Pet gates, whether they are made of metal, plastic or wood, keep your dog out of trouble by restricting its access to certain areas or confining it to one with suitable surroundings. They are versatile and can be placed in basically any location: At doorways, before access to stairs, etc. They also can be a better alternative to closing a door. With a pet gate, your dog can still see and hear you, which may help keep it calmer and make misbehavior less likely. Many pet gates are also portable, allowing you to easily move the gate to fit your needs.

Most pet gates are adjustable or compatible with expansion panels, allowing them to fit areas with wide openings. They are also relatively easy to install. Some gates feature pressure mounts, which require you only to fit the gate tightly inside a door frame or room entrance, while others feature wall mounts, which require the addition of installed hardware. Gates also come in a variety of sizes to ensure that large or tall dogs will not be able to readily escape. When choosing a gate, be sure to select one that withstands your dog’s size and behavior. Make sure that the gate cannot be tipped over or opened when your dog leans on it, cannot be chewed on and does not have widely-spaced slats in which your dog could get stuck.

Plastic mesh pet gates are not designed to withstand dogs that may display aggressive chewing. Wire mesh pet gates, while more durable, may still be compromised if chewed on; plus, they also can hurt your dog’s mouth and teeth. For an aggressive chewer, consider installing a pet gate with strong metal slats, rather than mesh.