Are you tired of coming home to a crying beagle in their crate? It can be frustrating to hear your beloved pet crying and not know how to help them. But fear not, there are a few tried and true methods for getting your beagle to stop crying.
In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why your beagle may be crying in their crate, and provide some practical tips for how to address the problem. With a little patience and persistence, you can help your beagle feel more comfortable and happy in their crate.
Benefits of Crate Training
There are several benefits to crate training a beagle, including:
Potty Training
Crate training can be a useful tool for helping with housebreaking and potty training your beagle. By confining your beagle to a crate when you’re not able to supervise them, you can prevent them from having accidents in the house.
This is because dogs naturally try to avoid soiling their living space, so confining them to a crate can help them learn to hold their bladder and bowel movements until they’re taken outside to do their business.
Creating A Safe Space
Crate training can provide a safe and comfortable space for your beagle. A crate can be a cozy and den-like space for your beagle to rest and relax in, which can help them feel more secure and at ease.
Beagles are den animals, which means that they naturally seek out small, enclosed spaces to rest and feel safe in. By providing your beagle with a crate, you can give them a space that is their own and that they can retreat to when they want to rest or feel stressed.
Provide Routine
Additionally, a crate can provide your beagle with a sense of structure and routine. By establishing a regular schedule for using the crate, your beagle will learn when they should expect to be in the crate and when they will be let out. This can help them feel more comfortable and secure in the crate.
Alleviate Separation Anxiety
Crate training can help with separation anxiety. If your beagle gets anxious when you’re not around, crate training can provide them with a sense of security and can help prevent destructive behavior.
Help With Travel
Crate training can make traveling with your beagle easier because it can help your beagle become accustomed to being in a crate. This can make it easier for them to be transported in a crate when traveling, whether by car or airplane.
Additionally, crate training can help prevent your beagle from getting anxious or stressed during travel. Beagles can sometimes become anxious in unfamiliar environments, and a crate can provide a familiar and comforting space for them.
Prevent Destructive Behavior
Crate training can help prevent destructive behavior. Beagles are known for their curious and playful nature, which can sometimes lead to them getting into things they shouldn’t. Crate training can prevent your beagle from chewing on furniture or other household items when you’re not able to supervise them.
Why Do Beagles Cry In Crates?
There are several reasons why your beagle might be crying in the crate, including:
- Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs, particularly in breeds that are prone to forming strong bonds with their owners, such as beagles. Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes anxious or distressed when they are separated from their owner or from the person they are most attached to.
This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including excessive barking, whining, howling, pacing, destructiveness, and elimination (urinating or defecating inside the house).
Separation anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, including a history of abandonment, trauma, or abuse, as well as sudden changes in the dog’s routine or environment (like a new crate).
- Discomfort
It is important to make sure that your beagle’s crate is the appropriate size and is well-ventilated. If the crate is too small, your beagle may feel cramped and confined, which can cause them to cry or whine.
On the other hand, if the crate is too large, your beagle may feel anxious and insecure, which can also lead to crying or whining. Proper ventilation is also important because it ensures that your beagle has access to fresh air and can breathe comfortably.
If the crate is not properly ventilated, your beagle may cry or whine because they are feeling hot or uncomfortable.
Overall, it is important to make sure that your beagle’s crate is the right size and is well-ventilated to ensure their comfort and prevent them from crying or whining.
- Hunger/Thirst
Just like humans, dogs can become hungry or thirsty if they haven’t had enough to eat or drink. If your beagle is crying or whining, it is possible that they are trying to communicate that they are hungry or thirsty.
It is important to make sure that your beagle is getting enough food and water on a regular basis to maintain their health and well-being. Beagles are active, energetic dogs and have a high metabolism, so they may require more food and water than other breeds.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food and water for your beagle based on their age, size, and activity level.
Additionally, it is important to provide your beagle with access to fresh, clean water at all times and to feed them high-quality, balanced meals that meet their nutritional needs.
- Medical Concerns
As mentioned previously, dogs may use vocalizations, such as crying or whining, to alert their owner to discomfort or pain. If your beagle is crying or whining in the crate, it is important to pay attention to their behavior and any other signs of illness or pain.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the crate is the appropriate size and is well-ventilated, as discussed earlier. If you suspect that your beagle is sick or in pain, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the cause and to provide appropriate treatment.
It is also important to work with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to address any underlying behavior issues that may be contributing to your beagle’s discomfort in the crate.
- Boredom/Loneliness
In addition to physical needs, dogs also have emotional and mental needs that must be met to maintain their overall health and well-being. If your beagle is crying or whining, it is possible that they are trying to communicate that they are bored or lonely.
Dogs are social animals and need companionship and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and loneliness. Beagles, in particular, are active, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
If your beagle is spending long periods of time alone in the crate, they may become bored or lonely, which can lead to crying or whining.
How Long Can You Crate A Beagle For?
