If you speak to any pet parent, they’ll be quick to agree that their pets are family. In fact, many individuals feel that their fur babies are their kids! As with children, pets are highly dependent on us for care, provision and protection. But, as animal folk, we love them so much that we’re willing to do anything and everything to make sure they’re happy, healthy and comfortable. Sometimes, with more aggressive dogs, we must be firm, and that means
we use a shock collar to minimize any troublesome behavior. Other times, depending on the breed, we’re able to be less severe and keep them safe
with an invisible fence. The point is, as owners, we just want to keep them out of harm’s way and protected.
Now, there are times when our beloved pets can transform into pesky pooches. If they’re not running up and down the stairs at a break-neck speed, they’re vaulting off the sofa as though it’s a trampoline. Aside from destroying your precious pull-out couch beyond repair, Mr. Fluffy can find himself equally accidented. As Mr. Fluffy’s owner, you certainly wouldn’t want that.
The truth is, you can’t tie a dog down and expect them not to move around. Animals, particularly dogs, need exercise and fresh air. And so, just like your cat’s innate need to scratch the furniture,
you simply mange it. Once you manage your canine’s energy levels, you’ll both feel better!
Actually, all that running, jumping and troublemaking is a sign that your dog is normal and healthy. However, that energy can lead them into questionable situations, so it’s vital to have some form of control. The last thing you want is a visit from your local police to ticket you because Brutus the Bulldog somehow escaped and went in search of that yipping Chihuahua two doors down.
When it comes down to it, pet owners need a dog gate installed in their house for many reasons. Aside from being an inexpensive way to keep your home safe for your pet, it’s also a stylish, painless way to keep them in a designated area. Obviously, you want to purchase a high-quality product, but, oftentimes, it isn’t so straight-forward.
There are door gates for just about any type of situation. Some are available for specific sized breeds while others adapt to households that have several dogs of varying sizes. There are gates designated for outdoor or indoor use while others allow for different living spaces. The great thing is, if you stick with us, then we’ll explain everything you’ll ever need to know about these multipurpose, versatile dog gates. Let’s go!
Price
So, how much will a good dog gate cost? Typically, a quality product will cost you anywhere from $30 to $200, though some models can cost more. Why do they differ so greatly in price? Well, this is mainly due to the type of material, quality of construction, and other added functions. Normally, metal and wood are pricier than plastic and PVC. Plus, if the gate you’re opting for is the multipurpose type, meaning it can also function as a playpen or room divider, for example, then it will definitely cost you more.
Cheap dog gates aren’t the best option even if you don’t have much cash to spare. Instead, you’re better off saving up to invest in a quality dog gate. The major problem with cheap dog gates is their durability. They get destroyed pretty quickly either from impact or exposure to the elements. In the end, you’d have to spend more money on a new dog gate because the last one didn’t hold up. Suddenly, buying cheap doesn’t look so budget-friendly anymore.
Features
We’re going to quickly look at the different features you’ll need to consider before deciding on a dog gate. Check them out:
- Material and size of the gate
- Your dog’s size
- Set up and installation
- Portability
- What part of the house do you want cordoned off?
Let’s get into the details already!
Construction and Design
Usually, dog gates are made from four main materials: wood, plastic, PVC, and metal. Although wood is generally sturdier than plastic and PVC, this type of gate must have a finishing coat before it can be utilized, especially if it will stay outdoors. If the wood isn’t properly finished, then it will most certainly deteriorate. So, with prolonged exposure to the elements, your barricade will become completely useless.
Plastic and PVC gates are less expensive, but they’re not ideal for large, muscular dogs. As these materials are very lightweight, big dogs can easily knock them down. Plastic and PVC gates work best indoors for smaller, less aggressive pets. However, the biggest advantage these gates offer is their easy upkeep.
Metal dog gates are similar to wood ones as they are strong and require a surface coating. However, in the case of metal materials, the finishing layer prevents corrosion. As metal is much stronger than wood, it makes for an excellent indoor or outdoor gate and works well for large or aggressive dogs.
When it comes to height, these gates vary somewhere between 2 feet 6 inches tall and 3 feet 6 inches tall. The gate you will purchase depends on the size of your dog. Essentially, the shorter or taller the dog, the shorter or taller the gate.
Performance and Ease of Use
Dog gates are fairly straightforward to set up, though it does depend on the model. Even if you’re not a handy, DIYer, you shouldn’t have an issue assembling or mounting one. But, before purchasing a gate, you’ll have to measure the entrance of the area you wish to block off from your dog.
Some dog gates are spring-mounted while others are wall-mounted. If you’d like a model that’s both easy to install and quick to remove, then you should be looking at spring-mounted gates.
Wall-mounted types, on the other hand, are more permanent fixtures that require hardware for mounting. If you’re not naturally handy, this may present a problem. Yet, because of its sturdier mounting system, this type of gate keeps stronger dogs from knocking them over.
Regardless of the type of mounting system, you’ll need to ensure that your gate is tall enough to keep your dog from jumping over its top edge. Also, to prevent your dog from squeezing through the slats, select a gate with parts that are sure to keep your pet in place.
Now, let’s assess the part of your house that will be cordoned off:
Outdoors: If your dog gate will be used outdoors to keep your dog fenced in or within the boundaries of the patio, then you’ll need a sturdy model that’s durable and weather-resistant.
Indoors: For indoor use, you’ll require a model that sets up easily without necessarily leaving marks and holes that could ruin your walls. There are also many ways to match your gate with your theme décor as gates come with different finishes and designs.
What about the size of your dog?
For small to average sized dogs, you shouldn’t have a problem finding an appropriate gate. On the other hand, finding the right gate for an extra-large breed may pose a bit of a challenge. Although manufacturers do carry dog gates specifically made for bigger sized dogs, the issue is that those sizes simply won’t work for extra-large dog breeds.
Now, depending on the amount of time you’ll need to block off your space and the aggressiveness of your dog, you can choose to go for either a free-standing or a wall-mounted gate. Calm pets might not require a wall-mounted one, but aggressive pooches will most likely need this model. Also, if your gate is going to be up for a while, then consider the wall-mounted type.
Another pertinent question to ask is: what should I do if I have two completely different sized dogs? Should you have both a large and small pet, but would like the smaller pet to be able to roam while the larger one stays put, then go for a gate with a small walk-through access door. This way, you don’t have to keep helping your smaller pooch over the gate every single time he wants to go for a walk around the house, which might be several times a day. In this case, the gate should be wall-mounted to prevent your massive Bernese Mountain Dog from toppling it over when he attempts to follow your teacup Chihuahua through the small access door.
Finally, if your intension is to travel with your pet, then you should consider a lightweight, freestanding dog gate. The great thing about these models are, they’re convenient and portable while being sturdy.
We believe our guide has extensively explained all you’ll need to know in order to select a great dog gate. So, without further ado, let’s rush down and see what’s trending among dog gates today. Come with us!
Now that you have taken the time to go through these reviews, we hope you have become better informed and can now place that order with confidence.
