when left alone

Question
First, our dog is a beagle mix about 2 1/2 yrs. that we rescued from the humane society.  He is loving, good with children, and loves to play with our neighbor's puppies, and rarely barks.  He enjoys being outside if we are outside.  He is well exercised every day.  Our problem is when we leave him alone.  We use a baby gate to keep him in a confined area but he has knocked it down, chewed it up, etc.  We even tried putting the plastic rug runners with the anti-slip side that hurts when stepped on under the gate. He climbs on our couch, he's chews on our blinds (I think he heard the puppies outside and went crazy), and he's chewed on our area rugs.  He also likes to take his food/treats and bury them in our couch.  He does not jump on our couch when we are home.  Any suggestions on how to train him to not jump on couch, bury his food in our couch or chew on our area rugs?  Do you think we should crate him?  

Answer
It sounds like you have a good dog but, he has  separation anxiety. There are a few things you can do.
First, the sofa issue. If I was you I would make a nice cover for the sofa. Make it out of plastic or foil wrap; or you can use my favorite, bubble wrap. When you leave put one of these items over the sofa. I have not seen to many beagles that like bubble wrap. Find what he doesn't like and he will not get on the sofa. Later on you will be able to trust him and not have to cover the sofa before you leave.
I have seen a lot of beagle that have separation anxiety. First, when you leave give him a fake bone (from the pet store) filled with peanut butter. He will start to love it when you leave. He may not even know you left.  
Tell him a phase that he will learn means good bye but, I will be coming back. I tell my dogs "See ya later. Behave and be good". My friend says "Guard the house". Use what ever phase you like. Tell this to him every time you leave.
Practice leaving and returning. Start by leaving for 30 minutes and keep increasing the time. I recommend breaking your weekend chores up and returning between each.
Leave a radio or TV on when you are gone.
Try these things and see if it helps. If it doesn't you may want to talk to your vet about meds for anxiety. I haven't seen many beagle that need meds for anxiety. You can also go back to the humane society. Most SPCA's offer free help.
Pat, I help this has helped and feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Fellow beagle lover,

Kenny