How To Beagle-Proof A Fence (7 Effective Methods)

Beagle-owners like me may need to take extra precautions to secure the fence and prevent these escape artists from escaping. Beagles are known for their strong sense of smell and curious nature, which can lead them to wander off in search of interesting scents. I reinforce the fence itself as well as the bottom since the breed is prone to digging. Additionally, extending the height of the fence and installing a redundant fence can help prevent escape. Beagles are also easily stimulated by their surroundings, so obscuring their view of what’s outside can be helpful in preventing them from becoming too excited and attempting to escape. By taking these measures, I can increase the chance of keeping my beagle safe and contained within the property.

Adequate Height

Beagles are muscular animals with both strong upper and lower bodies. That means they are more likely to climb or jump fences than other dogs. Ideally speaking, beagles require a six-foot fence. Most of them can reach four feet though age and fitness levels may vary per dog.

The inactive ones may still rely on wit, thereby using other objects and surfaces as platforms to help them jump higher fences. I’ve been surprised a few times by some of the most unassuming pets so I always encourage to begin with the manageable maximum. Consider as well the depth of the fence. Beagles that cannot jump over may resort to digging their way out so beagle owners should ensure the fence extends at least six inches into the ground.

Best Fence Types

Chain link fences or wire netting are common though they are not the best alternative to beagle proofing the yard as I’ve seen my beagle easily scale through the gaps. A wooden fence also provides great private space for the yard without compromising your dog’s safety. They are sturdier but need regular attention due to the painting and staining.

Wrought iron fences are visually appealing, and they have the strength to prevent easy beagle escape. They also come in different shapes and sizes, so all styles are accounted. Before purchasing them, I make sure they do not have spikes that could hurt my babies. The gap between the metal bars should also not be so large that my dogs can push their snout or legs through.

Landscaping

Aside from choosing the optimal fence material, another beagle proofing approach would be limiting the beagle’s access to the fence itself. A friend of mine tried planting shrubs and other plants along the line as a way to deter the dog from getting close enough to probe the fence. Heavy landscaping will also block the beagle’s vision of the outside world, reducing the temptation to scamper after things. To this end, the plants chosen should be thick or thorny so they discourage the beagles from interacting with them, such as roses or cacti.

Bamboo Rolls

Bamboo rolls are also a good way to remove the external visual temptation. These slats may be rolled over the chain-link if it has gaps, thus blocking the view of the beagle to distractions outside the property. The great thing with bamboo is it is lightweight yet very low maintenance and durable, meaning it does not weigh down the current fence. The beagle is also not likely to chew through it. One problem, though, is the manner it is attached to the fence. A rambunctious pup would be able to tear it off the chain link and try to climb over.

Lean-Ins

It is another potential option entailing farm fencing. Here, the top of the fence is angled horizontally to the ground. That would be like adding an awning of security to the metal or chain link fence. If the dog is a great jumper, a lean-in would make it next to impossible to get over the top as gravity will work against its scaling.

Redundant fencing

This type can also be thought of as a fence within a fence. It entails setting up separate fences aside from the main wall within the property. This creates not only extra barriers to hinder the beagles escape but also discourages fence fighting with the other dogs in the neighborhood. Ultimately, it places some distance between the animal and the outside world, thereby reducing the stimulation and temptation to wander. It is a bit of work to set up the second fence, considering it would also reduce the usable space.

Electric fencing

Electric fencing or invisible dog fences are a cost-effective way to beagle-proof the property, even more so with a if you DIY installation. I prefer the underground wiring installation and a special collar on the dog’s neck [1]. This results to a mild shock when my dog crosses the property line. Beagles then abstain from approaching the line because of the electrical deterrent. The best GPS dog fences today have dog GPS tracker collars that allow the proud Beagle owner to track the animal if it crosses consistent boundaries, plus it can monitor activities and location. It is one of the ways to stop dogs from getting lost.  

Related article: How Much Does A Dog Tracker Cost

FAQs

How can I get my Beagle to stop jumping the fence?

Several measures can keep beagles in the yard, from sturdy fence types to landscaping and lean-ins.

How high should a fence be for a Beagle?

Optimally a beagle needs a fully fenced yard that is six feet in height. Some dog owners I know also use cement or increased length below the ground to deter digging.

Do invisible fences work for Beagles?

When beagles are trained properly, an invisible dog fence can be a suitable containment system for them.

At what age can a dog use an invisible fence?

Invisible or electric fences are not the most advisable option for a beagle puppy, though dogs should at least be 12 weeks before training.

Will dog fences work for more than one pet?

There is no limit to the number of animals that can be kept within a well-structured fence.