15 Best Dog Gates to Keep Your Dog Safe

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Whether you want to keep your dog separate from a toddler, workmen, dog-shy guests or simply protect your new carpet, a dog gate is an ideal solution for creating a safe space for your pet.

If parts of your home such as a stairway, kitchen or baby room are not dog-safe, then installing a dog gate could be a great solution. And for times when you’re not at home, using a gate can create some distance between a home-alone dog and potential anxiety triggers, like the letterbox.

Athletic dogs including border collies, whippets and certain cross-breeds may be capable of jumping over a dog gate. Think carefully about this factor if you need to protect a child, or if you intend to install a gate at the top of the stairs. Extra-tall dog gates are available — but some dogs are remarkable escape artists.

The best dog gate to use depends on the household and the dog. One key question is whether to install a permanent gate or use a freestanding one instead. Permanent dog gates are great for homeowners who can fix the gate into walls, door frames or the newels of a staircase without eliciting a snarl from a landlord. Meanwhile, those renting their homes might be better off using a freestanding option.

Thanks to their solid integration into a space, permanent dog gates are most appropriate for lifelong use. Less robust freestanding models are great for puppy training or flexibly shutting off different areas of the property. The material matters, too. Most dog gates are made from wood, metal or plastic — or a combination of plastic and mesh. If your dog tends to chew or scratch, it's best to avoid wood, plastic or mesh gates and opt for a resilient metal gate instead.

If you have both children and dogs and life is particularly lively, we suggest you choose a gate that is easy to unlatch, rather than one that people will tend to step over, which could prove hazardous. Also, avoid using a baby gate in place of a dog gate. A child safety gate might not be as strong and stable as a dog gate, which means it could collapse, making it unsafe and unsuitable for your dog.

Here's our selection of the best metal, mesh and wooden dog gates available now. From freestanding to retractable options, we’ve highlighted a suitable gate to contain every canine.

This cute, paw-print-themed dog gate can be attached to door frames and walls using self-adhesive tape, making it a low-fuss solution for home-renters. Or for a more secure installation, the gate can be fixed in place with screws.

The see-through mesh fabric allows you and your dog to see one another from either side of the barrier, which may reduce separation anxiety and enhance security.

This easy-install dog gate delivers outstanding practicality, with tough, metal construction, tool-free installation and adjustable width to suit a variety of door frames and staircases.

We particularly like the one-handed lock mechanism, which ensures using the gate is no obstacle for busy owners.

This freestanding, adjustable pet gate by Archie & Oscar offers the flexibility to close off whichever areas you need to, whether that's a door frame, a staircase or a space between furniture.

It's made up of three sections, allowing for flexible positioning despite its solid wood construction. Its feet do a decent job of stopping the gate from falling over, although owners of larger dogs should look elsewhere for a gate with better stability.

Why shouldn’t your dog gate be a gorgeous interior design feature?

Crafted from wood, this handmade gate is ideal for homes with a rustic aesthetic. As well as a dog or baby gate, it could also serve as a chic garden door.

It’s worth noting that this gate does not come with fixings or handles so you'll need to source those.

There are 14 sizes available, ranging from a puppyish 60 x 66 cm to a houndly 149 x 152 cm.

With a natural wood finish and diamond-grid design, this dog gate is both stylish and practical. It folds up to a width of 20 cm when opened, allowing for easy access whenever you let your dog free to roam.

If you’re not keen on that natural wood finish, you might prefer this gate in grey or white. Whichever option you choose, be prepared to attach the gate to a supporting structure using screws.

Made from birch wood with a clear varnish finish, this gate makes a subtle addition to modern interiors. Its galvanised bars provide a winning combination of durability and visibility, while the adjustable width (65 to 108 cm) caters for installation in a variety of homes.

Not the tallest of dog gates, this model is best suited to puppies and smaller dog breeds. Rather than fixing into walls or timbers, the gate simply stands on its non-slip rubber feet.

Metal gates are typically strong, durable and more resistant to chewing than plastic or wooden alternatives. This one is even more secure than most, with a double locking mechanism that ensures your pet is safely kept.

To install this gate, simply adjust the mounts at either side to wedge it into place. If you have a cat, as well as a dog, you can use the in-built cat flap to allow feline access while the dog stays on one side of the barrier.

Owners of agile dogs will appreciate this extra-large dog gate, which stands at 91.5 cm tall. It has a double-lock system for extra security, and an auto-close feature in case you forget to shut it.

Made from sturdy steel, this gate is designed to tolerate impacts up to 45 kg. Even-heavier dogs will require an alternative gate, probably with permanent installation.

This quick-install pet barrier is simple to fit via the four pressure mounts near its corners. It features a one-hand locking and opening mechanism for easy operation, and can automatically swing shut and lock itself when left open.

At 110 cm tall, this gate is capable of containing relatively large and athletic dogs.

Perfect for keeping your dog away from guests who prefer human company, this retractable dog gate rolls up into a subtle, slimline profile when you’re not using it.

This is not the toughest of dog gates, so we’d recommend this model to owners of lighter dogs only.

This pressure-fit steel pet gate is suitable for small- to medium-sized dogs. It’s easy to install or remove without the use of tools, and can be opened or closed one-handedly in both directions.

The gate features an automatic closing feature for added security, and is also available in a taller version.

If you’re blessed with a small and well-behaved dog, then this attractive freestanding model could be the dog gate for you. It features four hinged sections, so you can configure the gate to suit your space. And as a nice bonus, it adds a splash of colour to your home.

The downside to this freestanding gate is that it’s not particularly stable, and therefore poorly matched to energetic dogs.

Extendible from 65 to 108 cm across, this freestanding dog gate gives you the versatility to control access to various different parts of the home.

The gate is made from white, varnished pinewood, and features a grill of galvanised bars that ensures you and your pet won’t feel too far apart.

This elaborate patterned dog gate wouldn't look out of place at a villa in the south of Spain.

Despite the flamboyant design, it's a highly practical choice, with easy installation via pressure mounting, automatic closure and a child-safe double-locking mechanism.

The ‘Guard Me’ dog gate puts your dog’s safety first, with a design made up of folding panels that prevents pets from getting stuck. The door is auto-retractable, meaning it folds itself away neatly when opened.

Thanks to its adjustable width, which goes as low as 55 cm, this is a great dog gate for closing off tight spaces.

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