Figuring out what's wrong with your yard's fencing can be frustrating. For example, have you noticed that your invisible fence is making a clicking sound and don't know what to do about it? What causes an invisible fence to become so noisy?
Well, we've done plenty of searching and have the answer below!
One of the main reasons an invisible fence is clicking is because of its electric current. Generally, your fencing will create a clicking sound by a spark or arcing of the electrical current across fence hardware.
Hearing the occasional clicking or "tick-tick" sound from an invisible fence is normal, so this doesn't mean something is wrong. It's a good sign your fence is doing its job.
As we start this article, we will cover all things invisible fencing and explain why they click. Whether you're trying to keep a pet inside your property, haven't used an invisible fence before, or have other questions: we're here to help. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!
How Does An Invisible Fence Work?
An invisible fence is mainly used to keep pets inside a yard and works through electrical currents sent between various transmitters. This creates a boundary for your pet so they aren't able to exit or enter places you don't want them.
These are essentially buried wires running the distance from your garden or front yard. Invisible fences are more aesthetically pleasing to many people, as they aren't bulky or even visible for the most part.
With this fence, your dog, cat, or another animal will have a collar that connects to the electrical current. If they try and escape your garden, the collar sends a slight shock to them, which will train them to eventually stay within the perimeter of the yard.
Think of this as your pet wearing a collar with a receiver that keeps it from running out into the street or nearby landscape. Invisible fences are a modern way of training pets and an alternative to traditional fencing.
They use electrical currents to protect your animal(s) from leaving the perimeter, which is why it's normal to hear a bit of clicking. Electricity is powerful, so a little noise here and there should not be a cause for concern.
Why Is My Invisible Fence Making A Clicking Sound?
If you hear a slight clicking sound coming from your invisible fence, this is likely because of its electrical current moving between the transmitters.
As we covered, these fences use underground wires that send signals to your pet's collar, which can result in a bit of static noise.
There are also newer models of invisible fencing that don't require underground wiring but instead rely on a wireless connection, so those won't make much or any noise.
On top of that, according to Invisible Fence, if you hear a constant beeping sound, there is likely a wire break somewhere on your property.
In that situation, you want to call the company and have a professional figure out what is wrong. If you suspect anything is wrong with the electrical components of your invisible fence, it's also a good idea to remove your pet's collar.
You don't want them getting shocked for no reason because of a technical glitch.
Do Invisible Fences Make Other Sounds To Warn Pets?
Yes. Invisible fences create high-pitch frequencies the closer your pet gets to its perimeters. So, if you don't hear anything while your pet is playing in the front garden, they are likely staying within the parameters of the fence.
On top of that, electric frequencies are usually too high for us to hear. Since dogs and animals can generally hear those higher frequencies better than us, they stay away from the borders.
This sound won't harm your pet but will bother them and train them to stay where they're supposed to be. It's worth mentioning that these types of fences are always on.
Therefore, unless you turn off your invisible/electric fence, it will click and keep your pet from running away 24/7. This won't be too noticeable, but if you stand near one of the transmitters or receivers, there will be some static noise.
Depending on the fence's configuration, you may not hear noise unless your pet tries to escape, especially with wireless fencing. However, that's when you can expect white noise.
Does An Invisible Fence Shock Pets?
Although there is a slight shock effect to invisible fences, this won't overwhelm your animal. Generally, invisible fencing sends a warning pitch to your dog or cat and then sends an electrical current to the collar once they reach the perimeter.
Unlike a traditional shock collar, invisible fences tend to use frequencies instead of painful shocks. One of the main concerns with this type of fencing is the shock/current, leading many pet owners to avoid the idea.
Many companies are making these, all promising different comfort levels or discomfort for your animals. According to PetMD, many invisible fence collars, although not painful, do cause pets to develop wounds and infections if you don't remove them periodically, so keep that in mind.
Unlike a regular collar, you will need to remove the invisible fence-compatible one when your animal comes into the house. The last thing anyone wants is for your furry friend to be in pain.
On top of that, the actual "shock" an invisible fence pet collar sends to your animal comes from a battery. Therefore, it's not going to be anywhere near as aggressive as touching an electrical current.
Should I Keep My Invisible Fence On All The Time?
No. Unless your pet is outdoors and you are not watching them, there is no reason to keep your invisible fence turned on. Typically, these fences have timers or features for your pet playing in the yard.
For example, if you want to turn your invisible fence on and put your dog's compatible collar on, that only needs to happen for playtime.
According to many pet experts, it's not safe or humane to keep an invisible fence turned on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your pet needs to have the collar removed as soon as it enters your home, and the risk of running away is minimal.
One invisible fence company recommends users not keep their dog's collar or the invisible fence system on for more than 12 hours per day.
Keeping your dog/cat's collar on too long can cause pressure necrosis. This is when your pet develops areas of necrosis and often ulceration under its collar.
That can become a serious problem, so this is important. Beyond comfort, there is no need to have a pet wearing an electrical collar beyond the necessary timeframe.
The collar should come off if you walk your pet on a leash. The same goes for supervised play and while your dog or cat is inside.
Furthermore, if you notice your invisible fence making obvious sounds that don't seem right, we suggest removing the collar and turning off the system ASAP.
What Are The Benefits Of Having An Invisible Fence?
One of the main draws to invisible fencing is that they aren't obstructive. Unlike a regular wood or wire fence design, invisible fencing uses electricity and buried wires.
Through these, you can enjoy unobstructed views and keep your pet safe and inside your property. Of course, peace of mind is what sells this technology.
If a pet owner knows their dog or cat is free to roam around a given parameter, that can help with letting them out to use the bathroom or stretch their legs.
Again, not all invisible fences use underground wires, so if that concerns you, there are wireless alternatives. Although high-tech, these fences prioritize pet comfort and warning before shocking, which is good.
Before your pet reaches the end of the yard, your electric system will send high-pitch frequencies to warn your animal. As a last resort, your animal's collar will release a light shock, usually from a battery inside.
These systems are not nearly as painful or aggressive as remote control shock collars/training products, which is very important.
What Are The Disadvantages Of An Invisible Fence?
One of the biggest drawbacks to invisible fences is that they don't protect your animal or property from other animals entering. Since this system works with your animal's collar, anyone else can come in.
That can become problematic because if another dog runs into your garden, your animal can't escape. They are trapped inside the given parameters—at the mercy of whatever pet/owner is nearby.
In that way, this system fails. It's also worth mentioning that invisible fences can hurt animals. Simply because they don't send overly-aggressive electrical currents to your dog/cat's collar doesn't mean it is comfortable.
Many people consider these animal training systems barbaric and don't recommend them to pet owners. According to DogTime, unintentional conditioning is another mental drawback of invisible fence technology for your pet.
Over time, a pet can develop "barrier frustration," and this happens when your pet tries to go somewhere and can't because of the electrical shock.
Like we would become annoyed, your pet feels the same way. So, a traditional fence might be better for your pet's comfort and mental health/stability.
To Wrap Things Up
Whether you have an invisible fence that won't stop clicking or notice other sounds, this is generally normal. Since these systems use electrical currents between wires and transmitters/receivers, it's expected to hear occasional clicking or white noise.
However, something could be wrong if this becomes loud or your pet looks distressed. In that event, we recommend removing your pet's collar, turning off the system, and calling a professional.
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