Tips For Selecting Pet Gates

What You Need To Know Before You Buy

Many dog owners use pet gates when they need to limit their pet’s access to certain areas of their homes.

With pet gates you can quickly and easily form a safe and convenient pet containment barrier where and when you need it.

Unlike confining your dog to a crate... it allows your dog more room to move about freely.

Some pet owners like to use gates in combination with dog crates.

Confining your dog in a room with her crate gives your dog a larger area to move around in and the crate provides your dog the comfort of a den-like environment.

Three Good Reasons To Use A Dog Gate

Three Basic Types of Dog Gate

What Type Of Dog Gate Is Right For Your Specific Need?

Questions To Keep In Mind While Selecting A Gate

Three Good Reasons
To Use Pet Gats

1. Separate Your Children And Your Pets

There may be times when you don’t want your children in the same room with your pets.

For example, you may not want to leave your infants, toddlers and even young children in the same room with your dog if you are unable to closely supervisor their activities.

By using pet gates you can quickly and easily create a safety barrier and put the necessary distance between your pets and children.

2. Help Protect And Train Your Puppy

A pet gate is an excellent way to protect your new puppy from dangerous areas of your home.

Just like babies, puppies must be closely watched to keep them out of harms way.

If you’ve decided not to crate train your dog you will need a way to confine your puppy to a small room or area until she is properly housetrained.

If a dog gate is not an option you may want to try a pet exercise pen. Keeping your puppy tethered on a lead is not a recommended method of containment.

3. Contain Your Dog Without Causing Separation Anxiety

If you need to restrict your pet to one room pet gates are a much better option than closing the door to that room. This is especially true if you must leave your dog alone in the room.

Since pet gates don't create a solid physical barrier like a door... your dog will feel less confined.

Being able to see past the confines of the room... your pet is less likely to feel completely isolated and alone. This open feeling will reduce the chances that your pet will experience separation anxiety which often leads to unwanted behavior.

Is separation anxiety causing your dog to act out? Get expert help from our recommended professional dog trainers.

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Three Basic Types of Pet Gates

1. Pressure-Mounted

Since the installation of pressure-mounted gates does not require any tools... they easily install in minutes. These gates do require a solid frame wall since they rely on pressure to keep them in place. These gates are good for doorways and hallways, but this type should never be used at the top of a staircase.

2. Hardware-Mounted

This type of gate is mounted to the wall using screws. When properly installed hardware-mounted gates are very strong and secure.

3. Stairway

When choosing a gate for a stairway make sure it has the following features for optimum safety:

Hardware-Mounted - Never use a pressure-mounted gate at the top of a staircase. “Swing-top” mechanism - a design feature that prevents the gate from swinging out over the stairwell. No fixed horizontal bar along the bottom. This bar is a tripping hazard, which can be very dangerous on a staircase!

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What Type Of Pet Gate Is Right
For Your Specific Need?

Before you choose a pet gate... take a few moments to think about where you are going to use it. You want to make sure that you get the right gate for your unique application.

Depending on the layout of your home you may need more than one gate. And depending on where you are planning on installing each of the gates you may need more then one style and/or size. You’ll also have to consider the size of your dog and your dog’s behavioral patterns.

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Questions To Keep In Mind
While Selecting A Pet Gate

Where are you going to install it? In a hallway or a doorway, at the bottom or top of a staircase? How wide is the opening? – You’ll need an accurate measurement in order to select the correct size gate. Will you be dividing a wide open space? Do you need a gate to fit an irregular opening? If you select a hardware-mount gate what kind of material will you be screwing into? Is it solid wood, hollow, or brick? Do you need to attach the gate to a wrought iron railing, hollow wall or a wood banister? If so make sure the model you select offers a gate bracket kit for safe and easy installation. Do you need an extra tall gate? If you have a big dog or a strong jumper you’ll want an extra tall gate. A 4ft high gate may be just what you need. If you choose a pressure-mounted model you may want to consider one with a "memory lock" feature especially if you will be removing if frequently. Will you be able to step over a gate? If you are unable to step over a gate or would just like the convenience of not having to step over one look for a model that is hinged and opens like a door. These gates are available in pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted models.

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