Indoor Dog Gates Buyer's Guide
It is true to note that not all dogs are the same in terms of both breed and behavior. In this part of the article, we take you through some of the most important tips to look at before buying your next canine dog gate. It is important to do your research to choose the best indoor dog gate.
Let's get started.
3 Different Types Of Indoor Dog Gates
There are different types of indoor dog gates. It is highly recommended to understand them, consider what you want and think about what works best for your house. The three major types are:
- Pressure mounted
- Hardware mounted
- Freestanding
Pressure-Mounted Dog Gates
These indoor canine gates are installed through applying pressure on the door frames or sides of the wall. Usually, they are very efficient as the you can place it at whatever level you want to match your pooch's size. Some pressure mounted dog gates also come with an allowance for extension, hence making it suitable for various spaces.
These types of dog gates mostly work for those who wish to have the gate installed at one particular spot for a longer time, but can easily remove it and take to another spot. It is also ideal for hallways and small doors.
With a pressure-mounted gate, take note of the width span of the gate and measure that against your hallway or door. Ensure that it is able to fit and that it is neither too big or too small.
Hardware-Mounted Dog Gates
These types of indoor dog gates require some physical effort for the installation process. Usually this involves some form of drilling to affix the dog gates on your house's walls.
Installing them may not be as easy as the pressure mounted dog gates. From our research, dog parents don't really prefer this option especially for those that wish to keep changing the location of their canine gates.
However, it is the sturdiest gate available and could be a more effective option for bigger sized dogs.
Freestanding Dog Gates
Freestanding dog gates are one of the most popular types of indoor dog gates for canine owners.
They are the easiest to install as most already come assembled. The panels are usually hinged to allow for several configurations and can also be used as a dog playpen too. Some of these frestanding dog gates are 3-in-1, allowing for a configuration for a dog crate.
These are also capable of being extended and can fit a bigger space.
However, the disadvantage of the freestanding indoor gate is that you are not able to adjust its height. So as your puppy grows bigger, you will need to get a bigger gate too.
Also, they are the least sturdy among the 3 options. As such, a physically stronger dog breed might be able to trample across the gate with ease.
Material Of The Gate
When choosing the best indoor dog gate, the material matters.
We do recommend to hardwood or metal as the material for the dog gate, as these are materials which a dog cannot easily chew through. They are sturdier, more durable but might be slightly more expensive as compared to the plastic options.
Size Of Your Dog
Never buy a gate shorter than your dog - it's a definite waste of month.
Why?
As your canine friend can simply jump over the gate, rendering it useless.
Measure the height of your dog and make sure that you get a gate that is minimally 1 feet taller than it.
If you have a few of dogs you want to keep confined, you measure the height of the tallest one and use it as the reference when buying any indoor dog gates.
Location To Place Your Indoor Gate
Where do you wish to place your dog gate? Is it a wide or narrow space? Will you keep at the stairs?
You should consider all the possible places and sizes of the places you wish to place your canine gate. The size and structure of the place will have a big say on what type of gate you want. It should also tell you whether you will need to get one that will be extended at some point.
Methods Of Entry
How will you and your dog pooch through the barrier is another factor that you have to consider too.
There are three more popular ways of going through a dog barrier:
- Walkthrough: Means you can go through the barrier which has a door. It is usually built with a small lock you can use to close shut the gate behind you.
- Swing Open: There are no major locks in this type of gate. They usually come with a simple yet effective latching mechanism which makes it difficult for your dog to open the gate.
- Step Over: Mostly used with smaller pets and puppies. Simply step over the dog gate to get across to the other side of the barrier.
You should also consider how your dog will be passing through the gate if allowed. In most cases, it all involves you opening the gate for them while some other models will have a patented small door for small pets to pass and leaving the big dogs behind.
Strength & Stability
This must be one of your priorities when choosing the best indoor dog gate. You really wouldn't wish to have your dog taking down the gate and passing through the barrier. Some breeds of dogs are naturally stronger and more aggressive, so they are more inclined to try all means possible to break loose from their 'prison'.
Probably, all they may want is to be close to their owners. Make sure to get a gate which is stable even if the dog tries to push it off its original position. This mainly applies to freestanding dog gates.
Finishing Of The Dog Gates
The design and color of the gate should also appear on your list. Getting a dog gate doesn't necessarily mean your home will lose its fine touch. Get your dog a well-designed gate which will compliment your home. Also, get one which easily blends in with your house's furnishing and color scheme.
