While relatively rare, separation anxiety is a major struggle for any dog and dog owner pair that is unfortunate enough to experience the phenomenon. There are several reasons for a dog to have separation anxiety. Thankfully, while this problem can be challenging, it certainly can be fixed with a little patience.
Beagles are pack animals by nature. Any separation from their pack (which in most cases is their human family) can result in major distress that will cause them to act in undesirable ways. There are several signs to look out for and various ways to help your beagle overcome separation anxiety.
Once you have identified that your beagle has separation anxiety, there are several measures you can take to help them ease their anxiety symptoms as well as its underlying causes. You will simply need to remember that it may take a long time before your beagle is cured of their separation anxiety problems.
Beagle Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can have a major negative effect on your beagle’s mental health. It can also cause major stress and harm your relationship with your neighbors and landlords.
Separation anxiety can manifest as several problematic behavioral issues such as chewing items around the house like shoes and furniture. It can also manifest as excessive whining, barking, and marking their territory around the house.
This type of behavior is not only extremely undesirable, causing major strain on your relationship with your dog, but it is also a sign that the dog is suffering major stress as a result of their separation anxiety.
Causes Of Beagle Separation Anxiety
Beagles have been bred for generations to hunt in packs (chasing wild animals). It is simply part of their nature to live within a large group. They are generally used to having companions around to keep them company and entertain them.
A beagle in a domestic setting will see its human companions as part of its pack. Separation from the pack is undesirable for the beagle at any point. As a result, when his human pack leaves the house, it can cause him major distress. The beagle will quickly become upset, stressed, and lonely. They cannot control these emotions as they lack coping mechanisms.
It is up to us as the beagle’s family to help them overcome their separation anxiety issues through careful training. This is usually a lengthy process, but it can be highly effective. Other behavioral issues can show signs similar to those associated with separation anxiety. As a result, it’s important to rule out other problems before attributing everything to separation anxiety.
In some cases, what looks like separation anxiety may simply be a case of boredom. If this is the case, the dog may simply need more stimulation and exercise daily.
While many dogs have separation anxiety issues, they will need to learn to be left on their own. With some patience, they will eventually become used to spending time alone, and the idea of being left alone will no longer leave them feeling extremely stressed and upset.
Signs Of Beagle Separation Anxiety
There are several signs that your beagle may have separation anxiety. Beagles are intelligent and particularly good at picking up on your habits and daily rituals. Certain rituals such as picking up your keys or coat can immediately trigger your beagle’s anxiety, as they know this is a sign that you will leave soon.
Suppose your beagle starts to whine whenever you appear like you might be about to leave the house. In that case, this could signify that the beagle is suffering from separation anxiety. This whining may escalate to full-on barking before you even leave the house, which is a sign that the dog is under severe stress.
Excessive pacing is another sign of anxiety in your beagle. They may start pacing throughout the house as soon as they notice that you might be on your way out. This is a sign that their anxiety levels have started rising, and they anticipate you will soon leave the property.
Beagles are notoriously good at escaping. A beagle that notices you are leaving home (or have already left) may attempt to escape while in its stressed-out state. This is extremely common amongst beagles suffering from separation anxiety. Perhaps the beagle is trying to escape to follow you. Alternatively, they are simply acting out due to their extreme stress.
Chewing is another sign of separation anxiety. This is possibly the worst manifestation of the problem, as a distressed beagle can be particularly destructive of your property. Because they lack coping mechanisms and may be extremely bored when left alone, a beagle plagued by separation anxiety will chew anything and everything in its path to cope.
Drooling is another sign of separation anxiety in beagles, especially if combined with excessive panting. A beagle in distress may drool and excessively pant when they notice that you might be planning to leave them alone at home.
Helping Beagle Separation Anxiety
There are several ways to help your beagle with separation anxiety. This often depends on how long you plan to be away from home. If you are going away for the entire day – say, for a full day’s work – then it might be best to allow your beagle free reign of the entire property.
This will ensure they get sufficient exercise and can explore however they see fit. If you are away for only a few hours, your beagle might be better off in its crate. Allowing the beagle to stay in a small space may help alleviate their stress to a large degree. Suppose they are left alone and allowed free reign of multiple empty rooms. In that case, their loneliness may be amplified, and their separation anxiety may worsen.
Leaving your beagle in its crate with all the essentials will make them feel safe and secure. It’s important to leave your beagle with their favorite toys, blankets, food, water, and chew toys to entertain their desires for chewing.
When leaving and returning home, do not create too much excitement. It’s best to remain neutral so that the beagle does not become overly excited or start to associate your leaving with negative emotions.
Conclusion
While beagles are considered incredible pets to have around, certain natural elements of their character can make them prone to separation anxiety. Thankfully, there are several ways to train beagles to allow them to become more securely attached.
Sources
https://modernbeagle.com/beagle-separation-anxiety/
https://www.beaglewelfare.org.uk/destructive-behaviour-separation-anxiety/
http://www.bigonbeagles.ca/id63.html
http://www.beaglepro.com/beagle-separation-anxiety
https://mybeaglebuddy.com/separation-anxiety-in-beagles/
https://www.thebarmybeagle.com/beagle-separation-anxiety/
