Pet gates are designed to restrict your dog to specific rooms or areas in the house such as the kitchen, family room or any other designated room as may be necessary from time to time. It is normal, while puppy training, for a puppy to have an accident or two.That does not mean that your brand new carpet needs to be soiled. Pet gates can be used to restrict your puppy to non-carpeted areas thus making clean-up easier. Unattended puppies can get themselves into trouble too. A brief distraction is just enough time for a puppy to sneak into your bedroom and chew up a favorite pair of shoes. A properly placed pet gate will not only keep your dog safe and secure but will also keep him out of trouble.

Freestanding pet gates are simple to set up, their design allows for easy placement anywhere in your home and their portability allows you to move them anytime you need to.  Many are equipped with a side panel design to prevent tipping over and rubber feet to protect floors and prevent sliding. These gates are not a one size fits all gate. There are some designed for small or medium dogs but not recommended for large dogs or jumpers. Others are extra-tall to fit the needs of large breeds and high jumpers.  Freestanding pet gates are not recommended for stairway use or child safety use. Stairway gates, as their name states, are designed for top or bottom of stairway use. Some open one-way while others swing in, out or both ways with swing control hinges.

Pressure-mounted gates are easy to set up and when set up properly are sturdier gates than freestanding pet gates. The turn knob adjustment feature allows you to move this gate from one location to another within minutes. Generally, these gates are equipped with a door allowing you to move freely from one room to the next while keeping your pet safely confined to his special area.

Wall-mounted gates require a little bit of effort as these gates are screwed into the wall or door frame.  They are the sturdiest and most permanent type of gate. These gates have many of the same features as pressure-mounted gates with the exception of the way they are mounted. When using a stairway gate, especially for the top of stairs, a wall-mounted design is recommended.

Pet gates come in varying heights from standard to extra-tall and will fit openings within a specific range.  For wider openings, there are expandable gates or extension panels are often times available for standard gates. The manufacturers will indicate the gates dimensions on its packaging or if buying online, the dimensions should be included in the product description.

Before purchasing a gate, make sure to read the manufacturer's recommendation to determine if the gate is appropriate for your dog's size and personality. Also, check the width to make sure it will fit the area you intend to place it.