Help with my 12 month old beagle

Question
Hello Cathy,
I have a approx. 12 mo old beagle that We got from a friend in Pittsburgh, Pa.  They got her from the Humane Society in June.  Anyway we are having problems with barking and going in her kennel.  She was doing great then all of a sudden she has started peeing and sometimes pooing in her kennel (in the house.  I have tried a smaller kennel no luck, we don't put her outside (in her big kennel) during the day anymore b/c of her barking actually it is the annoying beagle cry.  I tried toys, bone filled with peanut butter, and several different treats.  Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Kate,
Beagles can be difficult.  I'm glad you're not leaving her outside anymore as beagles can quickly dig and be long gone.  The barking was most likely because she was lonely and wanted attention.

What type of kennel are you using?   We suggest a nice open wire crate.  The plastic ailine carriers can cause anxiety and that will cause the dog to go potty.  A nice open wire crate with a sterilized bone in it can keep a dog happy for hours. (they last longer than the bone filled with treats)

Also, it is hard to say what type of background she came from.  If she is going in the crate, she very well could have been over crated as a puppy and had to go in the crate so that is what she is used to.   Puppy mill, petstore and neglected dogs have this problem frequently.    This just takes time and LOTS of outs to overcome.  

I would also try to get her some more exercise.  That can really help almost any problem.  Take long walks, play ball in the house -- anything to wear her out.