Expert: Have4Paws - 4/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am getting ready to adopt a puppy and have settled on Beagles as my breed of choice.  I have even selected a breeder in the area where I live and there is a litter ready in a few weeks.  My question is should I adopt a single puppy or go with a pair so they can keep each other company? If its a pair, I'm ok with that, but would prefer that they be littermates so they are more or less socialized with each other. Thanks.

ANSWER: HI, how great that you are going to be getting a puppy(puppies).  If you are truly able to care for a pair this would be the best answer because beagles are pack animals and dont do well alone if left home alone alot. They require a lot of interaction and exercise so having two will really help out. It will also be twice the  work so hope you are up to it. Good luck and write me back if you have any other questions.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt answer on the other question but now I have one quick
follow up if you don't mind.  I have decided 2 is really the best answer since I
have a big, fenced back yard and a busy work schedule during the week. I have
picked a pair of puppies from the same litter. At night when I crate them should
they be crated together or separately?

Answer
Well congratulations! If you are going to crate them I would crate them together while they are very young so they will keep each other company and lessen the anxiety. As they get to be 4-5 months you may want to start separating them and start training them to sleep outside of the crate on a dog bed. This is just my preference, I do not crate train my dogs, I believe they need to learn to live in the real world with boundaries taught.

I want to remind you that beagles require a lot of attention, they do not like being alone a lot and even if there are together they will want interaction with you, their "alpha". You need to be careful or you could end up with two problem puppies. After they get all their shots and are relased to be outside they are going to need to be walked at least 2 x day .......  If the only reason to get two is because you won't be home much the beagles may not be the right breed.