- The Best Dog Gate
- 1. Regalo Dog Gate
- 2. Summer Dog Gate With Door
- 3. Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Dog Gate
- 4. Regalo Adjustable Dog Gate
- 5. Toddleroo Extra Wide Puppy Gate
- 6. Evenflo Tall Pressure Mount Wood Gate
- 7. Richell Wood Freestanding Dog Gate
- 8. Summer Decorative Wood & Metal Dog Gate
- 9. Carlson Pet Products Dog Barrier
- 10. Summer Metal Dog Gate
- 11. Petmaker Wooden Dog Gate
- 12. Primetime Petz Configurable Dog Gate with Door
- 13. Evenflo Expansion Walk Thru Room Divider Gate
- 14. Carlson Pet Products Puppy Gate
- 15. Internet’s Best Dog Gate with Arched Top
As much as you adore your pooch, there will be occasions when you simply need them to be confined in one place! This is as much for their own safety as for your convenience. At times like this, a dog gate is essential in your home. There are numerous styles to choose from and many are quite elegant and can look great in practically any home.
There are many different features to dog gates and your task is to pick one that best suits both your dog(s) and lifestyle. Pet gates also come in many different shapes and sizes and with different fixing methods. To give you a great start, here is our guide to getting the best dog gate for you and your doggy friend.
The Best Dog Gate
1. Regalo Dog Gate
Key Features
Fits openings 29-39 inches wide
30 inches high
Pressure mounted with four pressure mounting spindle rods
Optional wall cups
Safety lock
This gate will fit an opening that is 29-39 inches wide (due to the six-inch optional extension) and it stands 30 inches high. The gate can be used for both children and pets. It’s a pressure mounted gate with four pressure mounting spindle rods. There are also four wall cups for added safety as they help to stop the gate from slipping.
It can be used in doorway openings, hallways and at the bottom of stairs. You don’t need any tools to set it up and it causes no damage to your house. It is very easy to remove and takes up little room if you want to store it. It’s made out of durable steel and its safety lock can be opened and closed easily with one hand.
2. Summer Dog Gate With Door
Key Features
Fits openings 28.5 inches to 45 inches wide
36 inches high
Optional hardware and door stop for use at the top of stairs
Auto close feature
An attractively designed beige metal gate that will fit openings 28.5 inches to 45 inches wide and is 36 inches tall. It has a multi-use design so it can be used between rooms using either of the 8.75 inches extension and/or the two 4.25 inches extensions. It’s fixed in place using pressure mounted tension bolts and no drilling is needed. However, there is additional optional hardware which does require tools to fit but which makes the gate more secure for use at the top of the stairs. This product can be used for pets and children.
When you walk through the door, it closes gently behind you thanks to the auto-close feature. There is a door stopper that can be used when the gate is at the top of the stairs because it prevents the door from swinging open over the stairs. It can be opened with one hand but has a dual locking system for maximum security.
3. Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Dog Gate
Key Features
Fits openings 29 inches to 37 inches wide
30 inches tall
Pressure mounted
Small animal door at the base
This sturdy, steel pet gate will expand to fit stairways and openings that are between 29-37 inches wide and is 30 inches tall. It takes just minutes to put up and take down using four pressure mounts which do not damage the wall. Wall cups are available if you prefer a more secure mount. When you’re not using it, the gate stows away flat.
Humans can walk through by simply sliding back the red safety lock and lifting the lever handle which can be done with one hand. There is a handy little animal door which measures 10 inches x 7 inches at the base which can let a small dog or cat through but will keep a large dog out.
4. Regalo Adjustable Dog Gate
Key Features
Eight 24-inch wide detachable panels
20 inches tall
Can be wall-mounted or used as a stand-alone play area
Safety locking feature
There are numerous ways to configure this gate to create a range of shapes and sizes. It’s a steel frame construction that has gaps of 2.5 inches between the bars and is 20 inches tall. You can set it up as a stand-alone play area or use it as a barrier to keep children and pets in one room or one section of a room or to block off the stairs. It consists of eight 24-inch wide detachable panels that can connect to hinged posts.
There is wall-mounting hardware included in the pack if you want to use it as a wall-mounted gate. There is a walk-through door with a safety locking feature and is suitable for pets and children. When you no longer need it, it is easy to take down and store.