It is generally not recommended to leave a beagle in a crate for extended periods of time. Beagles are active, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
They should not be left in a crate for more than a few hours at a time, unless they are sleeping or resting. It is important to provide your beagle with regular opportunities for exercise and play, as well as mental stimulation, to prevent boredom and ensure their overall well-being. A
dditionally, it is important to make sure that the crate is the appropriate size and is well-ventilated to ensure your beagle’s comfort.
If you need to leave your beagle in the crate for longer periods of time, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to develop a plan that meets your beagle’s individual needs.
In adulthood, beagles shouldn’t be in the crate for longer than 4 hours, unless it’s at night during their normal bedtime.
For puppies, you shouldn’t leave them crated for more than an hour at a time outside of sleeping hours, as they’ll likely need to relieve themselves during the day more frequently.
Best Ways To Get Your Beagle To Stop Crying In The Crate
- Make sure the crate is the right size and is well-ventilated
- Provide your beagle with regular opportunities for exercise and play
- Spend quality time with your beagle, bonding and interacting with them
- Address any underlying behavior issues, such as separation anxiety, that may be causing your beagle to cry in the crate
- Consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional advice and support
- Gradually acclimate your beagle to the crate by introducing it as a positive, safe space
- Provide your beagle with comfortable bedding and toys in the crate to make it a more inviting and enjoyable place
- Use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage your beagle to spend time in the crate happily and willingly.
- Gradually acclimate your beagle to the crate by introducing it as a positive, safe space
Here is a step-by-step guide to gradually acclimating your beagle to the crate by introducing it as a positive, safe space:
- Start by placing the crate in a room that your beagle spends a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom. This will help your beagle to become familiar with the crate and to associate it with positive experiences.
- Leave the crate door open and encourage your beagle to explore and investigate the crate on their own. You can do this by placing treats or toys inside the crate to make it more inviting.
- As your beagle becomes more comfortable with the crate, begin to close the door for short periods of time while your beagle is inside. Start with just a few seconds and gradually increase the amount of time as your beagle becomes more accustomed to being in the crate.
- Whenever your beagle is in the crate, make sure to praise and reward them for their good behavior. This will help to reinforce the positive association that your beagle has with the crate.
- If your beagle becomes anxious or distressed while in the crate, it is important to remain calm and to provide them with comfort and reassurance. You can do this by speaking in a soothing voice, offering treats or toys, or simply sitting near the crate.
- As your beagle becomes more comfortable with the crate, you can begin to leave the room for short periods of time while they are inside. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the amount of time as your beagle becomes more comfortable being in the crate without you.
- Continue to praise and reward your beagle for their good behavior in the crate and to provide them with comfort and reassurance if needed. It may take some time for your beagle to fully acclimate to the crate, but with patience and consistency, you can help them to see the crate as a positive, safe space.
What Crates Are Best for Beagles?
The best crates for beagles are those that are the appropriate size and are well-ventilated.
I personally swear by the following 3 brands when it comes to crates best suited for Beagles
- MidWest Life Stages Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate:
This crate is perfect for Beagles because it’s designed to grow with your dog. With its divider panel, you can adjust the space as your Beagle puppy grows into an adult.
Made of durable metal, it ensures safety, and its double-door design offers versatility in positioning the crate in your home.
The rounded corner clips reduce possible sharp points, ensuring safety for your pet. Moreover, the ventilation on all sides ensures that your Beagle doesn’t feel closed in. - Petmate Sky Kennel:
If you are a traveler and want to take your Beagle with you, the Petmate Sky Kennel is an ideal choice.
It’s airline-approved and comes in various sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for your Beagle. Made with durable plastic, it has a wire door and side vents to ensure proper ventilation.
The non-corrodible wing-nuts and the extra strong steel wire provide added safety. It also comes with “Live Animal” stickers, clip-on bowls, and ID stickers, making your travels more convenient. - New World Folding Metal Dog Crate:
This crate is particularly beneficial for those on a budget without sacrificing quality. It provides a spacious, secure, and comfortable environment for Beagles.
The crate’s durable design ensures longevity, while its two slide-bolt latches make sure your dog stays safely inside.
The folding design allows for simple storage when not in use, and its easy assembly means you don’t need any tools to set it up.
The wide mesh design ensures optimal ventilation, making it comfortable for your Beagle during extended stays.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, beagles may cry or whine in their crate for a variety of reasons, including discomfort, hunger or thirst, illness or pain, boredom or loneliness, and separation anxiety. It is important to pay attention to your beagle’s behavior and to address any underlying issues that may be causing them to cry or whine in the crate. This may involve making sure that the crate is the right size and is well-ventilated, providing your beagle with regular exercise and play, spending quality time with them, addressing behavior issues, and consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional advice and support. By addressing the root cause of your beagle’s crying or whining, you can help them to feel more comfortable and happy in their crate and prevent them from experiencing unnecessary distress.