How To Choose The Best Dog Gate For You

A quick Internet search for “dog gates” will likely yield thousands of results. This can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed, especially if you’re eager to get a gate to keep your furry friend from climbing the stairs or entering the kitchen. With so many options to choose from, how do you know when you are getting the right one for you? Do you base it on appearance? Reviews? Are they all, more or less, the same?

In short, it all depends on your individual needs. Not very helpful advice, right? We agree, and it’s why in today’s blog post, we are going to give you some things to consider to help guide you through the process of thinking about what exactly you need.

The Stair Barrier takes great pride in our baby and dog gates for stairs, and in the way they are made. All of our gates are made in the USA, using sustainably sourced materials. Learn more about us, what makes us different, and check out our collection of gates!

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the best pet gate for your needs.

Sturdiness

The gate's sturdiness is certainly one of the most important things to consider when looking for a dog gate. After all, the point of the gate is to be able to restrict your dog from accessing a particular area, even when your dog is feeling extremely curious. 

Your Dog's Love For Chewing

If your dog is not always a good boy and he enjoys chewing things he shouldn’t, you will want to take this into consideration when looking for a gate. Opt for a gate that can’t be easily chewed or at least one that can not be easily damaged when chewed. Although the best and the most long-term solution is to slowly teach your dog to kick the gnawing habit, the gate material matters, too. Many Stair Barrier customers have found Sour Apple Spray to do the trick.

The Size Of Your Canine

When looking for a pet gate, keep in mind the size — or future size — of your pup. Although a small dog can be kept out using the smallest of gates, a big dog can easily knock down a small gate, sometimes unintentionally. This is something that safety gate manufacturers have taken into consideration, and you can even find pet gates that are made exclusively for large dogs. If you have a large-breed dog or a jumper, you may want to look into a taller-than-average gate.

Portability

Do you travel a lot with your dog? Do you need a gate that can easily be packed up and quickly installed? If so, be sure to keep this in mind and make portability a priority when shopping for the best dog gate for your needs. If you are looking for a pet gate for stairs, be sure to check out our Stair Barrier gates. Our dog safety gates are extremely lightweight and portable yet also remarkably durable and stylish. Have a look for yourself!

Dimensions

Don’t assume that all dog gates are adjustable and can accommodate the dimensions of your door or stairs. Be sure to measure carefully and choose a gate that can be adjusted to match the dimensions of your space. Additionally, if you live in an apartment, keep in mind that you will likely want a gate that installs easily and one that does not require permanent installation. Depending on your situation, you may also want to consult with your landlord if any installation is required

Outdoor Use

Not all gates are the same. You shouldn’t expect your indoor gate to be able to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor elements. If you plan on primarily using your gate outside, buy an outdoor pet gate. In the long run, this will provide you with the greatest bang for your buck. Be sure to check out The Stair Barrier’s collection of outdoor pet gates.  

Gates For Stairs

Do you have stairs in your home? Do you want to keep your pooch from going up them? If so, you need a gate that is designed specifically for the bottom of your stairs. There is a wide variety of bottom of stairs gates, and for the best results, you will want to look for a gate that is structurally reinforced, easy to install, and is designed to accommodate your stairs, whether they are banister to banister stairs or banister to wall stairs. If you are having trouble finding such a gate, we’ve got you covered. Our dog gates for stairs are not only portable, durable, and structurally reinforced, but we also take pride in offering a variety of style and designs to help enhance the decor of any home.

Whether you are trying to keep your pup out of trouble or off the stairs, a high-quality pet gate is a must-have. Keep this list in mind when looking for the gate that best fits your needs!