beagle in an apartment

Question
Further to my query of three days ago i wish to oultine my particular scenario

1. I work in a shop downstairs underneath where I live.
2. The apartment stands alone within the building where i work.
3. Their is a very small flat roof outside the apartment which on a dry day could allow the beagle free space.
4. Opposite the shop separated by a lane, we have a medium sized yard and where we park at most three cars.

My plan would be to walk the beagle before work. Then be with her for lunch checking on her in between times.
leave her to her own devices again checking in on her in the meantime before work concludes. After work i would take her walking again or else play with her in the yard. Preferably walking.

1. How long in time of a walk is required for a female?
2. I see three possible locations for the beagle, on the s/s roof, in the kitchen or the yard. Which is out or in or is a combination the optimum solution?
3. I don't think i would manage two dogs so I will have to allow for the possibility of an element of separation anxiety. What would you propose to prevent boredom setting in for the beagle?

I would endeavour to get a 1 year old female preferably house trained and neutered. Thanks for your reply to my previous question but on reflection i felt i was too vague in setting out my scenario. I await your reply with anticipation and much appreciation.

Keith.


Answer
Hello Keith!
Well already it seems like this is going to be a very well taken care of beagle, be proud of yourself. Walks aren't stereotyped to male and females because they both need adequate play time. Its ideal to take them out 3-4 times a day with at least at the very least 10 minutes a time, but I recommend 20-25 minutes or more that will give her play time and time to take care of her business. I'm not sure what you mean by your second question so I'm going to make the best so I can help. I wouldn't let my beagle on the roof. Some beagles can jump as high as 3 feet as well as climbing and unless this roof is very safe with supervision I wouldn't let him go on it, but you can make the best and just make sure its very safe.(Also if you can send a picture of the roof and I can elaborate a little more on it). Beagles have very short attention spans so it is vital that you keep them occupied. Before I started taking Honey (my beagle) to work with me it was hard to keep her busy while I was gone because I don't put my beagle in a kennel/crate. So I tried getting another beagle male, bigger than her. She HATED him. SO no it always isn't a good idea to get another dog, but there other ways to help them pass the time. Leave a television or radio on. Leave him toys, I suggest latex toys, the cheapest ones I get them at wal-mart for 96 cents and let her have at it. If you get the kind that has stuffing it it most beagles have a tendency to want to find the squeaker in it and tear it to pieces. Rawhide bones also help them pass the time and are very fun for them. You have learned a lot on your own, but I want to inform you of some other key things and you can reply back if you want me to tell more about it. Some things are food, food portions, best type of food, signs of health problem etc. You understand the point. I want to help you and your new family member be good together. Any question please don't hesitate to ask. Best wishes.