little more on that later!
Are Beagles Better in Apartments or Big Houses with Yards?
This is more about the owner than the house, to be honest. Although you would think that most beagles would be inclined to having a big backyard to run around, this really depends upon the circumstance. Beagles like lots of sunshine and lots of exercise. They also love 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 definite advantages to having a backyard for a beagle. The first is that you can allow him or her to go outside on his own if you are working or otherwise engaged. Although you should check on your dog regularly, there is nothing wrong with them enjoying small chunks of time in a fenced backyard on their own while you are home. Its important to remember, however, that this backyard time should not replace regular walks! Your beagle still needs the exercise, bonding and the mental stimulation of walking.
Beagles can live in apartments, of course, provided their owners are willing to put a lot of time into providing outlets for both mental and physical exercise. Because they will be inside, with less opportunities to play, they can get more easily bored. Also, beagles are known for whining when they are lonely or upset. Apartment-dwellers might find that their neighbors arent too keen about that.
But provided the owners live an active lifestyle and are willing to put time and effort into training and providing plenty of exercise and chances to explore the world outside, there is no reason that a beagle cannot live in an apartment.
Beagles and Separation Anxiety
Beagles are known for being 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 gets very nervous when you are not around.
The symptoms of separation anxiety will vary slightly from dog to dog but most commonly, you will find dogs expressing it in some of these ways:
- Whining, howling growling, and barking Beagles are champion howlers and whiners. They can keep it up for a long time when they are truly upset! Your dog may also be a barker. Some dogs will bark for hours after their owner has left home.
- Drooling This goes for most dogs. They get themselves worked up into a frenzy and drool all over themselves and everything around them. This can be destructive to things like carpet and fabric, and if you have anyone in the house with sensitive dog allergies, it can exacerbate their symptoms.
- Destructiveness and Chewing Chewing on things is one of your dogs coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety. If your beagle destroys a couch corner or a pillow while you are gone, its not because it is mad at you (as many people believe). Its just that your beagle is trying to direct their nervous energy and stress at something in the only way that they know how. Some beagles will even chew on their own fur or skin, creating hot spots and sores.
- Trying to escape An anxious, lonely dog will try to escape their surroundings. Unfortunately, this behavior can easily get very destructive! For example, if your dog is shut up in a room, they many obsessively claw at the door, trying to get out and find you. Or they might dig under the fence if they are outside.
- Pacing Your beagle might begin to pace in anticipation before you leave. Many dogs will continue to do it throughout the day, or even at night while the owner is asleep.
How to Help Beagles Cope with Separation Anxiety
Its natural for dogs to have some degree of separation anxiety, particularly dogs who are very loyal and pack-oriented (such as beagles.) Beagles crave attention a lot more than other types of breeds. There are things that you can do to help your dog cope while you have to be away.
One thing to consider is whether you can provide your dog with a playmate! Especially for a young puppy, having another puppy in the house can be a great antidote for loneliness and boredom. Although this should never be your only reason for taking on another dog, it is worth considering that many beagles do better with other animals around.
Another thing that you can do is give them something of yours to lay on or with. The best item is something with your scent, such as an old t shirt you were going to throw away. Putting this in his bed or rest area will remind your beagle of you and offers reassurance that you will be back.
For small puppies, it may be helpful to replicate the heartbeat of mother and other puppies by using a sound machine or a ticking clock. Set it nearby where your beagle will be sleeping.
Other owners have found success in using calming pheromone sprays and plug in dispensers. These can be purchased at the pet supply store and work by giving off natural scents that induce calm. Thundercoats, which provide calming pressure to the body can be very useful with extremely anxious pups. Be sure to measure and buy the correct size for both safety and effectiveness.
If you have a dog who continues to experience very upsetting symptoms of anxiety and none of these measures seem to help his symptoms, its a good idea to check in with your vet and make certain there is not an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.
Ways to Keep Your Beagle Behaved While You are Away
The number one way to keep your beagle behaved when you are not at home is to keep them crated. If you have any doubts about their separation anxiety or are concerned about them being destructive, crating is the best option for keeping both your beagle and your home safe. However, you shouldnt leave a beagle in a crate all day, as this will put a lot of stress on them both emotionally and physically. Vets recommend that you dont crate your dog for more than 6 to 8 hours, but I try to limit it to 4 or 5 if possible.
Many owners express concern or sadness about putting their dogs in a crate. But understand, that dogs are den animals and find these types of comfortable enclosed spaces offer a feeling of warmth and security. The key is to start them on crate training as soon as you can. Then you put the dog in his crate when you are gone during the day. Be sure to include toys that do not pose a choking hazard.
Toys that will give your dogs brain a workout and entertainment are particularly good for keeping them occupied and out of trouble. If your dog seems to get nervous about every little sound outside, turning on a fan, music or a white noise machine might help to calm him or her.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, beagles can do great in many different types of living situations with the proper care. The most important thing is that you spend a lot of time with them when you are home and provide lots and lots of opportunities for exercise, sunshine and fresh air, as well as stimulating physical activity. A tired dog is a good dog and this is particularly true when you know you will be out of the house for a while.
