When training a puppy or setting limits for an older dog, dog gates can be invaluable. Designed specifically to keep a dog in a confined area a gate can restrict movement into or out of a room or section of your home. For puppies, gates can help you keep them in an area covered with training pads, potentially reducing the odds of an accident in an unsupervised area. With older dogs, you can keep them out of areas you wish to keep fur free.

Gates are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. A basic, pressure mounted gate is a perfect first solution when trying to restrain a puppy. Easy to mount and remove, pressure gates are normally made from two rods and netting. The netting allows your pet to watch you while still keeping them in another area of the house. You do need to be watchful so as to ensure that your pet won’t get their nails tangled in the mesh. Available in a number of standard widths, pressure gates are only good for spanning a limited length, beyond that length, the tension created isn’t sufficient. Larger areas require either standing gates or hardware mounted gates.

Whatever type of gate you choose you need to consider the height of your dog. A short fence is pointless for a Great Dane, but if you have a small dog that may work well for you, allowing you to step over the gate with ease, but still confining your pup. Many gates come with built in doors that swing both ways. This means that you don’t have to connect or disconnect the gate each time you want to enter or leave a room. Not only does constant movement of the gate take a toll on your walls, it becomes tiresome quickly, reducing your level of consistency.

Once you determine the length or height of gate you need, you are left to decide style. If the gate is going to be a permanent fixture in your home you might want to spend a bit more and find something, perhaps even custom made, which matches your flooring or decor. Gates are available in fine woods, wrought iron, metal grids and plastic; it just depends what look you wish to achieve.

Free standing gates, which are particularly useful with large dogs, are also made in the shape of a U. They have skid resistant foot pads and can travel from place to place if they are expandable. This also has the benefit of eliminating the damage done to your walls with either a pressure mounted or hardware mounted system.

Having your dog follow you around all the time gets annoying. Everyone needs some time alone, and dog owners don’t need to give that up. Any dog can become accustomed to being separated from their owner, especially since gates allow your dog to see you, even if they can’t get to you. Having a private space of your own, for example in your bedroom, or being able to cook without your pet getting under foot is one of the key advantages to dog gates.