5. Toddleroo Extra Wide Puppy Gate
Key Features
Fits openings 38.3 inches to 72 inches wide
30 inches tall
Can be used on angled walls
Extra wide swing gate
An elegant but heavy-duty metal gate finished in a matte bronze color. It will fit openings that are 38.3 inches to 72 inches and is 30 inches tall. Because it has a tri-panel design, it can be used on angled walls or used to guard certain objects in the rooms that you don’t want your dog to be able to reach. There are pivot points on the gate panels so that they can be moved individually to fit around even awkward shapes.
This product features an extra-wide swing gate opening and you have the option of swinging it fully to the side or completely detaching it when you need the space to be wide open. It’s fixed using brackets and screws so some tools will be required, however, full instructions are included. It’s easy to open using just one hand and has a stay-open feature for your convenience.
6. Evenflo Tall Pressure Mount Wood Gate
Key Features
Fits openings 31 inches to 50 inches wide
32 inches tall
Non-marking rubber bumpers
Notched locking bar for easy installation
This is a tan colored gate that can be 31 inches to 50 inches wide and is also available in a darker color. The construction is a sturdy wood frame with a vinyl-coated mesh. It is 32 inches high and useful for pets as well as children. The wide width allows you to block off doorways, hallways and the bottom of stairs.
It’s a pressure-mounted gate so it’s easy and quick to set up without tools. It comes ready assembled and has robust non-marking rubber bumpers so the paintwork on your walls will be unscathed. The locking bar of the gate is marked and notched for easy installation and for when you want to re-install it.
7. Richell Wood Freestanding Dog Gate
Key Features
Fits openings 39.8 inches up to 71.3 inches wide
Suitable for small dogs between 6.5 to 17.5 lbs
20 inches high
Made from wood and 7 gauge wire
Free standing
This is a gate designed specifically for smaller pets but a larger version is available for larger breeds. The manufacturers recommend that it is suitable for small dogs who are between 6.5 to 17.5 lbs. It’s made from an attractive wood frame with 7 gauge wire slats. This model will fit spaces that are 39.8 inches wide up to 71.3 inches wide. It is only 20.1 inches high so you will be able to step over it but your little pooch will not. The spaces between the wire slats are 1.25 inches so even little pups should not be able to squeeze through. However, there are no guarantees and it is still your responsibility to make sure that your pet is safe.
The freestanding pet gate is supported by to side panels which are at right-angles to the main gate. There is no installation and it arrives ready to use. There are rubber feet to prevent it from sliding on or damaging hard floor surfaces.
8. Summer Decorative Wood & Metal Dog Gate
Key Features
Fits openings between 36 inches and 60 inches wide
32 inches tall
Door can swing both ways
Fixed by four tension bolts
Perfect for the style-conscious pet owner, this child gate is manufactured from New Zealand pine and slate and will not look out of place in any home. It can adjust to any opening between 36 inches and 60 inches wide and is 32 inches tall. It is superbly flexible with 4, 7, and 10 inch extensions so it can be used to divide up rooms as well as blocking off doorways and the bottom of the stairs.
The gate has an extra wide hinge so the door can swing in either direction and can be opened and closed with one hand. Because it is pressure mounted using four tension bolts, it can be installed and taken down quickly. No tools are required and no damage is caused to the interior of your home.
9. Carlson Pet Products Dog Barrier
Key Features
Fits openings between 66cm and 106.68cm wide
46 cm tall
Pressure mounted with rubber bumpers
Features small pet door at base
The Carlson Small Tuffy is an expandable pet gate that will fit openings between 66cm and 106.68cm wide. At 46 cm tall, it can hold back many breeds of dog but is low enough for most humans to step over. It is made from a steel frame which is painted white and has a sturdy construction. The gate can be quickly fitted using a pressure mounted system that incorporates rubber bumpers and a lock and screw system for security.
To fit it, you simply grasp the sides and expand it to fit the opening. Then lift the locking pin and secure it the open hole before twisting the plastic knob to adjust the pressure. When not in use, it stows flat.
An additional feature is the little 22.86cm x 22.86cm door at the base which will allow smaller pets to pass through but will keep out your dog.
