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Dog gates are a great way to create boundaries with your dog within the home. They can be used to create designated play areas or ensure that a new puppy doesn’t get into trouble inthe midst of training. Gates arealso a nice way to createdog-free zones without keeping your dog ina crate all day.
These gates come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, so we’ve narrowed down our favorites after sifting through thousands of reviews to take the stress out of purchasing one. Here’s what we recommend.
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Best Overall Dog Gate
Amazon
What Dogs Love:
- PERFECT FOR SMALL DOGS
- KEEPS THEM SAFE
- CAN SEE THROUGH HOLES
What Humans Love:
- EASY TO INSTALL
- DECORATIVE
- PORTABLE
Reviewers Say:
Installing a dog gate can be a major headache, especially if the place you want to put it is a bit wonky. The Carlson Wood Freestanding Pet Gate takes care of that by — as the name suggests — being freestanding and requiring no installation. Just take it out of the box, adjust it to the width you need to block off the space, and you're all set. At 20 inc...
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Installing a dog gate can be a major headache, especially if the place you want to put it is a bit wonky. The Carlson Wood Freestanding Pet Gate takes care of that by — as the name suggests — being freestanding and requiring no installation. Just take it out of the box, adjust it to the width you need to block off the space, and you're all set. At 20 inches tall, larger dogs might be able to get over this gate, but pups under 17.5 pounds will be completely secure.
It has more than 1,200 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating because reviewers love how easy it is to install and that you can move it from place to place with ease. The wooden material isn't an eyesore, either.
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What Dogs Love:
At 20 inches tall, larger dogs might be able to get over this gate, but pups under 17.5 pounds will be completely secure.
What Humans Love:
Reviewers love how easy it is to install and that you can move it from place to place with ease. The wooden material isn't an eyesore, either.
Reviewers Say:
Installing a dog gate can be a major headache, especially if the place you want to put it is a bit wonky. The Carlson Wo...
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Installing a dog gate can be a major headache, especially if the place you want to put it is a bit wonky. The Carlson Wood Freestanding Pet Gate takes care of that by — as the name suggests — being freestanding and requiring no installation. Just take it out of the box, adjust it to the width you need to block off the space, and you're all set. At 20 inches tall, larger dogs might be able to get over this gate, but pups under 17.5 pounds will be completely secure.
It has more than 1,200 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating because reviewers love how easy it is to install and that you can move it from place to place with ease. The wooden material isn't an eyesore, either.
Best Budget Dog Gate
Chewy
What Dogs Love:
- keeps them secure
- sturdy
- won't collapse on them
What Humans Love:
- low-cost
- tall height
- easy to install
Reviewers Say:
If you're on the hunt for an affordable dog gate that also works with larger dogs, the Frisco Extra Wide Auto-Close Pet Gate is our favorite budget pick. The gate is 30 inches tall, making it quite the challenge to hop over. Additionally, the pressure mount system makes installation and removal less of a headache, as well as harder to knock down.
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If you're on the hunt for an affordable dog gate that also works with larger dogs, the Frisco Extra Wide Auto-Close Pet Gate is our favorite budget pick. The gate is 30 inches tall, making it quite the challenge to hop over. Additionally, the pressure mount system makes installation and removal less of a headache, as well as harder to knock down.
Compared to other dog gates of similar quality, this one offers some of the best bang for your buck at less than $50. Dog owners also note that it's lightweight and not clunky.
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What Dogs Love:
The gate is 30 inches tall, making it quite the challenge to hop over, and the pressure mount system makes harder to knock down for a foolproof blockage.
What Humans Love:
Compared to other dog gates of similar quality, this one offers some of the best bang for your buck at less than $50. Dog owners also note that it's lightweight and not clunky.
Reviewers Say:
If you're on the hunt for an affordable dog gate that also works with larger dogs, the Frisco Extra Wide Auto-Close Pet ...
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If you're on the hunt for an affordable dog gate that also works with larger dogs, the Frisco Extra Wide Auto-Close Pet Gate is our favorite budget pick. The gate is 30 inches tall, making it quite the challenge to hop over. Additionally, the pressure mount system makes installation and removal less of a headache, as well as harder to knock down.
Compared to other dog gates of similar quality, this one offers some of the best bang for your buck at less than $50. Dog owners also note that it's lightweight and not clunky.
Most Durable Dog Gate
Amazon
What Dogs Love:
- can be used as a playpen
- tall enough for big dogs
- can see through
What Humans Love:
- excellent quality
- stylish
- walkthrough door
Reviewers Say:
As the name suggests, the Primetime Petz 360˚ Configurable Pet Gate is a great pick if you're looking for a more customizable option. It has four panels that swing in either direction, allowing you to configure it in a number of ways. You can shape it to be a playpen, and the rubber pads on the bottom keep it from sliding and scratching up floors.
