Pet gates are useful if you want to restrict your dog’s access to some areas of your home, or if you want to prevent your toddler to crawl down the stairway when you’re not watching. A pet gate would also allow you, for instance, to leave a baby unattended for a few moments without fearing that the dog might go and give her a hug or a kiss.

Depending on your dog’s size and on your house configuration, you may need an extra wide pet gate or an extra tall one, for maximum security. There are several types of pet gates:

• Pressure Mounted Gates: as their name shows, these pet gates are kept in place by pressure only, no hardware being necessary to have them installed.
• Hardware Mounted Gates: these gates need to be fixed in the walls or on the floor with the help of additional hardware which is usually included in the mounting kit when you buy the gate.
• Free Standing Gates: foldable and adjustable, these gates have some side extensions that allow them to stand without any additional support. The legs prevent them from tipping.
• Stairway Gates: these are hardware mounted gates which are specifically designed to be placed at the top of a stairway, in order to prevent babies and dogs to go down the stairs. Their design allows easy opening, with only one hand.
• Fireplace Pet Gates: these gates go around the fireplace and they are made of steel coated with heat resistant paint.
• Enclosures: some enclosures are in fact convertible dog gates, so you can use them in either way you need at a given time. They are a good method to temporarily restrict your dog’s free access inside your home, without having to chain or leash him or to get him out of the house.

Most pet gates are made of non-toxic materials, because they are most probably going to get in contact with children, and as you know, at that age children want to taste everything. Please find below a few choices of pet gates from several manufacturers:

Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate, Large, Autumn Matte Finish

This gate features side panels which allow safely confining pets. It is adjustable, the minimum opening being 39.8 inches and the maximum one 71.3 inches. The gate is 20 inch high, which is low enough as to allow humans to stride over. The hardwood finish looks very elegant and the rubber feet help protecting the floors. When not in use, the gate can be folded for easier storage. Since it’s not a very tall gate, it’s best only for smaller dog breeds. Don’t even think to confine a Collie, because he won’t have a problem in jumping over it. Although the gate is easy to assemble, smarter dogs may figure out quickly how to move it.

Carlson Extra-Wide Pet Gate

Much cheaper than the previous one, this pressure mount pet gate is made of steel. It is also good for small pets only. Easy to mount, the gate closes firmly enough so not even a smart dog could figure out how to open it. If needed, Carlson provides a 6-inch extension for this gate to make it even wider, but you’ll have to purchase it separately.

Regalo Maxi Super Wide Walk Thru Gate

Expandable up to 59 inches, this is one of the cheapest pressure mount pet gates available in this size. It is made of steel and it features a lever style handle for one touch release. It’s good for small dogs and for babies. Its walk through design makes the gate suitable for both doorways and staircases.