10. Summer Metal Dog Gate
Key Features
Fits openings between 44 inches and 72 inches wide
30 inches tall
Stylish design with an arched gate and bronze finish
Fixed using hardware
If you have an extra wide area that you need to secure from your dog, this is the gate for you. It is an expansion gate that can be used on rooms and doorways that are between 44 inches and 72 inches wide. It’s 30 inches tall and so will suit most breeds. There are four extension panels so that it can be adjusted to exactly fit your home.
The extra wide dog gates have a stylish bronze finish that will compliment all homes and is fixed using screws and hardware so some simple tools will be required to fit it. The stylish walk-through door can be opened with one hand.
11. Petmaker Wooden Dog Gate
Key Features
Opens to a maximum of 54 inches
24 inches high
Simple design with no opening door
Made out of wood
Folds away when not in use
This product is perfect if you are looking for a lightweight and very portable gate that will keep a small puppy or an adult toy breed dog in or out of a particular room. It folds up when not in use and is small enough to put in a closet. It’s made out of wood and has an attractive espresso color finish. It requires no installation at all and is free standing.
It can only be used on narrow openings and when fully open it spans a total of 54 inches. It is only 24 inches high so most humans will be able to step over it. This simple design has no opening door and consists of three hinged panels.
12. Primetime Petz Configurable Dog Gate with Door
Key Features
Spans openings up to 72 inches wide
30 inches tall
360-degree hinges for configuration
Solid walnut construction
Carefully crafted from rich walnut, this dog gate has four panels and will span an opening up to 72 inches wide although other sizes are available. It is 30 inches tall and is a stylish and attractive addition to any home. There are rubber pads to prevent it from sliding and scratching hard floor surfaces. It has three sets of 360-degree hinges and so it is highly configurable and will fold completely flat for storage.
It has a walk-through door that will swing both ways for easy access in tight spaces. The door opens and closes using a one-handed latch and a spring-loaded bolt. This product is completely free-standing, but you can purchase additional support feet and wall-mount kits if you desire.
13. Evenflo Expansion Walk Thru Room Divider Gate
Key Features
Fits openings between 24 inches and 60 inches wide
Tan colored wood telescopic construction
32 inches tall
Opens in both directions
Some dog owners prefer a retractable dog gate which telescopes out to fit the doorway. It’s made out from plastic and tan colored wood but a darker wood version is also available. It can be used for openings that are between 24 inches and 60 inches wide and stands 32 inches tall. The mounting requires hardware but there are full instructions supplied and it only takes minutes.
This product can be used to divide up open-plan rooms and to block doorways but cannot be used at the top of stairs. It can be opened and closed using a latch which can be operated using one hand. The opening is in both directions for convenience and has safety rails to make sure that your fingers do not get trapped or pinched as you slide it back.
14. Carlson Pet Products Puppy Gate
Key Features
Fits openings between 77.47cm and 95.25cm wide
Attractive steel and cherry wood design
Pressure mounted with hardware option
Small pet door at the base
This gate combines style with functionality and is made from black steel with a cherry wood insert. It has an optional extension section and so it is able to span widths ranging from 77.47cm to 95.25cm. Further extension kits can be purchased separately if you have a very wide area to span. It stands 71 cm tall and is able to keep most breeds of dogs enclosed.
This pet gate with door can be set up in seconds using the four pressure mounts which are fully adjustable to give a snug fit but hardware mounts are also included if you want extra security. For humans, there is an auto-closing walk through door that is operated by pushing down on a lock and lifting a pin but there is also a 25.4cm x 17.78cm little door for small pets to pass through.
15. Internet’s Best Dog Gate with Arched Top
Key Features
Spans openings of up to 80 inches
24 inches high
No door opening – z-shape configuration
Made from solid wood
A gate designed just for pets – it consists of four panels secured together with strong hinges in a Z-shaped configuration. It is a free-standing structure that can be used to section off rooms, doorways and entryways. It is not safe to use this product at the top of the stairs. It can span up to an 80 inch width.
The gate is made from solid wood in an espresso color and will fold down to just three inches deep for easy storage when it is not needed. It has no door opening; adult humans will be able to step over it as it is only 24 inches high.
Best Dog Gates Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for in a Dog Gate
Here’s what to look out for when buying a dog gate:
- Will it fit the space? The gate must fit the space that you want it to span and must be high enough to stop your dog leaping over it. Big dogs need an extra tall pet gate. Many gates are flexible and can span a range of widths.
- Is it secure? Only gates designed for stairs can be used in that part of your house. Some owners feel that gates secured with brackets are more secure.