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As the name suggests, the Primetime Petz 360˚ Configurable Pet Gate is a great pick if you're looking for a more customizable option. It has four panels that swing in either direction, allowing you to configure it in a number of ways. You can shape it to be a playpen, and the rubber pads on the bottom keep it from sliding and scratching up floors.
Reviewers love that this gate comes pre-assembled and note that it's beautifully made. The rich walnut finish is a hit among those who purchased it with many saying that it's well worth the price.
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What Dogs Love:
The rubber pads on this gate keep it from sliding, and pups love that they can still see through the holes to get in on the action.
What Humans Love:
With four panels that swing in either direction, allowing you to configure it in a number of ways like a gate or a playpen.
Reviewers Say:
As the name suggests, the Primetime Petz 360˚ Configurable Pet Gate is a great pick if you're looking for a more custom...
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As the name suggests, the Primetime Petz 360˚ Configurable Pet Gate is a great pick if you're looking for a more customizable option. It has four panels that swing in either direction, allowing you to configure it in a number of ways. You can shape it to be a playpen, and the rubber pads on the bottom keep it from sliding and scratching up floors.
Reviewers love that this gate comes pre-assembled and note that it's beautifully made. The rich walnut finish is a hit among those who purchased it with many saying that it's well worth the price.
Our Other Favorites
Chewy
What Dogs Love:
- can use the door
- ideal for medium and large dogs
- can look through gate
What Humans Love:
- can mount for stability
- great price
- walkthrough door
Reviewers Say:
If you're looking for an affordable, traditional dog gate, the Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate is just for you. The sturdy, all-steel gate is 30 inches tall and expands to fit between 29 inches and 34 inches, so it's great for medium to large dogs. The walkthrough door allows you to let your dog in and out of the area without having to move the gate. You ...
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If you're looking for an affordable, traditional dog gate, the Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate is just for you. The sturdy, all-steel gate is 30 inches tall and expands to fit between 29 inches and 34 inches, so it's great for medium to large dogs. The walkthrough door allows you to let your dog in and out of the area without having to move the gate. You can also mount the gate for more stability.
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What Humans Love:
- can mount for stability
- great price
- walkthrough door
What Dogs Love:
- can use the door
- ideal for medium and large dogs
- can look through gate
Reviewers Say:
If you're looking for an affordable, traditional dog gate, the Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate is just for you. The s...
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If you're looking for an affordable, traditional dog gate, the Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate is just for you. The sturdy, all-steel gate is 30 inches tall and expands to fit between 29 inches and 34 inches, so it's great for medium to large dogs. The walkthrough door allows you to let your dog in and out of the area without having to move the gate. You can also mount the gate for more stability.
Amazon
What Dogs Love:
- can look through
- works will large dogs
- can't slip under
What Humans Love:
- discreet
- retractable
- sturdy
Reviewers Say:
For a dog gate that's easy to hide out of sight, this retractable one from Perma Child is great. While designed for children, reviewers say this gate works exceptionally well for keeping dogs in place. The two ends of the gate are mounted on either side of the wall for security, but the gate itself can be retracted to walk through or discreetly hide it away....
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For a dog gate that's easy to hide out of sight, this retractable one from Perma Child is great. While designed for children, reviewers say this gate works exceptionally well for keeping dogs in place. The two ends of the gate are mounted on either side of the wall for security, but the gate itself can be retracted to walk through or discreetly hide it away. Plus, although it's made of a mesh material, pups can still see through it to keep an eye on things.
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What Humans Love:
- discreet
- retractable
- sturdy
What Dogs Love:
- can look through
- works will large dogs
- can't slip under
Reviewers Say:
For a dog gate that's easy to hide out of sight, this retractable one from Perma Child is great. While designed for chil...
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For a dog gate that's easy to hide out of sight, this retractable one from Perma Child is great. While designed for children, reviewers say this gate works exceptionally well for keeping dogs in place. The two ends of the gate are mounted on either side of the wall for security, but the gate itself can be retracted to walk through or discreetly hide it away. Plus, although it's made of a mesh material, pups can still see through it to keep an eye on things.
Amazon
What Dogs Love:
- makes a large pet pen
- can look through
- works outdoors
What Humans Love:
- sturdy
- attractive design
- excellent quality
Reviewers Say:
The Richell Convertible Elite 6-Panel Dog & Cat Gate is the Cadillac of freestanding dog gates. The six-panel design is ideal for pet owners looking to block off a larger space or to create a larger pet pen area for their pooch. It can also be used as a room divider when you're not looking to secure or block out your pet.
Fans of this gate lov...
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The Richell Convertible Elite 6-Panel Dog & Cat Gate is the Cadillac of freestanding dog gates. The six-panel design is ideal for pet owners looking to block off a larger space or to create a larger pet pen area for their pooch. It can also be used as a room divider when you're not looking to secure or block out your pet.
Fans of this gate love that it's sturdy and easy to install. They also love the look of of it, saying that it will spruce up any space.
