Beagel being left alone

Question
Hi,

I recently had an 11 month old beagle male, me and my partner work so the dog was on his own all day and when i left the house he would start crying and barking and jumping at the door. we gave him back after 3 days cause i felt bad for him being on his own all day and thought he was unhappy.  when we were there he was great fun and a happy little dog so now we decided we didnt give him enough of a chance so are going back to get him next week. we didnt have a crate for him as i felt it was cruel to keep him in a cage all day.but reading some previous questions it seems normal to keep him in a crate can you advise me on this?  i do come home for lunch time so the longest he is on his own is 4 hours.  anyway after 3 days we gave him back cause i felt so sorry for him being kept inside while we were out.  we live in a apartment so we have no garden but he was brought out in the morning and lunchtime and evening.    can you tell me if he would settle into his new home and how long does it usually take? he is used to being with other dogs as well.  also we are looking into putting him into daycare 2 or 3 times a week so he doesnt feel so lonely all the time but the days he is not at day care i want him to be ok on his own.  but sometimes even when i am there he would go crazy if i left the room to go to the kitchen or the bathroom.  is there anyway of stopping him from being so anxious?  also he pees alot indoors and we need to break him of that too.  any advice is much appreciated.  oh this dog was breed to be a show dog but his front legs are not straight enough!!  but we love him.

thanks for your help  

Answer
Even though his front legs aren't straight enough I bet he is still an adorable show dog. It is a big transition for a puppy to go from Mom and siblings to a human family. But, he will settle in. The length of time will vary.
People will say that a crate is like a den and dogs are pack animals so this is normal. When is the last time you have seen a pack of dogs living in a den? I don't believe that putting a dog in a crate all day is normal. With that said you can use the crate responsible and I recommend using it. But, most people toss their dog in there and leave and it doesn't sound like you are one of them people.
I would recommend taking the door off of the crate when you are home. When you give him treats give him the treat inside his crate (den). If you have a large crate (which you should get a crate that he can use when he is full grown and let him grow into it) put old pillows in the back so he only has enough room to stand and turn in a circle. Make his new crate a great place for him. Keep his toys in there. When you are gone put a radio near the crate and look into putting a ticking clock under his comforter or dog bed inside. That will simulate the heart beat of his mother and siblings.
Doggie day care is a great idea. Just be sure he has completed his immunizations before taking him. He will love it and learn to socialize with other dogs. Plus, he will be just as tired at the end  of the day as you.
Are you close to the other people in your apartment building? Who has your spare key to your place? If you are friends and comfortable maybe one of them can take your pup out or for a walk in between you coming home. When I lived in an apartment several of my neighbors would come and ask if they could take my dog for a walk! Four hours alone is not a long time but, of course it would be great to be around others in between that time. One of my neighbors was disabled and didn't work. She would take my beagle out for me and another worked nights and would help out.
All pups are anxious and do not like being left alone. They are pack animals. You should use that to teach him the "come" command. As he gets older and more secure the anxiousness will subside.
As for peeing in the house. Is it a nervous pee or just peeing in the house? Do not take it the wrong way but, anytime a dog goes to the bathroom in the house it is not his fault but, the owners. Puppies have to go to the bathroom ALL the time. After they eat, drink, play, and chew (chewing stimulates their digestive system). BUT, no matter have diligent you are remember that there will be accidents. Just continue to take him outside and praise him when he goes potty. Be sure to clean any accidents with an enzyme cleaner.

Fellow beagle lover,
Kenny