What is a Dog Gate?
A dog gate allows you to block off certain areas of your home or confine your dog to one space. It lets owners set boundaries with their dog and can help keep them out of trouble when they're gone, which can be helpful with training. Dog gates are typically made out of wood or steel and are either be freestanding or mounted to a door frame.
For larger dogs, you'll need to make sure that the gate is both tall enough for them to not jump over and sturdy enough for them to not knock it over. Some gates also offer walkthrough doors, which can be helpful to not step over the gate every time you need to leave the room.
A dog gate creates a boundary that keeps your dog either inside or outside another area of the house or grounds. It’s a useful piece of equipment, whether you have a brand new puppy or dogs that usually have the run of the house. A gate gives a puppy a safe, dog-proofed area to play while keeping him out of trouble. Even adult dogs may need a place to retreat to or a barrier to keep them from being underfoot if the house is full of guests or workmen. If you’re out of the house all day, gating off a particular room for him gives him more freedom than a crate does. And you may have to separate multiple pets that aren’t getting along or even a toddler and an overly energetic pup. A sturdy dog gate creates a safe haven for your dog and a dog-free zone when needed.
Dog gates come in various styles, including pressure-mounted, freestanding gates; those with access doors; extra tall gates; permanently installed gates; and more. Your choice depends on where you plan to use it, how handy you are with tools, whether you need a portable gate, and your dog’s size and energy level. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a gate:
- How big is your dog? The gate needs to be tall enough so that he or she can’t easily jump it. A Great Dane will obviously need a taller gate than a Yorkshire Terrier.
- Is your dog a champion chewer? If so, you’ll want to avoid gates made of wood, plastic, or some combination of the two. Stick to a metal gate.
- Portability. Do you want to take the gate with you when you travel? A freestanding gate is your best bet.
- Is it easy to open and close? Look for something uncomplicated if you latch and unlatch the gate often, if your kids also open and close it, or you just want one-handed operation.
- Do you have a canine Houdini? Look for the most vertical gate you can find, and consider a permanent installation. If you’re handy, try installing the hardware at a slight inward angle, which makes it harder for dogs to climb.
- Do looks count? You might be able to find a dog gate that’s not only functional but is also artfully designed.
You should get a dog gate if you would keep your dog confined to certain areas in your home (or outdoors) with your pup. Dog gates can be great if you have a rambunctious pooch or if you'd like to leave your dog home alone without crating them.
Dog gates and baby gates are similar, but pet owners should find a gate with dogs in mind. These gates are oftentimes stronger, taller, and more durable, which is needed to keep a dog in place.
A dog gate is typically around 20 inches tall for small to medial dogs. For larger dogs who could potentially hop over that height, you're going to want something a few inches taller.