Can beagles be left alone?

Can beagles be left alone?

Yes! Beagles can be left alone, for around 4-6 hours. On occasion, you can leave your beagle alone for longer than 6 hours, up to 9 hours. Puppy beagles tolerate separation terribly, and shouldn’t be left alone for longer than 2-3 hours. 

In this article, we’ll explore: 

Keeping a beagle safe and happy when they’re alone

Beagles are pack animals and struggle emotionally when they’re left alone on a regular basis. Most dog breeds shouldn’t be left alone for longer than 4-5 hours a day, but beagles are especially well known for their insatiable hunger and ability to destroy furniture. To keep you beagle and your home happy and safe: 

1. Dog-proof your house 

It would be wise to block off access to your kitchen and any areas of the home that have food. This could include the dining room as well. Always avoid leaving food out where they could snatch it and have an adverse reaction while you’re away. Ensure all trash cans are out of reach. 

Make sure they can’t access any medications, children’s toys that they might chew up and eat, or things that they’d likely eat that might prove toxic to them (ear plugs, plastic of any kind). 

2. Consider leaving them in a certain room 

Some people leave their beagle in a certain room while they’re away. Make sure it’s a comfortable and dog-proofed room for them. Make sure you don’t leave them longer than 4-5 hours without relieving them, as they’ll become agitated if they’re left alone in there for too long. 

3. Consider using a crate 

Using a crate is one of the safest ways to leave your beagle home alone. This way, you guarantee that your pup won’t eat something toxic by accident. Make sure to create a spacious and comfortable crate environment for them if you decide to use this option. 

Separation anxiety symptoms

If your beagle is having a tough time with being home alone, they might exhibit signs of separation anxiety. This became a larger trend after covid lockdowns eased. Many pets had become accustomed to being with their owners 24/7 and were emotionally wounded with being left alone. 

Symptoms could present as: 

• Excessive howling or barking 
• Urinating or defecating inside 
• Digging or chewing furniture 
• Pacing 
• Escaping 

How to improve your beagle’s separation anxiety 

It’s heartbreaking to see your pet in emotional pain. Consider enrolling them in doggie daycare or hiring someone off a service like Rover to check in and walk your beagle throughout the day. If these aren’t an option, to improve your beagle’s anxiety, you can: 

1. Keep them entertained

Make sure they have a variety of toys to entertain themselves with when alone. Puzzle toys are especially great for beagles as they challenge their quick brains and keep them sharp and occupied. 

2. Make sure they’re properly exercising

If you walk or run your beagle enough, it should tire them out and give them endorphins which will help reduce separation anxiety. 

3. Sound can help 

Keep the tv on low while you’re gone, so there isn’t a complete void of noise in your absence. Another popular option that helps with dog anxiety is a white noise machine. A bonus of the white noise machine is that you can use it at night in your own room, and it helps reduce human anxiety as well! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Can beagles be left alone?

Which dog breeds can be left alone for 8 hours?

Some common dog breeds that are able to be alone for up to 8 hours include: the beagle, Shiba Inu, Labrador, Golden Retrievers, and Peekapoo. 

Are Beagles difficult dogs to own?

Many people wonder Why Beagles Are The Worst Dogs? but in actuality, with the proper training and routines, they are quite easy and extremely lovable dogs to own! 

Are Beagles known for separation anxiety?

In truth – yes. Beagles are pack dogs, and need companionship to thrive. If left alone too long and too often, they will likely develop behavioral issues. 

What breed of dog has the most separation anxiety?

The dog breeds well known to have separation anxiety are Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, and Labrador Retrievers.

Is it okay if I leave my dog home alone for 8 hours and 5 days a week?

Many dogs will get used to being alone for up to 8 hours 5 days a week with the proper routines in place and with a comfortable home environment. It doesn’t hurt if there’s a doggie door that allows them outside to pee as well, so they aren’t constantly holding in their pee. Make sure the home environment is spacious, with toys, and comfortable for them to lie down and lounge in. 

Is 9 hours too long to leave a dog alone? 

Probably. You can leave most dogs alone for about 8 hours. You should try to avoid leaving them alone for 9 hours or more.

Can dogs stay home alone for 10 hours? 

A dog should be left alone for 10 hours at the absolute maximum, and that’s if they have access to food, water, and a doggy door to pee outside. However, try not to make this a regular occurrence as they’ll get lonely. 

Can beagles live outside?

No – beagles are inside dogs and should be outside with supervision. 

Are beagles clingy?

In a way, yes. Beagles are very affectionate and love to cuddle and jump on their owners. Because of this, they’re often more clingy than the average dog breed. 

Can beagles be aggressive?

Beagles can be aggressive at times, especially if they aren’t being properly cared for. Make sure they’re getting enough sleep and proper exercise and socialization with other dogs and humans. For more on beagles aggression, see our article here. 

Can a beagle be trained?

Yes! Training a beagle can be tough but it’s easily managed through consistency and discipline. For more on training a beagle, see here. 

Can beagle be trained off-lease?

It’s very difficult to train a beagle to be off-lease but it isn’t impossible. It will require hard work and dedication. 

Can beagles swim? 

Yes! Beagles can swim and many beagles enjoy it. However, they may not be one of the dog breeds that LOVE swimming. For more on encouraging your beagle to swim, see our guide on beagles and swimming here. 

Recap: Can beagles be left alone?

• You can leave a beagle adult alone for 4-6 hours regularly. 
• You can leave a beagle puppy alone for no longer than 2-3 hours. 
• Monitor your pet for signs of separation anxiety (howling, clawing, barking, attempting to escape) 
• Create a pleasant and dog-safe environment for them when you leave them alone. 

You should know all that you need to about leaving your beagle alone! Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Many people wonder – “Why Beagles Are The Worst Dogs?” However, beagles are able to be left alone and there are many things you can do to improve their ability to be left alone. 

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• Are beagles stubborn?
• Are beagles lazy?