Home sweet home isn't always the case when it comes to leaving your dog in the house unattended. A mischievous canine can not only turn a neat home into a bit of a mess, but can also hurt themselves by getting into things that they shouldn't. If in doubt, a gate is the perfect solution to keep your small dog out of harm's way without having to utilize a cage or crate.
Gates are available to suit many tastes. For instance, you can choose from metal or wood styles depending on which is a better match to your décor. Additionally, you can select a freestanding gate or one that pressure-mounts to your wall using very tight tension rods. The benefit of a freestanding gate is its versatility; you can move it into any room in the house, while pressure-mounting keeps the gate in place in one room, yet avoids hammers and nails.
Is your dog a jumper? If so, then the height of the gate is extremely relevant. Be sure to know approximately how high your best friend might jump if given the opportunity before gate shopping. The width of the slats is another factor to pay attention to. Your small dog should not be able to stick their head through the openings. Even if it takes quite a squeeze for your dog to get their little head through, they still might manage to do it out of boredom when you're not around, so slats must be narrow enough to avoid a possibly dangerous situation.
For convenience, if you plan on wanting to be able to step over the gate, make sure it's low enough to be able to do so. An alternative is a gate with a swing-open door section for humans.
Although a gate may be viewed as a piece of furniture in the home, keep in mind that its primary purpose is taking care of your small dog. Knowing that your furry friend is in a safe place in the home will put your mind at ease when you're not there. So both you and your little one will feel safe, secure and comfortable.
-S. Athanasiou