Can Beagles Be Left Alone: Things You Should Know
People ask can beagles be left alone a lot, this question is either coming from a busy beagle owner, or someone who has a 9 to 5 job.
In this post we will answer the question can beagles be left alone and tell you all you need to know about living beagles alone at home.
Read to the end to find out how to train a beagle to stay happy at home alone, while you are off to work.
Can beagles be left alone?
Yes, the beagle can be left alone for not more than 6 hours per day.
Leaving a beagle alone at home entails you providing all the necessary things like food and toys to keep the beagle busy while you are gone to avoid separation anxiety.
You can also leave the beagle alone since beagles spend more time sleeping during the day.
Leaving a beagle at home alone for more than 6 hours comes with a lot of problems and the most pronounced is the separation anxiety which if not controlled will lead to unnecessary aggressiveness.
Our humble opinion on this issue of leaving beagles alone at home is to get a second pet even if its a cat.
Beagles were selectively bred to hunt in packs, and they enjoy the company of other pets, especially the cat.
Beagle are one of the top dogs that do well with cats, so even with toys and other means of keeping a beagle busy at home the most effective is getting a second pet.
There are different mixed breeds of beagles that come with different characteristics which will be different from the purebred beagle.
Read more about beagles and cats here.
This affects how your beagle handles staying a lot at home, if we are talking about the purebred beagle, then you can get a very stubborn breed of dog that takes time to train, there are easy ways to identify purebred beagle.
When properly trained the purebred beagle will stay at home alone as long as it has food, toys, and a second pet.
Also, remember to beagle proof your home if you must leave a purebred beagle at home alone.
Read more about: Are Seizures Common In Beagles: Causes, Signs & Treatments
How long can a beagle stay home alone?
The beagle should not be left alone at home untended for a maximum of 9 hours at a stretch on daily basis, as this can lead to separation anxiety which will gradually end in aggressiveness.
However, trained Beagles can be left alone all day if you work full time.
If your Beagle has some behavioral problems, such as:
For example, barking and howling, destructive behavior, or running away, you may need to fix them before leaving the Beagle alone for too long.
Many people leave their Beagles at work longer throughout the day, and some do very well.
Older beagles who are sedentary and dont suffer from separation anxiety usually sleep alone.
Its not ideal, of course, but as long as your dog isnt showing signs of stress and is leaving him longer than he wants, thats fine.
Read more about: How Big Do Beagles Grow: Full-Grown Weight, Length & Height.
Do beagles tolerate being alone?
Yes, beagles tolerate being alone if they have been properly socialized and trained, or if they have a companion which can be a second dog or a cat.
However, the constant leaving of beagles alone without any form of entertainment or companion can end up leading to separation anxiety.
Beagles can develop separation anxiety and unnecessary behaviors if you constantly leave them at home without any form of entertainment.
How many hours a day do beagles sleep?
A healthy adult beagle in a quiet environment on average will sleep for about 11 hours per day when undisturbed, while a healthy beagle puppy will sleep for about 15 hours per day on average.
This is because the beagle puppy plays a lot and requires more rest than the adult beagle.
Factors that influence how long a beagle sleep
Here are some factors that might influence how long a beagle may sleep;
- Noise
- Unhealthy Environment
- Hunger
- Illness
- Age
- Presence of a second pet
- Separation Anxiety
- Presence of any Allergies
How to train a Beagle to sleep well and longer
Here are the common ways to train a beagle to sleep well and longer;
- Create a daily routine for your Beagle.
- Give your beagle good exercise
- Maintain the same feeding time
- Provide a comfortable dog bed
- Provide a balanced diet dog food
- Beagle proof your home
- Provide a quiet environment
- Provide a separate sleeping room
How often should you walk a beagle?
If you need your beagle to stay healthy then you should consider walking your beagle for at least 15 minutes every day this helps the beagle get some level of required exercise, during which you can add a bit of running.
The best form of exercise for a beagle is playing the fetch game with your beagle every day.
Beagles are an active breed of dogs that is prone to many health challenges one of which is obesity, providing enough exercise for your beagle can help burn down fats and prevent obesity as well as promote good health.
Can you leave a beagle alone for 8 hours?
No, beagles should not be left alone for 8 hours at stretch, except for emergency purposes that you have no option but to be away for 8 hours, on the basis that you have a second pet to keep the beagle company while you are away for 8 hours, or on the basis that your Beagle is sleeping.
8 hours is a long time to leave any breed of the dog alone, except for hunting dogs who are not fully affectionate towards their owners and as such can find their way around while their owners are away.
Do beagles cry a lot?
Yes, Beagles cry a lot because they were selectively bred as a very vocal breed of dogs who can be unnecessarily vocal or cry for nothing.
A beagle can be vocal as a way of excitement or a sign of unseen separation anxiety.
Why Beagles Cry A lot
Here are some reasons why Beagles cry;
- The nature of their breed
- Excitement
- Fear
- Illness
- Separation Anxiety
- Hunger
- Jealous
- Visiting Vet
Are beagles prone to separation anxiety?
