If you’re the lucky owner of a beagle you know that they are even-tempered, friendly and gentle, with an affinity for attention and a whole lot of loyalty. These traits make beagles fantastic family pets, as they have a great tendency to attach themselves to their humans as if they are part of their ‘pack’, and enjoy being surrounded by positive energy and love.

Beagles also happen to enjoy using their noses, which makes playtime and outdoor time all the more important. The problem however, as many dog owners experience, is that most beagles are forced to sit at home alone, for the better part of each weekday, while we humans go to work and school. 

Since Beagles get along well with other dogs, a second pooch can make things easier but, if you don’t have the luxury or space for more than one, you’ll need to find multiple ways to keep them entertained and happy when you’re away at work.

Why Do Beagles Need to Be Entertained?

Like most other breeds of dog, Beagles will get bored if they don’t constantly have something to do, and bored dogs can cause all sorts of mischief. 

Beagles have been known to tear up just about anything if they can reach it, or get into all sorts of other trouble, so it’s imperative you give them something they can destroy without fear, or several activities they can enjoy that won’t make you angry or upset when you get back home.

Also, Beagles do have a tendency for separation anxiety, a situation that sees their anxiety spike when you leave and can cause health problems in the long run. Having some type of entertainment can keep separation anxiety at bay, or at the very least lower it somewhat, helping your beagle stay happier and healthier.

How To Keep Beagles Entertained When They’re Home Alone

Luckily, whether you’re in a large house with a yard or a smaller apartment, there are a multitude of ways that you can entertain your dog (or keep them entertained without you) while you’re away and they’re alone at home. One way is to stuff a ‘Kong’ dog toy with treats. 

Nontoxic and practically indestructible, the trick is to make sure that the treat you put in the Kong toy stays in it while they play, giving them a little taste and smell to keep them interested. One thing I like to do is to fill the cavity in the Kong with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. When you leave the house in the morning, give your beagle the Kong and they’ll be good to go for up to an hour, chewing away while the kong thaws and the peanut butter becomes accessible to their tongue.

• Interactive Dog Toys

Interactive dog toys are another great way to keep your beagle entertained when they are alone. There are many interactive toys on the market, including some that look and act like real animals, others with squeakers and other noise making abilities, and some that you fill with treats that your pet will have to figure out how to access. 

The key here is that these toys are ‘interactive’, which means that your Beagle will get some sort of feedback response from the toy that, if it’s a good one, will keep them happy and occupied when you’re away (at least for a few hours).

• Opening Your Blinds

Giving your Beagle sight access to the outside world is not only a great idea to keep them occupied but also can stimulate their mind and spirit. 

Like most dogs, Beagles are very social and very interested in what’s going on around them. By allowing them to see the birds, people, squirrels and cars driving by, you give them a much-needed stimulus that will keep them content and happy. 

Consider placing a chair just for them in front of a window with a good view and, if the weather allows, crack open that window a bit so they can also hear and smell what’s going on. Be careful to not open it too much however, as beagles are notorious escape artists as well. 

• TV or Noise

Turning on your TV or playing music is also a wonderful way to keep your Beagle entertained and, even better, it can be a soothing noise that keeps them calm when you’re not home. Smooth jazz, soft rock and classical music works well, and TV shows that are funny and light-hearted, work best in my experience. I also like using white noise machines from time to time, especially if I’m leaving during their regular nap time.

• Ice Treats

If they have an area that can get a little bit messy, making a giant, treat-filled ice block will not only keep them entertained but also give them a snack as they play. Beagles are incredibly food motivated, and won’t be able to resist this kind of game.

Simply fill a large, plastic bowl with water and treats, freeze it overnight and give it to them when you leave. It might get messy so giving this treat to them is better in an area that cleans up quickly and easily, like a mud-room or closed-in porch.

What Fun and Entertaining Games Can You Play Indoors With Your Beagle?

Even when you’re home it’s important that you play on a regular basis with your beagle. They need the attention and exercise to stay healthy and happy and, let’s be honest, playing with your beagle is one of the best things about owning them.

• Tug of War

Sometimes however weather doesn’t always allow for outside play, especially during the winter time. That’s why you’ll need to try some entertaining indoor games to keep them occupied and help them tire themselves out.

For example, a tug-of-war with your Beagle can be all sorts of fun, is great exercise, and let’s them get their chew on without destroying something valuable. 

A thick, knotted rope is perfect for this activity, one that fits in their mouth but also is thick enough that you don’t hurt your hand when they pull, twist and tug.

Now, some may argue that playing tug-of-war makes dogs more aggressive and, if you let them ‘win’, it can make them more dominant. The fact is, the opposite of this is true, as it’s been found that dogs who play this game have a higher level of confidence and are more obedient.  So, if you’re indoors on a rainy day, tug away!

• Chores

Teaching your Beagle to help with chores can be both rewarding for them and helpful for you. Here’s the thing; beagles love to help. It’s kind of what they were bred to do, so giving them a chore or task allows them to tap into their helpful nature.

Teach them to get you something from the refrigerator, to fetch your shoes or hold the hose while you wash your car. I’ve seen people teach their beagles to do all sorts of small tasks so be inventive! It might take a few tries but, never fear, your beagle is more than intelligent enough to handle hundreds of different chores.

You can check out some useful chore dog tricks for inspiration in this video below: 

• Play Dates

Inviting another dog owner to bring their dog over for a doggie play date is also a wonderful activity that can give your beagle a lot of joy and also allows you to catch up with a friend. Even better, at the end of the day your furry buddy will be exhausted and go to sleep early.

This is also why I highly recommend getting your beagle a permanent friend in the form of another dog – that way they always have another member of the pack to be entertained with!

How To Train a Beagle to Behave When They’re Home Alone

As wonderful as your beagle might be when they’re with you, the opposite can happen when you’re not home. Barking, growling, peeing, defecating and tearing things apart unfortunately come with the territory, especially if you don’t train your beagle on what’s right and wrong when they’re home by themselves at an early age. For this reason, that type of training be a priority for you, especially if you’re forced to leave them home alone on most days.

It might seem cruel at first, but ignoring your beagle before you leave for work is a good way to keep them calm and, after a while, get them used to the fact that you leave without getting anxious. 

Don’t make a big deal out of the fact that you’re leaving and, if needed, you can even sneak out when they’re not paying attention. By not making coming and going a ‘big deal’, your beagle will better be able to deal with being alone and not act out.

If your beagle does have an ‘accident’ when you’re away, or destroy something, it’s imperative that you don’t punish them or yell at them. 

Unlike, say, a child, your beagle won’t truly understand why you’re so angry and aggressive, and they certainly won’t remember what it is they did that caused your anger. Even worse, you might just exacerbate the problem and create a vicious cycle of problem and punishment that, frankly, no beagle owner wants. Be patient, firm and loving, realizing that they aren’t acting out of spite.

Some crate training will also help them learn to love being indoors, and will give them a space all to themselves. You can feel free to leave your beagle in a crate if you leave the house for just a few hours, but don’t lock them in there for too long like during a full work day.

Final Thoughts

Beagles, as we already know, are wonderful, loving and loyal pets. They deserve our love and affection and they sure like to work hard for it. Keeping them happy and entertained is a small price to pay for all the joy they bring us, and by using the ideas above, I think you’ll be well on your way to having a beagle that loves their time both inside and outside