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 you’ve 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 don’t 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, don’t 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. It’s 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 aren’t 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 dog’s coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety. If your beagle destroys a couch corner or a pillow while you are gone, it’s not because it is “mad at you” (as many people believe). It’s 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

It’s 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, it’s 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 shouldn’t 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 don’t 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 dog’s 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.