(By Joe Cinova)
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If you’re asking this simple question, you probably already have a reason you’re searching for a pet gate. The list of possibilities is endless I’m sure. They got into something they shouldn’t have, they chewed up a particular piece of furniture, when someone comes to the door they jump on them or you just don’t want them in a certain area of the house.
 You might think this is an easy task and for some of us it probably is. But for a lot of people it’s not so straightforward without a little forethought before running out and buying a pet gate. Let’s take a look at some of the items to consider before making that purchase.
 Let me tell you a little story. I have two Miniature Pinschers or Min Pins for short. The “girls†were only about 10 months old at the time. It was Christmas Eve 2006. My wife and I went to church that evening and “locked†the girls up before we left.
 Since Min Pins are so active and they were barely a couple of pounds in weight, we used a 4 sided metal pet gate to contain them in the kitchen. It was quite large compared to the girls with plenty of room for their potty paper and water bowl.
 We got home about an hour and a half later. We went into the kitchen and the “girls†were GONE! Yep they were gone. I looked at my wife and we both ran looking thru the house. We had 2 floors so I ran upstairs. As I was half way up the stairs I looked up and saw the girls with their tiny little heads sticking thru the railing.
 I was shocked and scared they might fall since they had never gone upstairs before since they were too small to climb up. I called my wife and we brought them back to their makeshift pen and put them back inside. We thought that maybe we both forgot to lock them up.
I started to make something to eat and then it happened. I watched in amazement as these tiny, little, several pound pups went to the corner of the pen where it was at a right angle, and proceeded to climb up like spidermen, get to the top and jump out. The pen was 3 foot high! We couldn’t stop laughing when they look at us like “what’s the big deal� It was a great moment we’ll never forget, but it taught us a big lesson.
 Sorry for getting off track but it proves that you need to be a little more educated than thinking you just buy a pet gate to contain your little friends. Let’s take a look at what we should consider.
How big is your dog? Are they aggressive? Where do you want to keep them confined? What material of construction should you use? How much should you or can you afford to spend? How should the gate be made? Meaning you should consider the gaps or slats it has, screws etc. Ease of installation. Does it have a door to open so you can get thru or do you have to climb over it. Does it have a latch? Is it easy to use? Is it easy to store when not in use?
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How does this list break down into practical information? Let’s look at each item.
 If you have a big dog, a flimsy little pet gate isn’t going to do a great job of keeping them confined. An aggressive dog will either break the gate or jump over it. Something to consider when you buy one. Where you keep them confined will determine what kind of gate you need. Are you blocking a door, a wide space or a staircase? This needs to be taken into account. Is your dog a chewer? If you buy a plastic pet gate not only will they chew thru it but they may swallow parts that can hurt them. Keep this in mind. A metal gate is the strongest but not very attractive. The alternative may be a combination of metal and finished wood. Although more costly it will probably be just what you are looking for. Spending a lot of money doesn’t guarantee a good gate for you pet. Conversely getting a less expensive gate doesn’t mean it wouldn’t do a great job. All things need to be weighed out carefully to help make the best choice. Remembering my little story, look at the pet gate closely. Can your pet climb it and get over it? Are there items or protrusions that may hurt your pet? Can they get a paw or their head stuck in a slat or corner of the gate? Be wary of these little incidentals. Depending on the pet gate you buy will dictate the method of installation. There are three types you can buy; pressure locking, free-standing and mechanically attached with screws to mount to a doorframe. Again, each has their benefits and their downside. Taking each into consideration will help make your decision the right one. Especially if you’re older, climbing over these gates can be a real pain and downright dangerous. Consider getting one with a door you can open. Sometimes latches on pet gates can cause problems. Even pressure mounted gates have a “latch†and are difficult to operate. Make sure you get the one suitable for you. Finally, what about storing them when you want them out of the way. If they are bolted up, free standing gates it may be tough to get them stored away easily. If you have the room it’s not a problem.
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Let’s recap. Be certain to get one to fit the opening, easy to install for your capability, protects your pet, won’t allow them to escape the area, is of the right quality for your needs, is durable and accomplishes what you set out to achieve in the first place. If you love your pets they way we love ours a little extra consideration makes all the difference in the world.
 Thank for reading!
copyright Cinova LLC – 2009
Joe is an on-line author and internet affiliate marketer. As an individual that’s been involved with sports for years including martial arts (2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do), lacrosse, baseball, football, coaching and being a referee health and wellness are an important part of his life.
He has also spent years raising cats, dogs and birds. As an engineer he spends a great deal of time working on his house, designing and fixing things and developing his new business platforms.
With his experience he has written articles to share the information and experiences developed over the years.