Best Dog Gates

Buying guide for best dog gates

Dogs are part of the family, with a special place in the home, but that doesn't mean they should have access to every part of your house all the time. Whether for safety reasons or to protect your favorite sofa from damage, a sturdy dog gate can keep your pup out of any place it shouldn’t be.

A dog gate is an effective barrier for keeping your pet out of certain rooms or areas of your home. Some gates are meant to be permanent, while others are portable and easy to remove when you don’t need to keep your dog contained. You can find gates of various sizes and made of different materials to suit large breeds like German shepherds or tiny breeds like toy poodles.

To find the right dog gate for your home, first decide if a gate is really what you need. Next, determine the type, size, and other features, such as appearance and installation style. A good buying guide can point you in the right direction, while the included product recommendations can help narrow your options so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.

Most dog gates have a slatted or other open design, so your dog can see through it and feel less anxious about being confined.

How to buy the best dog gate

When to use a dog gate

Before buying a dog gate, it’s important to understand how and when it makes sense to use one. While your dog is a beloved family member, there are plenty of occasions when you might want to confine it to a specific area of your home. For some pet owners, a gate is a necessity that will be used daily. However, even if you don’t plan to use it regularly, a gate is a smart investment to have on hand for those times when you do need it.

Some situations in which you might need a dog gate include the following:

Housebreaking a puppy: You don’t want your puppy to make messes all over your home. And puppies can be very curious. Containing your pet with a gate can keep it out of danger.

Keeping your dog off the stairs: If your dog is injured, sick, or older and shouldn’t be going up and down the stairs on its own, a gate can keep it safe.

Separating visitors and pets: You might have guests who aren’t comfortable around dogs or an anxious dog that doesn’t do well with strangers.

Keeping your dog away from workers: If you’re having repairs done around the house, you don’t want your dog to get in the way of the workers.

Separating pets: You might need to keep various pets apart or keep a dog away from the cat’s litter box.

Separating pets and children: You might want to keep your children away from your dog when you can’t supervise them.

Containing your dog without a crate: Perhaps your dog is well-behaved, so it doesn’t need to be crated when you leave the house, but you still don’t want it to have access to the entire place. A gate gives your dog more room and more comfort.

Keeping pets away from furniture: You don’t want your dog to damage or get certain furniture, flooring, or other furnishings dirty.

Dog gate types

Dog gates are available in several types or styles that affect how they work and are installed. Depending on your needs and whether you always use the gate in the same area of your home, some types are better than others.

Freestanding gates don’t require installation and are easy to move. However, they come in a fixed size, so they typically only work for standard-size doorways or openings. A freestanding gate is effective for keeping your pet in or out of a specific room or away from stairs.

Pressure-mounted gates don’t require installation with hardware. They use tension to stay in place in a doorway or other opening. They’re typically sturdier and harder to get past than freestanding gates. Most models have a knob you tighten to hold the gate in place. Like freestanding gates, these are portable, so you can use them anywhere in your home.

Wall-mounted gates are permanently mounted in a doorway to block access. They’re hinged, with a swinging door that makes it easy to go through when necessary. Most also have locks, so your dog can’t sneak through. However, you need to install the gate with brackets that screw into the wall. That means they aren’t portable, so you can only use the gate in one area of your home.

Stairway gates are similar to wall-mounted gates, but the door only swings in one direction to open away from the stairs. That makes it safer to go up and down the stairs when the gate is in place. Most stairway gates include an adapter that controls the direction that the gate opens.

Features to look for in dog gates

Materials

Dog gates are available in several materials. The best material for your gate depends on how aggressive a chewer your dog is and how often you’ll need to move the gate.

The most common materials for dog gates include the following:

Plastic: These gates are the most affordable and lightweight, making them easy to move around as needed. However, plastic gates don’t stand up well to dogs that like to chew. Some plastic models also have mesh elements that dogs can use to climb and get over the barrier. Plastic gates aren’t the most attractive either.

Wood: These dog gates can blend seamlessly with the rest of your home’s décor, so they’re the best option if appearance is your main concern. However, like plastic gates, they don’t hold up well to chewing. It’s essential to verify that a wooden gate is treated with a pet-safe finish before purchasing. Wooden gates are heavier than plastic ones, so they might not be as easy to move around your house.

