Dog gates are available in many styles, and these tips for choosing dog gates can help get you started. Nice wood finishes certainly look very stylish but they can cost a bit more.
If you are on a budget you can get pressure mounted or attaching style baby gates that can also function very nicely as a dog gate. But buying a dog gate will give you a much sturdier and more stable gate. Here are some more tips for choosing dog gates that are the best for you and your pet.
Similarly, dog gates can also function as gates for babies or toddlers. Installing a dog gate can work to keep both your dog and/or children safe.
Most people realize that they need a dog gate after they already have a loving dog in the house. Perhaps the puppy was fine being confined to a kennel, but you might prefer to offer more freedom to your dog while you are away, or to keep the dog in certain areas of the house or out of troubles way.
If you still have a a puppy then your gate choice depends on how large the dog will grow, or what breed it is. If it is a larger dog breed, choosing a taller gate that you can use when the dog is full grown might be a good idea. This could ensure you don’t need to buy more than one gate as your puppy grows larger.
Gates for Small Dogs
If you chose a smaller dog breed then you may want a shorter dog gate. Also make sure the bars are close enough so your dog can’t sneak through or get caught in the bars.
Free standing dog gates are an excellent way to keep your dog isolated to different areas. These freestanding units can be moved from one area to another quite easily. They also offer an advantage that they don’t cause any damage to the walls. For example, you can use a single gate to block access to the hardwood floor in the living room, or to the upstairs or downstairs in your home.
If you choose a freestanding gate, where possible, try to use a shorter dog gate if you need to step over it. A 20 inch gate is far easier to step over than a 28 inch tall gate. You will find yourself frequently tripping over the taller gate. You could also simply move the end of the tall gate to allow yourself to get through.
For freestanding gates, also consider that they are not attached. A heavy dog, excited dogs or even several smaller dogs can move the gate and get through. Using a bungee cord to secure the gate to stair rails or a door frame will prevent the gate from moving.
Gates for Large Dogs
If your dog is large, or your dog likes to jump you may be better off with a pressure mounted gate, an expansion gate, or a walk-thru gate (gate with a smaller walk through section). You could also install this type of dog gate a couple of inches off the ground to gain a little additional height.
Keep in mind that a pressure mounted dog gate or hardware attached dog gate will cause some damage to the doorway or other area where you use it. If it’s just a door jamb this may not be an issue, but installing in a hallway or doorway with wallboard only will eventually damage the wall.
If you are leaving the house you should always leave food and water for your pet. Don’t forget about a comfortable blanket or dog bed, and perhaps a toy or two to keep your dog occupied. That way your dog hopefully chews the bone or toy you left, and not the gate itself.
Another good tip for choosing dog gates is to consider the floor of the room or area where your dog will be kept. A room with a tile or linoleum floor such as a kitchen is usually a good choice as accidents or soilings are so much easier to clean up than a carpeted floor.
Hopefully these tips can help you with your dog gate choice and keep your loving dog safe and happy.