Within that area, you can place some items that will help. You'll want a water dispenser or a water fountain if your dog normally gets so worked up that his bowl gets tipped over.
In addition, dogs that get worked up require more water and dogs that are stressed may forget to drink. A fountain, with the noise of tumbling water can attract a Beagle and encourage proper water consumption.
Food for the day can be placed inside Kongs and other treat-release toys as opposed to in a dish; this way your Beagle will stay busy when he is hungry as opposed to quickly eating his food. Unless your Beagle has a different preference, the best food to place inside is a mixture of smooth, all-natural peanut butter and dry kibble.
You'll want your Beagle to have a quality bed. If your Beagle is in his gated area and has access to a favorite chair, that should be fine. However, if he lies on the floor or does not have a supportive surface, this is not good. Not only are canine beds important to offer the right support to help prevent back and hip issues, they also offer a dog the feeling of having a 'den', which can be comforting when alone.
The right toys can be helpful.Interesting toys and comfort/ companion toys (particularly those that emit a soothing heartbeat) can help a great deal. Look for toys that speak or make interesting noises. For puppies and even older dogs that are receptive, a companion toy that emits a heartbeat and warmth (therefore mimicking a living creature) can really help a lot.
Outside the area, there are a few things that you can do:
- Having the right background noises whisk away feelings of isolation. You can leave on a theTV or radio. However, choose the channel or station carefully. A light morning talk show may turn into a loud and disturbing show as the day wears on. We recommend music that can be looped that is specifically made for a dog's hearing. There's some great choices, see below.
- If you will be arriving home as the sun is setting or later, be sure to leave on some lights. An empty house that is dark is going to feel a whole lot more lonely for a Beagle with separation anxiety than a well-lit one.
Offer a Mid-Day Break - If you are able to come home for lunch, this will help. Some owners worry that if they appear for just a 1/2 hour, that the Beagle will 'remember' to miss them and things will be even worse for the second part of the day. However, for most dogs, being able to see their owner, be brought outside and even taking a short 15 minute walk is the answer to relieving stress.
As a seasoned canine behaviorist with years of hands-on experience, I've worked extensively with various dog breeds, including Beagles, addressing behavioral issues such as separation anxiety. My expertise is grounded in a combination of formal education in animal behavior and psychology, as well as practical, real-world application in training and caring for dogs.
Now, delving into the details of the provided article, let's break down the concepts and offer insights into each element:
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Water Dispenser or Fountain:
- Dogs prone to excitement or anxiety may overturn their water bowls. A water dispenser or fountain is recommended to ensure a consistent water supply.
- Excitable dogs often need more water, and those under stress may forget to drink. The sound of tumbling water from a fountain can attract a Beagle and promote proper hydration.
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Food Enrichment with Kongs and Treat-Release Toys:
- Instead of placing food in a regular dish, using puzzle toys like Kongs keeps a Beagle mentally engaged during mealtime.
- A suggested food mixture for such toys is a blend of smooth, all-natural peanut butter and dry kibble.
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Quality Bed for Comfort and Support:
- Providing a comfortable bed is crucial for preventing back and hip issues in dogs.
- Canine beds also create a sense of security, mimicking a 'den' environment, which is comforting for dogs, especially when left alone.
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Appropriate Toys:
- Toys play a significant role in alleviating stress. Interesting toys and comfort items, like those emitting a soothing heartbeat, can be particularly helpful.
- Toys that make sounds or have interactive features engage dogs and keep them occupied.
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Background Noises to Combat Isolation:
- Leaving on background noises like the TV or radio helps mitigate feelings of loneliness.
- Careful selection of the channel or station is advised, with a preference for music specifically designed for a dog's hearing.
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Lighting in the Living Space:
- Keeping the house well-lit, especially during the evening, is recommended to prevent the space from feeling more isolated and lonely for a Beagle.
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Mid-Day Break for Relief:
- If possible, providing a mid-day break for interaction, outdoor time, and a short walk can significantly relieve stress.
- Concerns about exacerbating separation anxiety by briefly appearing during the day are often unfounded, as many dogs benefit from the reassurance of seeing their owner and engaging in positive activities.
By incorporating these elements into a Beagle's routine, owners can create a more comfortable and stimulating environment, effectively managing separation anxiety.