Metal: These dog gates are the sturdiest, most durable option. They’re the best choice if your dog is an aggressive chewer or a large breed that can knock down lighter materials. You can choose a metal gate with a painted or natural metal finish, depending on which best matches your décor.

Size

Both the height and width of a dog gate are vital factors to consider.

Height: The gate must be tall enough that your dog can’t jump or climb over it. If you have a large breed, you might need an extra-tall gate to make sure your pet remains contained. If you’re purchasing the gate when your pet is a puppy, consider how large you expect your dog to grow so you won’t need to buy a new gate as your dog ages.

Width: Measure the width of the doorway, archway, or other opening where you plan to place the gate, so you know it will block the area effectively.

Appearance

Some dog gates have a simple, practical appearance, while other gates are more decorative to better blend in with your furnishings. A gate’s appearance usually matters more if it requires permanent installation. However, if you opt for a portable gate that you can put up only when you need it, its appearance may not be as important.

Extensions

Some dog gates come with extensions that allow you to widen the gate. Other manufacturers sell extensions separately, so you can purchase them later if necessary. Extensions come in handy if the doorway or archway where you want to place the gate is extra wide or if you want to create an enclosed playpen for your dog. You can also find some dog gates with height extensions that are helpful if you have a large breed or a dog that jumps.

Bumpers

Many pressure-mounted dog gates have padded bumpers on the areas that come in contact with the doorframe or wall. These protect the surfaces from scuffs and other damage.

Small pet opening

If you have small pets in your home like cats, in addition to a large dog, they might not need to be contained like your dog. Some gates include a small door that allows a cat or other small animal to pass through while keeping your dog safe and secure.

If you need to contain your dog in your yard, you can find some gates designed for outdoor use. They’re sturdier than indoor models and hold up well in the elements.

How do you accessorize a dog gate?

Dog crate

If you need to contain your dog in a smaller area for training purposes, a dog crate is an excellent addition to your gate. Crates are available in multiple sizes, so you can find options that work for small or large dogs. While most crates are made of wire, you can find some that resemble furniture to blend in with your décor.

Dog house

A dog house provides a safe area for your dog outdoors. The house protects your pet from the elements and offers a comfortable place to lounge when it’s enjoying your yard.

How much do dog gates cost?

Inexpensive

The most affordable dog gates are made of mesh or plastic. They’re lightweight and highly portable but usually only span a small area, such as a doorway. These gates generally cost $8 to $25.

Mid-range

These dog gates are made of higher-quality plastic, wood, or metal. Many of these gates are portable, but some require installation with hardware. Most are standard sizes too, so they might not work for large dogs. These gates typically cost $25 to $110.

Expensive

The most expensive dog gates are usually plastic models with multiple extensions or extra-tall wood or metal gates. You can find both freestanding and mounted styles in this price range. These gates generally cost $110 to $350.

Tips

• Make sure the dog gate is locked. If your gate has a locking mechanism, check that it’s engaged when you leave your pet confined. Dogs are extremely smart, and they can learn to open or knock down a gate that isn’t locked in place.
• Angle the gate if your dog is a climber. By positioning the gate at a slight angle toward your dog, your pet will have a harder time climbing it.
• Use the gate as the next step after crate training. Once your dog has mastered staying in its crate, you might still be uncomfortable giving it free rein in the house. The gate allows you to keep it confined but in a larger area.

Freestanding gates tend to work best for small dogs. Large dogs can easily move the gate if they jump on it.

FAQ

Q. How should I introduce a dog gate to my pet?

A. Set up the gate so your pet is confined and give it plenty of treats and attention if it behaves. If your dog acts up by barking or whining, don’t reward the behavior. It takes some time, but your pup will eventually get used to being confined when necessary. 

Q. Can I use a baby gate in place of a dog gate?

A. Baby or child gates typically aren’t as sturdy and durable as dog gates, so they may not be a viable alternative. Check any model you’re considering to ensure that it can hold up to your dog jumping, scratching, or chewing on it.

Q. What type of gate is best for dogs that like to chew?

A. For aggressive chewers, a metal gate is the best option. Plastic gates can sometimes work if the plastic is hard enough. Wood and mesh gates are typically the worst choice because the materials are soft and easy to damage.