Expert: Have4Paws - 9/4/2010

Question
Hi, Recently I adopted a beagle from the Humane Society, his estimated age is 5-6. He is very sweet & I don't have any problems with him except 1. Any time we go to leave the house he howls & barks. At first we were keeping him in my daughters room but the barking was so constant that I thought maybe if he had the run of the home that he wouldn't bark so much & since he is not distructive I thought it could be a solution so he isn't cooped up. We live in an apartment & I'm afraid he might be disturbing. Since this living situation is new to him, do you think he will settle in & not have these issues when left alone? Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Hi, thanks for writing to me. Sorry to hear about your dilemma, this may be why he ended up in the Humane Society. So first off a few things about beagles, they are what we call pack animals, they are bred to live in a pack, they do not do well alone, they will readily adapt to a human pack but just know that they have a hard time being alone and also arent usually the best apartment dog due to the barking. Now, that isnt to say that you can't train him not to do it as much but he will always be somewhat of a barker/bayer, this is the beagle way so please keep that in mind.

You are right that the living situation is still new to him, it can take 60-90 days for a new dog to really feel like he can trust the people he is with, get into a routine and feel comfortable. We also dont know anything about his past, if he was inside (good)or outside (not good) or allowed the freedom to go in and out on his own (best)... When beagles bark at virtually nothing and everything it is usually separation anxiety. You might try leaving a radio on for him, you should also give him chew or toys that he ONLY gets when you leave so they become coveted and associate you leaving with something good. I would suggest a Buster Cube or a Kong, if you dont know what these are ask at petco or petsmart. You stuff them with treats and they occupy him.

Some of the barking is most likely coming from being locked inside, not able to see outside and hearing new noises and people so he gets frustrated. If at all possible take him for a vigorous walk prior to leaving him so he is tired and calm. Most dogs who are well balances and not worried about where there people are sleep all day so a dog that is barking all day is bored and lonely.

I hope that some of this is helpful, feel free to check back anytime with further questions.