Not sure which pet gate is right for your dog and your house? Knowing the basics can help you make a decision.
What are pet gates made of? They can be made of steel, plastic, or wood. Your dog’s size and behavior habits can help you choose the best material. A heavy chewer, for example, may need a wire mesh gate or a metal slat-style gate. Plastic and wood gates may not stand up to heavy chewing. If you have a very tall dog, like a Borzoi or a wolfhound, you may need an extra-tall gate.
Do you want your gate to be stationary or mobile? Some pet gates mount to the wall with hardware you screw into the wall itself or a door frame. Some gates are pressure mounted, and you only have to fit the gate tightly into the space available. If you’ll be moving the gate around to allow your pets to accompany you into different rooms, you may want a pressure mount gate. However, some pressure mount gate users warn that the mounts can scratch or gouge the walls and door frames.
What about walk-throughs? Rather than hopping over the pet gate, you may want a model with a built-in door. Some gates have only one-way doors; some have doors that open in both directions to make it extra easy for you to enter and exit the room without letting your pet out.
What about extra large spaces? Some styles of gate offer extension panels; be sure the style you choose can use multiple extension panels, and not just one. Typically, pet gates can handle between one and four extension panels.
Safety issues:
- Make sure the gate doesn’t tip over when the dog leans on it or puts his front paws up on it.
- Make sure the gate can’t be chewed on if your dog is a heavy chewer or has separation anxiety issues.
- Make sure the gate is securely fastened to the wall or door frame.
- Make sure the walk-through (if it has one) latches so the pet cannot get out.
- Make sure the openings in the gate are not wide enough for a dog or cat to get his head stuck!