Beagle Help

Question
Have4Paws,
I just recently bought a year old female beagle. I already love her so much. She is wonderful. Not only is she the most intellegent dog I have ever encountered, she is also very unique. I work 7 days a week, 12 hour shifts. She doesn't go "pody" in the house. I walk her ASAP for about 30 minutes in the morning when I get off, and 45-60 in the afternoon right before I go to work. I guess my question is, what can I do to keep her entertained while I am gone? It breaks my heart to leave her alone, and I don't want her upset with me. What would you suggest? (my schedule is week on/week off, so I don't leave her alone like this every week)

Answer
Hi Brittany, thanks for writing to me. I am glad that you are devoted to your girl enough to ask what you can do. This is an awful lot of alone time for any dog, especially a beagle (who is a pack animal and craves companionship.)

Is there perhaps someone else who can come over in the evenings and walk her as well? Also give her lots of toys and things like "Bustercubes" filled with treats. These will help to keep her occupied while you are gone. Leave the tv or radio on for her also.

Keep up the two walks without fail, beagles are very active dogs and not only need the physical exercise but need to exercise their noses by smelling new scents (they are scenthounds). If you can run her a bit in the afternoon it might wear her out some too and she will sleep a good part of the time you are gone.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your new cutie!

Have4Paws