Beagles are born to wander. This canine breed is always driven by a wanderlust that can cause serious problems, especially when they get too far. Fortunately, there are a few solutions to prevent them from constantly escaping.

One of those are invisible fences, also referred to as wireless electric fencing. Invisible fences are adaptable barriers used for keeping dogs from straying and getting hurt.

Beagles love outdoors, and their owners can often find it challenging to keep them within the confines of their yards. Beagles are adept at creating unusual escape routes by digging under fences or chewing holes in them. It is difficult to deter the beagles from escaping, especially if they get fixated on something’s scent.

Invisible fences may help curb this behavior, but it will require some additional training. Beagles are notoriously stubborn and willful, so the invisible fences alone won’t solve your problems.

What Are Invisible Fences Used For?

Invisible fences, also known as electric fences, are a cheap and adaptable method of keeping your pets contained within your property lines.

With so many risks around such as predators, car accidents, and theft, it becomes imperative to do something about the safety of your dog in your yard.

WIth invisible fences, invisible underground wiring is installed around the perimeter of your property, and a special collar is buckled around your dog’s neck. There is a transmitter that is connected to the wiring and emits a radio signal. If the dog gets close to the fence, they will get a warning sound, and if they continue to approach the wire or crosses the wired boundary, they will get a mild electric shock. This static correction is a harmless electric stimulation that gets the attention of the dog.

This type of fence can be used for all breeds, including beagles.

Benefits of invisible fences

The traditional barriers are made of solid wood, vinyl, and are relatively costly than the electric fences. Beagles notoriously will chew through or dig under any kind of traditional barriers

Invisible fences cannot be seen and are not an eyesore, like a traditional fence. An invisible fence can enhance your landscaping and does not obstruct the view.
Invisible fences can give your dog an idea of their boundaries without having to leash them. Your dog can run around freely without being tethered to a leash.
Your dog can’t escape by digging under the invisible fence or jumping over them.

Downsides of Invisible Fences

Beagles are known to be ruled by their noses. So for such a highly motivated breed, even at the highest setting, the shock collar will not always be able to stop your beagle from running past the boundary. Beagles have a strong hunting instinct and therefore love chasing small animals like rabbits, moles, etc. And a few seconds of pain is just a small price to pay compared to their instinctual needs.
The invisible fence collar comes with two prongs that have to be close to the dog’s skin to deliver a shock. Wearing them for extended periods can cause neck injuries and should, therefore, be removed regularly.

Invisible fences need additional behavioral training to teach your dog where the wire is and what will happen if he gets too close. Training stubborn pets like beagles can be challenging and takes time and patience.
Without proper training, invisible fences will not be able to work, and will confuse and disorient your beagle.
The invisible electric fences keep your dog from leaving the property, but it does not prevent other loose dogs, strangers, and other predators from coming in.

The wireless fence system uses negative reinforcement to deter your dog from straying by giving them an electric shock and can have harmful physical and emotional effects on the dog. Beagles are extremely sensitive and do not respond well to punishment.
If your dog is too young or has a medical condition, then invisible fences can cause serious health issues.
Invisible fences come with flags to indicate the perimeters of the fence to your dog. Overtime your dog can become fearful of anything that looks like a flag, and this association can last a lifetime.

The shock that the dog gets from the collar, while humane, can be painful.
Invisible fences may keep your dog in when they have to get out of the property especially in case of emergencies like a fire, gas leak, or even home intruders.
If there is a power outage or a dead battery in the collar, the dog may escape.

Best Invisible Fence Brands for Small Dogs

Wireless invisible fencing serves as a containment system that keeps your dog within the safe boundary of your home. As compared to the conventional dog fence, invisible fences are more reliable, cheaper, and do not mar the picturesque outdoor view. For small to medium breed of dogs like a beagle, the size of the neck plays an essential part in picking an invisible dog fence. Here is a list of some of the best invisible fence brands for small dogs.

PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System

This containment system is completely wireless, has an easy setup design, and the fence is waterproof. It is portable and can be carried anywhere very easily, especially for those who love to go camping and traveling in motorhomes. The receiver collar is adjustable, making it the best wireless fence for small dogs. This means it can easily be used on dogs with necks 6 to 28 inches.

SportDog Wireless Dog Fence

This wireless system is also designed for small dogs and can include even two dogs in the monitoring system. The system has a collar that corrects the dog when they go to the edge of the safety zone with a mild and harmless shock, just enough to stop them. In order to attain optimum results, the dog needs to be adequately trained. There is an instruction manual that can be used to train the dog. It should not take your dog more than three weeks to get trained if all of the instructions in the training guide are correctly followed.

Extreme Dog Fence Standard Grade Kit

Extreme Dog Fence is an in-ground dog fence that provides bigger wires of gauge 14 that give a much safer electrical pathway for the system to work. The Extreme Dog Fence has an entirely waterproof wiring system and waterproof dog collar receiver. Your dog can take a swim with his collar on without any damage to the intricate receiver inside it. The Extreme Dog Fence is suitable for all breeds of dogs ranging from small to extra large.

Non-shock Alternatives to Invisible Fences

There are a lot of complications and safety concerns linked with invisible fences, which can be avoided by switching to other better options that give your dog the freedom they need. Rewards are better than the shocks that dogs get from the invisible fences. The electric shock that the dog receives is not extremely painful, but at the same time, it is not a pleasant experience. It can make your dog anxious, distressed, and even aggressive at times.

Personally, I prefer using Citronella collars, which spray citronella scent whenever my dog is misbehaving or attempting to escape. It requires me as an owner to be more aware of what my dog is using, but it can also be applied to growling, barking, biting, or other types of unwanted behavior.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the cons of invisible fences outweigh the pros.

You can’t train your dog overnight, and in my experience, beagles learn faster with praise, encouragement, treats, and toys. So try these alternatives and see what your beagle responds to best. Be patient, considerate, and kind while training your beagle to keep them from escaping the yard.

Do Invisible Fences Work For Beagles?