Freestanding Pet Gates Protect Your Pet and Your Home!
Keep Your Dogs Safe at Home
It's best to set up and use a pet gate for the first time while you are at home so you can observe the reactions of your dog and make adjustments, if needed. After that, you can set it up, leave for work or errands or be busy in another area of your home and know your furry family members will be safe and stay out of rooms you don't want them to be in.
You may already be familiar with the concept of a pet gate because you may have used a similar product for toddlers— to block off dangerous stairways, for example. A freestanding pet gate is even easier to use than a baby gate because it requires little installation effort and minimal amount of assembling. There are two common types of freestanding pet gate: a T-bar gate and a Zigzag gate, which can be narrow or wide. Both configurations of pet gates come in various colors and materials to match any type of home decor:
- The T-bar pet gate is supported by two t-bars on either ends of the pet gate for stability. The feet of the t-bars are parallel to the freestanding pet gate and can vary in height from 15 to 18 inches depending on the length of the gate. The length of the t-bar’s feet can increase with the length of the pet gate.
- The Zigzag pet gate gains a little more stability due to the ‘W’ shape pattern on its multiple structure panels, usually ranging from 2 to 5. The panels are arranged in a "zigzag" type pattern to provide stronger stability.
In addition to regular sized gates, you can also easily find specialty pet gates online. If your dog is a real jumper, a tall gate will solve the problem. You can also choose hardware mounted pet gates for a more permanent structure, and pressure mounted pet gates for a little more stability. You can even find special sizes that block off fireplaces and other pet hazards. If you want to block off an entryway that is 5 or 6 feet wide, you’ll need a wide pet gate. Freestanding wide pet gates are specifically designed and reinforced to block off wider areas and have extra strength evenly distributed throughout the structure.
Some of the most important reasons to consider a pet gate are:
- Protect your dog from potentially harmful areas. Even when supervised, it's not a good idea to allow dogs in areas of your home where dangerous chemicals, lots of breakable glassware, craft items, or easily chewable objects are kept.
- Keep your dog from jumping on furniture. A freestanding pet gate is tall enough to stop them from leaping over and are made to withstand pressure if the dog pushes against it.
- Protect toddlers. A tiny child can be knocked over by a pet who is just being friendly. And sometimes, even an innocent tug on the pet's fur can cause the pet to turn and snip at the baby.
- Training. The gate is a physical barrier that Fido realizes limits his territorial boundaries and, therefore, acts as an effective method for "training" your dog. After a time, your dog will realize he cannot go beyond the gate and will stop even wanting to.
No matter which type of freestanding pet gate you choose, as a dog owner, you'll really appreciate this simple solution to blocking off a particular room or section in your home. And since they are available in various colors, finishes, and materials—wood, metal, wire mesh and more— you’ll find the perfect complement to any décor. Click here to learn more about pet gates to keep your dogs safe at home.
