Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Finding The Right Pet Gate For Your Dog

By Matthew Penrod

If you are like many people, you can't always keep an eye on your dog. Because of this, he might have chewed up your sofa, done his business on your carpet, or even nipped at one of your children. A pet gate can help prevent these things from happening.

There are limitless uses for pet barriers. Protect your young child from an eating dog. Keep your puppy confined in an easy to clean area without shutting him in a crate during housebreaking. Restrict your dog to a certain portion of the house while you entertain people instead of closing him in a room alone, which can cause separation anxiety issues.

Hardware-mounted gates are the first type of pet barrier on the market. These are installed by using screws to attach the unit to a wall or door. They are very durable and reliable. They are great for stronger dogs, as they cannot be overturned. These units are made either from stainless steel or wood and wire. Many gates of this type are made to swing open and shut as you need to pass.

Pressure-mounted gates do not require any tools to install. They simply rely on pressure against the wall or frame of a door. As these can be unstable and tip over, they should not be used at the tops of stairs. They are usually made of wood and wire, and are very useful because they are portable and simply rely on compression.

You can purchase pet gates for your stairways within the home or even your deck outside. Again, since a pressure-based gate is not sturdy, you should only use a hardware-focused barrier around stairs. If you see a horizontal metal bar at the bottom of a unit, do not use it for stairways because this is a major tripping hazard. You should always check to make sure there is a latch to prevent the door from swinging over the stairs.

If you need a pet barrier for your car as well, they make those, too. They can be fairly helpful in keeping your dog confined to one area of the car. That way, they cannot distract you by running jumping around the car or getting near your feet. It also cuts down on fur in your seats! They are adjustable and require no tools to set up. They are, however, safe and secure for your dog.

Be aware of a few things before you purchase your pet gate. Stronger and taller breeds will require a hardware-focused fence to be safe and effective. If you have a dog that likes to chew on everything, be sure to find a stainless steel model. Swinging units can be found for those who find stepping over a gate annoying or physically difficult.

In closing, a pet gate has many uses and come in many styles. Protect your home, children, cars, and dogs from damage. If you have decided you want a barrier in your house, they can be purchased at pet stores and online for varying prices.

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