The material of your gate is very important as it plays a vital role in the durability and quality of the product. Depending on your needs, you may need something lightweight and portable, or something more stable and durable. Along with materials, here are some other factors you should take into consideration:

Consider the size of your dog before choosing a gate. If you’re purchasing the gate for a puppy, choose a gate that will accommodate the pup into adulthood.

Some dogs are notorious for their chewing habits, no matter how hard we try this sometimes can’t be resolved. If this fits your dog, be sure to choose a gate material that can withstand the damage from chewing.

Freestanding gates are not good for dogs that will escape by any means necessary. You also want to steer away from the freestanding gate for your deck or for stairs. Although if you intend to block the bottom of your stairs, then a freestanding gate would be fine.

Finding one that is simple to use can be an important aspect for you. A gate that has a door should have a latch that is easy to access and use. Stepping over a gate can be a hassle, so if you need to access the area that is blocked, choose a gate with a door.

When shopping for a gate to be used outdoors, look for one that will withstand the sun and rain. You don’t want one that will become tattered after being exposed to the elements. Replacing them can get to be a costly expense, so take the time to choose wisely.

Appearance for some means everything, if that fits the bill for you, choose a more ornate gate design. With a plethora of options on the market, you can surely find one that will suit your taste.

Depending on where you want to block your staircase, you have a couple of options for gates. To block the bottom of the stairs, you can use a freestanding gate. That way it can be easily moved when someone needs to get through. As for blocking the top of the stairs or even at the landing, you need a gate that can be secured. This is for both the safety of yourself and your pet. You will also want a gate that can swing open, this will be less hassle to those going up and down the stairs. It will allow them through while keeping your pet out.

To enclose the space of your deck, you will need a gate that can attach to the opening of the deck stairs. Make sure that the gate can swing open, but latches securely when closed. That way your dog can’t open the gate when a squirrel catches the dog’s attention. Be sure the gate is tall enough, this will deter the dog from wanting to leap over the gate. Mounting the gate at the top of the deck is the best choice. When placed at the bottom of the deck, your dog may attempt to jump the gate form the center of the stairs.

A larger breed of dog may require finding a gate that is larger in size. This will keep the dog from jumping over the gate, which defeats the purpose of the gate. You can find larger gates that will secure to the wall or stand on their own. Some of the gates that you secure to the wall will come with a door. This allows you to move through the gate rather than always climbing over the gate. The door for the gate should have a good lock on it, preventing the dog from opening the door.

Gates can be found with multiple panels, these are a perfect match for double-door frames. A gate with multiple panels will allow you to contain your dog to a certain portion of your living room as well. You can arrange the panels to suit the space you are using the gate in.

There are gates available that allow you to keep your larger pet out, while letting your smaller animal come and go. Look for a gate that has a smaller door at the bottom, you can leave this door open to allow your smaller pet access. Now you will want a gate that can be secured in this instance. Jealousy may get the better of your dog in this case, causing the dog to attempt to knock the gate down. If you choose a freestanding gate, the dog would be successful, therefore defeating the purpose of the gate.

You might be thinking, what on earth do I need to buy a dog gate for? Even though you allow your dog to roam the house as they please, you may not realize the value a dog gate can have. Here we have thought of a few scenarios that a dog gate would come in handy for:

When your friends stop in for visits, not all of them are going to be dog lovers. Some people think that a curious dog can be a nuisance. You can’t blame the dog, your friends are in the dog’s space. What you can do is put up a gate to hold the dog at bay while you chat with your friends.

If you’re having work done in your home, some workers will refuse to come in when a dog is present. You can’t always blame them, I’m sure they run into some unfriendly pets in their profession. Instead of putting the dog outside for the day, you can use a gate to keep the dog quarantined for the day.

Separation can be a beautiful thing, whether it be two dogs or a frisky toddler paired with a young pup. Putting up a dog gate can give you some peace and quiet for a little while.

Maybe you sometimes work long days but hate the thought of leaving your dog in a kennel all day. Using a gate to keep the dog contained in a larger space works great. Doing so in a room with hard flooring is advised, that way any accidents that may happen can be easily cleaned.

As our dogs get older they begin to have health issues, as do we. Some will have issues with joints, while others may begin to lose sight. A gate can be handy for blocking off stairs for our older friends, it keeps them from taking an unwanted tumble.

You can use a gate to keep your dog on the tile floor after coming in full of mud. This buys you time to give the dog a bath, saving your carpet and furniture from becoming a mess.

Gates for the outdoors

Using a gate outside can keep a dog confined to the patio or simply prevent them from leaving the safety of your yard. Choosing the right type of gate for outdoor use will require you to consider a couple of important factors. The number one concern for using the gate is whether or not the material you have chosen will hold up to mother nature. You will want one that won’t become a huge eyesore or rot after being left out in the rain.

You can use a freestanding style gate, but be sure you place it against something. We all know dogs are very smart, it will only be a matter of time before the dog figures out that the gate can be tipped. A great addition to your yard can also be a gate that allows you to create a playpen for smaller dogs. It will keep a wondering puppy at bay while providing them with space to be curious.

Gates for indoor living

To eliminate leaving holes or marks in the doorways of your home, you will need to use a freestanding style gate. You will need to find one that measures up to the specifications of the doorway you need to block off. When looking to use the gate for multiple doorways, look for one that offers adjustments for width. You will, however, need more than one gate if you plan to block more than one doorway at a time. Freestanding gates are available in many designs and materials. You can choose one that best suits your decorative style.