my beagle is howling and pooping

Question
Hi, I just got a beagle from my friend who can no longer keep him in her apartment. He is a year old. He howls when alone and poops on the floor. I think I can train him not to poop in the house but I have no where to start on stoping howling. The howling needs to stop fast or I can't keep him. My family want to keep him but sometimes no one is home when I am in school and not home between 7:30 to 2:30.   Thank you ~shayla :)

Answer
It sounds as if your dog has separation anxiety. Do you have a crate for him? If not, I'd recommend that you get one. I prefer the plastic ones with the metal door, because they are cheaper, lighter, and contain messes better. I've found that most dogs prefer them to the all wire crates, as well; probably because they are more den-like. Whenever he is going to be left alone, he should be in his crate, which should be no larger than 27 x 21.5 x 19 inches. This should help with the pooping problem, because he will not want to soil his den.

I'm not entirely understanding why the howling is a problem, if no one is at home. Could you elaborate?