The Best Dog Gates For Doorways
To provide the best home for you and your pooches, sometimes barriers are needed. You might have stairs or ledges that are unsafe. Or perhaps you need your space in the kitchen and your pup is a little too rambunctious. For whatever reason, if you need to keep certain areas of your house out of bounds, dog gates are the way to go.
What to Look For
With all the options out there, it can be hard to know what makes a great dog gate. That’s why we’ve done the research to discover the best. We searched the market for options with durable designs, easy installations, and convenient access. If you’re looking for something that has a door with an easy-open latch, Tokkidas and Cumbor’s dog gates will serve you well. For something a little less permanent, Pawland’s wooden three-panel gate works well and makes for a pleasing accent piece. If looks are a high priority, you might like the Evenflo barndoor gate with its sleek wooden design. Keep reading to discover the right dog gate for your home.
Cumbor 46” Dog Gate for Stairs and Doorways
Corral your canines
Keeping your dogs safe doesn’t have to be a hassle. The best dog gates have doors that open and latch easily, and this one from Cumbor certainly delivers with a velvety-smooth safety latch. Not only that, but it also has an auto-close feature so you won’t forget to shut the gate behind you. Of course, if your pets have earned free range of the house, you can keep the doors open by swinging them to 90 degrees. This dog gate works best for most small- to medium-sized dogs, although it can work with well-trained large dogs as well.
Pros:
- This sturdy door gate withstands energetic dogs who like to jump, lean, or tug on gates.
- You have the option to install this gate with screws for the most secure installation, or with pressure pads so you can easily remove it without any wall damage.
Cons:
- Installation is a bit less intuitive than with other models.
Tokkidas Extra-Wide Dog Gate
Dog gates don’t have to break the bank. This gate from Tokkidas has many of the features you’ll find in higher-priced models at a more affordable price. We love the magnetic latch and dual-direction door — whether you’re coming or going, this will be easy to get through. The auto-close feature is another nice touch, especially for forgetful pet owners or parents. And the latch is light enough to be opened by seniors, but too difficult for curious toddlers.
Pros:
- Children have trouble opening this gate, but adults can easily unlatch the mechanism.
- This gate can keep larger dogs at bay.
- The auto-closing mechanism is quick enough even for speedy pups.
Cons:
- It’s possible to damage drywall if the supports are overtightened.
Pawland Freestanding Foldable Wire Pet Gate
Set it up in a snap
Sometimes, you need a quick fence to set up a safe area for kids or pets. Maybe you’re throwing a party, dinner, or movie night. This foldable gate from Pawland does the trick in a heartbeat, setting up in a quick minute. Two attachable feet increase stability, so your little ones won’t accidentally knock this gate over. The elegant design and white wooden frame fit into most modern home decors. And with folding panels, you’ll be able to easily fold this pet gate for quick storage.
Pros:
- Because of the alternating hinges, this gate can be set up in a variety of configurations. Spots that otherwise wouldn’t be able to have a pet gate become available to use.
- It’s sturdy enough to withstand medium and smaller dogs leaning on it. You can even purchase extra feet to further stabilize the gate.
Cons:
- The screws may need retightening after a while.
Mypet North States Tall Petgate Passage
Tall dogs stay, short dogs go
Do you have a larger dog that easily climbs over smaller fences? Or maybe your pooch is a supreme jumper, catapulting over most fences. Bigger dogs and bouncy dogs, especially rowdy ones, can be difficult to keep contained. With this 42-inch tall gate, you have a better time keeping them away from small children, other pets, and delicate decor. Of course, if you have smaller pets that get along with the bigger dog, you can simply unlock the small pet door at the bottom of the gate. They’ll be able to come and go as they please while the big dogs remain contained.
Pros:
- Installation is a breeze. You can choose to screw in the support pads or simply use pressure to keep the gate secured.
- The door is wide enough to walk through comfortably, even when holding a bag on your side — perfect for coming home with groceries without letting your critters loose.
Cons:
- The latch can be difficult to open with one hand.
Evenflo Barn Door Walk-Thru Gate
Beautifully rustic
Most dog gates out there use plastic or wood with a modern aesthetic, but if you’re into a more rustic look, you might like this barn door gate. We love its rich, dark wood finish and classy metal frame that look great in a variety of homes. This high-quality dog gate is made to last — its metal frame can withstand hundreds of pounds, and the side panels will hold securely with minimal maintenance by tightening.
Pros:
- Installation for this dog gate is a breeze. It should only take about 15 minutes and doesn’t require any additional tools.
- It easily latches and unlatches — older kids and seniors with arthritis, for example, will still be able to open this. Dogs and younger children, on the other hand, can’t accidentally unlatch the door.
Cons:
- This isn’t the widest of dog gates, so make sure it will fit your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs jump over dog gates?
If your dog is a jumper, they may be able to hop over smaller gates. We recommend using a tall gate to prevent them from leaping over the top.
Can dog gates support my dog’s weight if they lean on it?
Most dogs should be able to lean on a dog gate without it falling over. Large dogs, such as Newfoundlands, require larger gates that should still be able to hold their weight. If you find your dog gate keeps falling over, you may need to tighten the supports or screw the gate into the wall.
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