Using Dog Gates

Dogs are wonderful, affectionate and loving, but sometimes they just won’t let you have a moment’s peace.  Any dog owner knows that there are just times and places where you don’t want your dog to follow you, either out of a desire for privacy, space or safety.  The simplest solution is to install a dog gate.

Dog gates are designed to allow you, the dog owner, an area free of your pet.  Whether you choose to use a gate all the time for some areas of your home, or to use a gate to keep your dog safely out of the kitchen when you cook, a gate is a useful tool.  Every dog needs to accept some boundaries, and dog gates are a great way to introduce this concept.  For nervous dogs picking a gate that can be seen through can reduce the anxiety of being separated physically.  For most dogs a simple slat fence is perfect; adaptable and expandable, these gates can span most areas but may need to be hardware mounted for larger spaces. Be sure to make the enclosed area more comfortable if they are gonna be in there for long periods of time. For instance put his elevated dog bowls and his dog bed. That way he can eat, drink and sleep whenever he wants.  

Tension mounted gates are best for small areas, and with smaller pets.  Tension mounts can damage walls but are easiest to take up and down.  Hardware mounted gates are more stable and can cross larger areas, but require permanent changes to the home.  Both these gate styles can have swing doors that allow you to go back and forth easily as part of the design.  Make sure you measure your space and view your options so you pick the right gate for your needs.