Overly rambuctious beagle out of control!

[garretswayne]

I have a 2 year old beagle whom we have to lock in his carrier/kennel while we're not home because he goes crazy chewing up anything he can get into. It breaks my heart to have to keep him locked up like that and leave him squealing and barking in anguish while we're gone, but we have a rather small apartment with lots of things he can get into and ruin if we're not there to stop him, things like shoes, clothes, books, or pillows. He's a holy terror but really a sweet and lovable companion when he just calms down a little. Those moments, however, seem very few and far between. I'm at the end of my rope. I know beagles are generally excitable by nature, but he's so hyper, it seems like he's still a puppy at the age of two...out of control. What can we do to calm him down and in particular, train him not to destroy everything?

-Garret

[That_girl]

How much exercise does he get on a daily basis? Beagle have endless energy. Also, what types of toys are you providing for him to chew on? When you catch him with something he should have, you should take it away, but replace it with something he is allowed to chew on.

Don't beat yourself up about having to crate him while your away. Many people crate their dogs. It keeps them out of trouble and safe from ingesting something dangerous or chewing up power cords.

[benali72]

Yes, I have a 2-yr-old mini-schnauzer myself and exercise is the key! He's got tons of energy and I see a direct relationship between how much we exercise him and how much trouble he gets into.

Also, if you are gone during the day, are you able to come home at lunch to let him out of the crate and walk him? Even a small interaction during the day might help. If you're not able to come home at noon you might even consider a neighbor or friend who could walk him at noon (maybe a neighborhood kid for a small fee).

I'm no expert but breaking up his day with interaction at noon might be as beneficial as exercise in relieving his boredom and bringing his rambunctiousness down to earth.