- How will you get through it? For small dogs, you could have a gate that you step over. Otherwise, a single hand operated pet gate with a door that shuts behind you is the best option.
- Wood may look great in your home but is vulnerable to being chewed by some dogs!
Related Posts: Dog Crate Covers and Dog Crate Furniture
Why You Should Use Dog Gates
A dog barrier is a very useful product for keeping your dog safe around the home. You may be surprised to hear that thousands of dogs are injured on stairs every year. Also, they can keep blind dogs away from hazards.
Sometimes it is useful to temporarily enclose your dog in one space of your house. This could be because you have guests who do not appreciate doggy attention, because you are decorating or because you have workmen in.
If you want to protect the carpet, beds or other soft furniture in one part of your house, it makes sense to keep your dogs out of that area, especially when they have just come back from a muddy walk!
Finally, dog gates can be invaluable when it comes to house training your new pup. It teaches them where they can and cannot go.
Remember that a dog gate is all about teaching your dog boundaries and is not about punishment or isolation.
Types of Puppy Gates
Puppy gates generally fall into a number of categories, here are the main ones.
- Freestanding
These are the easiest to install and fold away quickly when not in use.
- Pressure mounted
Gates are fixed usually through four pressure brackets. You have to squeeze them in before you fit the gate and they spring out and apply pressure to the wall.
- Wall mounted
You may see this written as ‘hardware mounted’. They are fixed to the wall using cups or brackets. Often a drill or screwdriver will be required and there will be a mark/hole left on the wall. However, they are the safest and are sturdy.
- Step over
Some gates are very low and humans can step over them. They are fine for small dogs and pups but larger dogs will just step over them too!
- Gates with doors
Many gates have doors that you open to step through and then shut again behind you.
You may also like our articles on Dog Playpens and Dog Crate Pads.
How to Install a Pet Gate
Some pet gates are freestanding and require no installation. You simply open them up to span the space that you want to close off.
Pressure mounted gates use pressure brackets to squeeze against the wall. There are usually four of them and there may be rubber protectors to stop the wall from getting marked. You extend the gate to the desired width and push in the pressure brackets. Then let them go so they press against the wall. It can be done in seconds.
Hardware mounted gates usually come with cups. These are secured to the wall with screws so you may need to drill a pilot hole and then screw the cups in place. The gate fits into the cups using a screw fitting or a pressure bracket to achieve a snug fit. Full instructions are included with the gates so read them carefully.
Our Top Pick
A gate that will fit an opening 29-39 inches wide and that is 30 inches high. It’s for children and pets and is pressure mounted but can be used with wall-mounted cups.
It will cause no damage to the walls and needs no tools to set it up. If you want to store it away it takes up little room. It will withstand most dogs as it is made from durable steel. Humans pass through the door which has a safety lock and is operated with one hand.
Check out our guide on Dog Crates for more info.
FAQ
Q: How tall should my pet gate be?
This depends on how big your dog is and on how high they can jump. Some dog gates extend up to 32 inches high and this should be tall enough to keep most breeds in. A large and truly determined dog that is good at leaping, however, may be able to get over them.
Smaller dogs will be successfully contained using a shorter gate that you can step over.
Q: Are baby gates and dog gates interchangeable?
Some manufacturers advertise their products as being suitable for children and pets and these gates will be interchangeable. Other gates are designed just for children. They will be manufactured to very high safety standards which is a plus. However, one word of caution is that they may not stand up to a highly-destructive dog.
Q: Can I install the gate at the bottom or top of my stairs?
The safety of your pet and of the humans in the house should be your number one concern. Read the specification of the gate carefully. If it does not mention that it is dog gate for stairs, then it will not be. Some are suitable for the bottom of the stairs but not for the top. Puppy gates fitted to the top of the stairs can present a hazard if they are not carefully designed and operated. If your dog has a habit of leaping over gates, it would be very dangerous to fit one at the top of the stairs.
Q: Can I use my gate outside?
When looking for outdoor dog gates indoor versions may not be able to withstand the rigors of the weather. Outdoor gates are made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials. That does not mean that they don’t look nice. Outdoor dog gates made out of wood can look highly attractive in a yard or garden. They can be used to create a discrete play area for your pet if you do not want them to be able to run free in the whole of the garden.