Sweet Beagle

It really isn't that he hasn't gone to obedience classes. It's that he is a Beagle and always will be. He's not going to be happy in the house or tethered in the yard. You're going to have to decide, are you willing to spend some more time with him (walk him, take him to the dog park, etc) and maybe a bit of money for an inexpensive fence, or will he be better off with a family that can give him the time and attention he needs?

I know it's hard. We had to give up a sweet, cute, loving dog because we simply did not have the means to take care of her any more. It was hard on everybody. But she ended up with a family that could give her what she needed. I would advertise in a local publication (ksl.com is good if you life in N. Utah) and ask around $20 for him. It's better than giving him for free, because someone who is willing to spend a bit of money for a good dog is more likely to take care of him. If that doesn't work, you can take him to the humane society. They charge something to take in animals, but they also adopt them out better (and keep them longer) than the animal shelter.

I would try to walk him - yourself - before your husband leaves in the morning and again after dinner, while hubby watches the boys. It will help you have a little time to yourself, and your sweet doggie will love it!

He really does need a yard to play in, and I don't know how the new tethering law will affect you anyway (it was on Fox 13 last night- no more than 8 hrs before you are fined)

You said he has stayed with your parents before- might you be able to extend those stays, or even make it semi-permanent? It makes it a little less difficult to give up a beloved pet if they are still in the family.

Could you put in a cheaper fence (chain link) and then upgrade to a better fence? The only reason I ask that is because pretty soon your boys are going to need a fenced yard too!