jfritz,

Don't feel bad about crating because if your beagle gets into something dangerous or swallows something that could block his bowels, you'll feel even worse. Neutering will definately help with his peeing on the couch and calm him down a little, but since he's a pup he's still going to be destructive. I don't think his problem is anxiety, just a case of the "destructo puppy" stage. If you can take your dogs for walks or runs in the morning before you leave, this should help get the beagle tired and a tired puppy is a happy puppy who won't want to destroy things. But once he's put in his crate after a walk or good romp in the back yard with the Dobie he'll sleep most of the time while you and hubby are gone. Give him some toys like a stuffed kong and chewies to keep him busy, making his crate a fun safe place to be. Dog crates are the equivalent to a wolf's den, it's a private place they can go (or be put) to keep them safe and give them some time to themselves. It also helps with potty traing. In terms of fairness between the dogs, don't worry about it. If one was an outside dog and the other inside, then no that wouldn't be fair, but this isn't the same, they're both inside and they still have each other's presence to keep them company. Once your beagle is older and more mature, then you probably won't ever have to crate him.