The most popular new dog gates in the market are the freestanding pet gates, but do they really provide an effective barrier for dogs?

To answer that question we will need to look at the two most common types of freestanding pet gates, the t-bar gate and the zig zag gate.

Let’s look at the t-bar gate first. On both ends of the gate at the floor level, these gates incorporate t-bars for stabilizing the gates. These t-bars will vary from 15 to 18 inches and will be perpendicular to the gate. The longer gates have longer pedestals.

The zig zag freestanding gate on the other hand, creates its stability via the “w” pattern placement of the multiple (two to five) panels.

Let’s get back to the main question here, “are these gates effective or will my dog just knock them over whenever she wants to?” No two pets are the same, so it is very hard to predict the outcome when it comes to large determined pets. Even though these gates have rubber cushions on the bottom,  It is more probable that a large dog would push the gate aside vs tip it over.

With the t-bar gate, if the pet pushed on the top of the gate or pulled on the top of the gate, the gate would tend to tip in that direction. Once the dog stopped the pushing or pulling motion, the gate would tip back in the opposite direction.

It has been my experience that most pets are usually frightened by the motion of the tipping gate and the sound that it would make against the floor as it rights itself. Once frightened, they are unlikely to try it again.

Any new gate will be a new experience for your dog. You should always be at home for at least the first day to witness how your pet will react to this barrier. The initial minutes after the gate is installed, will be the biggest test.

Now, with the zig zag style of freestanding gate, we see a very different reaction from most dogs. The zig zag pattern tends to confuse the animals. The more panels there are, the less likely your pet will find a vulnerable spot in the gate. When your pet pushes or pulls on one panel, the other panels provide the stability.

The large movement of freestanding gate purchases over pressure gate purchases, suggests that the general population of pet owners are finding these gates quite effective.

At our pet store over 50% of dog owners are purchasing the freestanding pet gates over the pressure mounted or fix-mounted pet gates.

There is likely a small percentage of pet owners who have very large or very assertive pets, where these gates my not be effective. When it comes down to the buying decision, pet owners know their dogs the best. Let your gut help you decide what is best for you and your pet.

In my opinion, freestanding pet gates are here to stay, and will continue to lead the the pet gate market for some time to come.

Be Sociable, Share!

•