Dog Gates: The Best Options for Your Home

Shopping for the new puppy is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Some new dog owners enjoy getting toys and clothes for their dog as much as they do their own children. Of course not all purchases are the same. A long retractable leash may be a lot of fun, or you may be the type to buy a doggie sweater, but a boring old pet gate may be the most valuable purchase of all.

Some Tips for Choosing the Right Gate

First things first, don’t buy the wrong sized gate. Come to the store armed with measurements of the doorways and areas you’ll closing off. If this size is irregular or particularly large you’ll be relieved to know that many pet gates out there are built with an extension panel that will accommodate larger widths.

Consider how large you’re dog is likely to be when he’s full grown. Then make sure you buy a gate tall enough that he won’t be able to jump over it. This is a common mistake, and it’s never fun to realize you’re gate has outlived its usefulness. So always err to the side of too large.

Furthermore, you should make sure the gate is easy to open and close. Knowing this will be a hassle free experience can be a lifesaver in a house full of children. As a corollary, make sure you don’t have to step over the gate to get around the house. This type of gate is common and less expensive, but it is also dangerous and vastly less convenient.

Make sure that the gate's door latch can be opened and closed easily with one hand.

You may also want to consider purchasing a “tension gate”, which is a gate that can be slid in between doors and secured with tension, rather than installed permanently with screws or fixtures. While very easy to install these types of security gates, it's usually to use those that attach to the wall. It's a little extra money and a bit more work to install, but much easier in the long run.

Some gates may cause damage to the walls where they attach. There are, however, high quality gates that are manufactured with bumpers in mind to prevent such damage. Choose one of these if your money situation allows for it.

If the style of the gate matters to you, know that you do not have to use the old standby wooden gate – metal gates are available in various colors, as well as clear plastic and attractive mesh gates.