Yes, beagles are very prone to separation anxiety especially when you have not properly socialized the beagle and provided a second pet or entertainment for the beagle.
Beagles are an active breed of dogs that do not like to be left alone.
Signs of Separation Anxiety In Beagles
Here are some common signs associated with separation anxiety in beagles;
- House soiling
- Whining and pacing as you prepare to leave.
- Panting and drooling.
- Howling and barking once youve left.
- Unnecessary barking when you turn your back on him.
- Destruction of door and window frames.
- Destruction of furniture, cushions, and dog bed.
- Stealing food items from bins.
Why do Beagles pee in the house?
Here are some reasons why Beagles pee in the house;
- Urinary tract Infections
- Illness
- Lack of proper training
- Creating a beagle
- Putting a beagle on a leash for too long
- Excitement
- Separation Anxiety
- You are away for too long and lock everywhere up.
How long can a beagle hold its pee?
A healthy and well-trained beagle can hold its pee for a maximum of 5 hours at a stretch after which the beagle becomes uncomfortable and can pee in its creation or on its bed.
To avoid this make sure you dont do the following;
- Puting your beagle on a leash why going away for too long.
- Do not create your beagle while going away for too long.
- Always train your beagle to use outside to pee.
- Create an exit route for your beagle.
- Always carry out regular medical check-ups
How often should a beagle pee?
A beagle should pee after eating most times and a beagle should pee after and before going to bed.
When a beagle starts unnecessary frequent urination then something is really wrong, therefore, see your vet.
What Will Happen If A Beagle Is Left At Home Alone For Too Long?
- They will become more destructive. It is important to note that once you leave your beagle at home without proper training, you should also make sure you keep your valuable items away before leaving home.
- They will feel rejected and develop anxiety. When you leave your beagle alone for long, you should expect your beagle to build up some level of separation anxiety.
- Aggressiveness will start setting in.
- They start developing or learning how to bark more.
- They will damage your properties out of frustration. When beagles are alone, they tend to be frustrated and may start destroying items.
- If you continue to leave beagle at home, they might lose all the socialization tips you have taught them. If you dont take your beagle for a walk for too long, then they will forget what happens outside your home.
- Pooping and peeing where they are not supposed to.
Read more about How To Train A Beagle Not To Run Away From Home: 11 Basic Tips
How To Train A Beagle To Be Left Alone?
Here are a few tips on how to train a beagle to stay at home alone;
Get A Second Pet As The Beagle Companion
This is by far the easiest way of training a beagle to stay happy at home while you are gone for hours.
If either you get a second dog or you get a cat, these are the most recommended pet for a beagle to keep them busy.
Getting a second pet is also a simple way of keeping your beagle safe from separation anxiety.
If you really want to keep your Beagle happy while you are away get a second pet.
Hire Professional Dog Services
There are many services available to care for your dog while you are away. It is ideal when you are going on vacation.
However, if you cant get help from someone you know, this may be the only way to keep your long daily routine going.
There are professional dog walks and services available, or you can take them to a doggy daycare center.
The downside is that it costs a lot of money and if you are on a budget you will need to evaluate your options with respect to your portfolio.
Read more: How To Keep Beagle From Shedding: 13 Easy Ways.
Get enough play toys
When you get a new beagle (Puppy) you should try as much as possible to also get play toys so that the puppy can have a favorite toy, as these toys will help during your training to keep them busy while you are away.
Once the beagle at the puppy stage makes their choice, then take the rest of the toys away. When you are busy take the beagle into his crate or living area, then introduce the play toys and continue what you are doing, when you are done release the beagle and play with it for a while.
By doing this, your beagle starts to understand that when you are not around, they should get busy with their toys.
You can also get an automatic treats or food dispenser, set it from time to time, and not to a level your Beagle will finish the food or treat fast.
Create a playpen
A playpen is a section of the compound built for your beagle to play. When you get the beagle also build a playpen where you can keep all sorts of playthings or items for the beagle.
When you are less busy, take your beagle into the playpen, play with it a bit stand up and point at a play item or direct your beagle to a specific play item then leave the playpen, if your beagle tries to leave with your stop and start all over again.
Do this until your beagle responds, after the beagle responds, repeat it repeatedly, till your beagle starts understanding where to be if you are away.
Train your beagle to remain in Crate
Crates make Beagle feel safe but not for long. However, if you will be away for over 2 hours please, and please dont crate them.
A crate is only suitable for a short period, if not your beagle will start feeling rejected or confined which will later lead to aggression.
With good instructions or light commands, you can send your beagle into the crate. Dont forget to put items that will keep them busy.
In training your beagle to stay in the crate, you can start it when you are at home and less busy.
First, call your beagle into the crate and use the word sit which you have used during training if your beagle sits dont close the crate just walk away. And see if it follows you.
If your beagle follows you out of the crate start again until your beagle understand what it means to sit in the crate, only then can you close the crate?
Recommended post: How To Take Good Care Of A Beagle: Best 14 Ways.
