Help?

Beagles are very smart but have a short attention span. Boredom makes them chew. While there isn't much you can do about the anxiety, (they are an extremely social breed)I have a few ideas that has helped mine a bit: First, a kennel. If you kennel them while your gone, they seem to be a bit more calm, something about that little space must seem cozy. If they aren't used to the kennel, they will bark at first, but within a couple of weeks he will make that his own little cave and will be OK. Put something in the kennel that smells like you, but you don't care if they chew, like an old work shirt, or old t shirt. Make sure they have something to do. Buy a Kong and put treats inside to keep your dog occupied while your gone. Also, plenty of exercise before you kennel him will make a difference. Beagles are hunters, and they need to hunt and run. If they aren't allowed to do this, they will get a little loopy. Put some treats in a sock and drag it all over the yard. Make it hard, drag it over bushes and under tables and things then hang it in a tree or hide it under some leaves. Take your dog and put it on the starting point of the "scent trail" you made and watch him go. (It's fun to watch them hunt) That is a really good way to keep his mind occupied and get him to use the skills he was born with. Use different scents every time like use treats one day, maybe a little ball of hamburger the next day or a piece of lunch meat. You can also make "dog puzzles out of old dish towels by tying treats inside them with lots of knots. Your dog will have to figure out how to get to the treat. You can use these puzzles in the hunting game so when your dog does find it, it still has to figure out how to get to the prize. I don't know if your in the country or in the city, but especially with a hunting breed, getting out and being active is imperative to their sanity. I've seen dogs that were kenneled too much who started chewing on their feet and things because they just couldn't get out. You have a great breed of dog (my personal favorite) but they can be some work, especially if you live in town. Like I said, I'll bet he's just bored (which accounts for the chewing)and I think just running him out and then kenneling him when you leave will make a difference too. Hope that helps you!

Beagles in particular are a pack animal and need to be with each other. This might seem crazy if your already having problems with one beagle but if you can borrow another beagle from someone and put them together for a while you might see a big difference in your dog's behavior. There might need to be some settling in time as they sort out who is the dominant dog. Regular walks are also a must as this will use up some the energy they put into creating mischief. Alternatively join the local kennel club and let you dog socialise with other dogs.

Thank you VERY much! I will be implementing some of these ideas, pronto!!