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What Humans Love:
- sturdy
- attractive design
- excellent quality
What Dogs Love:
- makes a large pet pen
- can look through
- works outdoors
Reviewers Say:
The Richell Convertible Elite 6-Panel Dog & Cat Gate is the Cadillac of freestanding dog gates. The six-panel design is ...
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The Richell Convertible Elite 6-Panel Dog & Cat Gate is the Cadillac of freestanding dog gates. The six-panel design is ideal for pet owners looking to block off a larger space or to create a larger pet pen area for their pooch. It can also be used as a room divider when you're not looking to secure or block out your pet.
Fans of this gate love that it's sturdy and easy to install. They also love the look of of it, saying that it will spruce up any space.
Chewy
What Dogs Love:
- walkthrough door
- created nice-sized pen
- sturdy
What Humans Love:
- great price
- versatile
- very wide
Reviewers Say:
The Regalo 4-in-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate is another great option if you're looking for a larger gate that can act as a pet pen, as well. It's 192 inches wide, which is long enough for an octagonal pen, and features a walkthrough door. This means your dog will have enough room to play while also being sectioned off from areas of your home. Reviewers also...
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The Regalo 4-in-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate is another great option if you're looking for a larger gate that can act as a pet pen, as well. It's 192 inches wide, which is long enough for an octagonal pen, and features a walkthrough door. This means your dog will have enough room to play while also being sectioned off from areas of your home. Reviewers also love how much you get for the price, as comparable ones are typically twice as much.
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What Humans Love:
- great price
- versatile
- very wide
What Dogs Love:
- walkthrough door
- created nice-sized pen
- sturdy
Reviewers Say:
The Regalo 4-in-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate is another great option if you're looking for a larger gate that can act a...
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The Regalo 4-in-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate is another great option if you're looking for a larger gate that can act as a pet pen, as well. It's 192 inches wide, which is long enough for an octagonal pen, and features a walkthrough door. This means your dog will have enough room to play while also being sectioned off from areas of your home. Reviewers also love how much you get for the price, as comparable ones are typically twice as much.
What is a Dog Gate?
A dog gate allows you to block off certain areas of your home or confine your dog to one space. It lets owners set boundaries with their dog and can help keep them out of trouble when they're gone, which can be helpful with training. Dog gates are typically made out of wood or steel and are either be freestanding or mounted to a door frame.
For larger dogs, you'll need to make sure that the gate is both tall enough for them to not jump over and sturdy enough for them to not knock it over. Some gates also offer walkthrough doors, which can be helpful to not step over the gate every time you need to leave the room.
A dog gate creates a boundary that keeps your dog either inside or outside another area of the house or grounds. It’s a useful piece of equipment, whether you have a brand new puppy or dogs that usually have the run of the house. A gate gives a puppy a safe, dog-proofed area to play while keeping him out of trouble. Even adult dogs may need a place to retreat to or a barrier to keep them from being underfoot if the house is full of guests or workmen. If you’re out of the house all day, gating off a particular room for him gives him more freedom than a crate does. And you may have to separate multiple pets that aren’t getting along or even a toddler and an overly energetic pup. A sturdy dog gate creates a safe haven for your dog and a dog-free zone when needed.
Dog gates come in various styles, including pressure-mounted, freestanding gates; those with access doors; extra tall gates; permanently installed gates; and more. Your choice depends on where you plan to use it, how handy you are with tools, whether you need a portable gate, and your dog’s size and energy level. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a gate:
- How big is your dog? The gate needs to be tall enough so that he or she can’t easily jump it. A Great Dane will obviously need a taller gate than a Yorkshire Terrier.
- Is your dog a champion chewer? If so, you’ll want to avoid gates made of wood, plastic, or some combination of the two. Stick to a metal gate.
- Portability. Do you want to take the gate with you when you travel? A freestanding gate is your best bet.
- Is it easy to open and close? Look for something uncomplicated if you latch and unlatch the gate often, if your kids also open and close it, or you just want one-handed operation.
- Do you have a canine Houdini? Look for the most vertical gate you can find, and consider a permanent installation. If you’re handy, try installing the hardware at a slight inward angle, which makes it harder for dogs to climb.
- Do looks count? You might be able to find a dog gate that’s not only functional but is also artfully designed.
Should I get a dog gate?
You should get a dog gate if you would keep your dog confined to certain areas in your home (or outdoors) with your pup. Dog gates can be great if you have a rambunctious pooch or if you'd like to leave your dog home alone without crating them.
How is a dog gate different from a baby gate?
Dog gates and baby gates are similar, but pet owners should find a gate with dogs in mind. These gates are oftentimes stronger, taller, and more durable, which is needed to keep a dog in place.
How tall should a dog gate be?
A dog gate is typically around 20 inches tall for small to medial dogs. For larger dogs who could potentially hop over that height, you're going to want something a few inches taller.
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