What Type of Pet Gate Is Best For Your Dog?

 by Teresa Hughes

At some point, most dog owners need at least one indoor gate to limit his or her access to the home.  You might not feel comfortable in using any of the electronic indoor containment devices and so prefer a to use a gate for containment.  There are several different types to chose from so you want to be sure you are making the right selection.   Gates can be somewhat expensive and most have to be ordered online giving us plenty of reason to make the right choice the first time.

First, you should ask yourself some simple questions.   Is there one particular area you want to block access to permanently?   Or, possibly, you want to keep your dog with you as you move about the house, so an easily moveable gate might be more appropriate.   Is your dog small or large?  Is he or she a jumper?   Are you handy with tools?   Answering these and other questions will help you to make the best choice.

Hardware Mounted Gate -  These gates are permanently mounted to the wall with hardware.  

Pros:

• Most are very sturdy and cannot be knocked over
• Have latches allowing people to open and pass thru easily
• Many will serve duel role of dog and child containment

Cons:

• Cannot be moved to another doorway easily
• May not be good choice for renters since they require hole drilling
• Require some "handy" work to install

 Pressure Mounted Gate - These gates attach to the walls with pressure, rather than hardware

Pros

• Can be moved more easily than hardware mounted dog gates
• Available in short, easy-to-step-over sizes for smaller dogs
• Requires no tools and are easy to install
• No damage to walls

Cons

•  Not as sturdy as hardware mounted - Can be knocked down by energetic dogs
• Somewhat easy to move, however, not as easily moved as free standing pet gate
• Not safe for child containment
•  

Free Standing Pet Gate - Does not attach to wall

Pros

• Very easy to move
• No damage to walls
• No tools required

 Cons

• Can be knocked over or moved by energetic dog
• Not safe for child containment

An addtional consideration is the height of the gate.   Depending on your dogs energy level, size and physical ability, you might want to consider the taller gates.    Also, be sure to measure your widest doorway as you may need to order extensions that many of the gate manufacturers offer.

For some dog owners, dog gates are an essential, permanent part of life.  For others, a gate may be a temporay need during puppies' house breaking process or when company comes calling.  Whatever the reason, gates serve a very important role and resolve many problems that our furry friends can cause.